PC Mall Event: Secure Mobility Summit 2012

Howdy folks!  I'm fresh off of the end of the quarter, and after recovering from the 4th of July holiday (nothing like being around mortar rounds being fired off) I wanted to get this over to all of you.

PC Mall is holding their Secure Mobility Summit on August 24 at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles hotel.  This free event is loaded with seminars all day that will allow manufacturers to give you the information about Secure Mobility that you're going to need in the coming months.  As I've said many times before, the Consumerization of IT has hit us and it's time to get involved now before you start taking punches to the face that you aren't ready for.  We'll have Seminars being held by Cisco, Microsoft, Trend Micro, Apple, Symantec and VMWare for free.  All you have to do is register, and you can attend.

Now kicker #1.  We're also offering a special paid hands-on workshop on Apple - iOS deployment, being run by none other than Dr. Robert Kite, Director of Apple, Mobility & Consulting Services for PC Mall Services.  (some information:  Prior to joining PC Mall, Dr. Kite was a consulting engineer for Apple and he is the Author of the Xsan 2 Administration and the Mac OSX Security and Mobility V10.6 certification books.)  This training will be $99 until July 20, and after that it will be $229.  It will cover all aspects of deploying iOS into your environment from planning to installation & management.

Did I mention all attendees will receive a free Apple TV? :)

Interested in going?  Just click here, or you can contact your rep here at PC Mall to sign you up.

Now, as many of you know I'm going to be on vacation for some time over the next few weeks.  No worries...there will be posts going up from myself and Thaddeus as often as possible, and I"ll be having some things I've already written and are ready to go, pop up as well.

Take care and talk to you soon.  (If you're my client you're gonna hear from me today or tomorrow I promise!)

 

 

Swing Away with Meraki!

Today is a Meraki focus day here at PC Mall (Dragontech), and we're going to be reaching out to each and every one of our clients today about Meraki's products.

Wireless Internet

Security Appliances

Switches

And my favorite...the Free Systems Manager software.  (Want to see what this looks like?  Hit the Contact button and ask me for read access to my network...I'm happy to share! :) )

You can't go wrong with these folks...nothing is perfect, but they're willing to fight and fight and fight to show people how good their products are...and so am I.

The Meraki Story is a great one...and if you have any questions, give me a call!  (541 - 351 - 8845)

AutoCAD, APC and all the rest...here on Dragontech Island...

My apologies, I've had the Gilligan's Island theme stuck in my head all weekend for no reason I can understand...so I'm sharing it with all of you.

I had started to write this great and grand post on Friday...putting in pieces here and there throughout the day like I usually do when I'm busy...and as I"m a few seconds from posting at 4:25pm...the power here went out.  Now from all of the rain we had on Friday morning, that was to be expected.  (For those of you not from Los Angeles, even an inch of rain here is like getting 5 feet of snow in a couple hours...it's usually a disaster.)  So as we left for the day minutes later, I was thinking about those of you who have had similar experiences with power over the years.  While this was an isolated incident and we were back up and running in minutes...I wonder about those folks who need help going over their power situation and fixing it.  Our partnership with APC and other "power partners" can work to your advantage...whether it's an assessment by one of the manufacturers, or by our own team here at PC Mall...we can help you identify what your issues are and help you fix them.

Secondly, AutoCAD and all of the versions of that software are now available from us here at PC Mall.  Our partnership with Autodesk is stronger than ever, and the 2013 version of their AutoCAD software is now available.  If you utilize Autodesk, you should give us a call...we can help you sort through upgrading and making sure that you're completely current on their software.

There you have it...happy late Friday/early Monday. :)

Absent but busy...

Howdy folks...it's been awhile...but with all of the insanity around the end of Quarter, and the release of the new iPad, life's been a bit busy to post.  But, true believers, it's not like we here at the PC Mall Dragontech team are not thinking about you.  Yes, here are some of the tech news bits that I've drummed up over the past week.  I'll be posting more over the next few days...some of which will be automated posts, but new things will always cause me to post immediately.

For those of you who travel or have folks who work for you that travel...here's something interesting I've found in the New York Times.  Apparently the FAA is now doing testing on electronic devices that can be used during flight.  They even admit that the last time they did any testing was in 2006...you know, back in the dark ages before the glorious iPad and iPhone (or any other real smart phone) existed.  Granted, I don't fly, but when I did, it was a pain to not be able to get my email, work on what I needed to work on, etc...because who can actually get any real sleep on a plane?  Anywho, look for this boom in tablets to affect every industry...even the airlines who will find a way to make $20 off of this somehow.

Speaking of Apple, they now have $97 billion in cash reserves and are trying to figure out how to spend it.  Good Gravy.  I'm praying that they give out free iPads to schools.  Heck, every school is fighting to keep up with technology...because state budgets are apparently better spent on Prisons than on educating your children...so why not reinvest in our youth again?  Not only that, but you'll nail that 'cradle to grave' strategy that every business strives for.  Heck, Apple...iPads for textbooks for children.  Let's help Americans be strong again...or at least let all the kids play Angry Birds at recess.

That's just to start...more to come later this week, folks!

Who wants a free microserver?

I think you all remember the microserver we were almost giving away a couple months back...so popular we sold out 4 hours after announcing its pricedrop.  Now you can get one for free...and now that I have your attention...here's how:

 

HP has a special deal right now they're working with us here at PC Mall.  Purchase a DL385 G7 server (yup that's an AMD server) by March 12, and you'll get it.  See the picture below...



Now those prices are pretty good...but if you need a couple of them, I'm sure we can work out a deal.  Hard drive prices are still a little harsh right now, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Give it a month or two and things will be not as annoying as they are now. :)

 

 

Service is King

Howdy folks!  I know that I've spoken with many of my clients about services that PC Mall offers, and some of you can speak to effect about how much we can do.  Really, everyone needs help at one time or another.  Whether it's needing a helpdesk to answer questions, finding temporary help for large projects, fixing how a switch closet is laid out, implementing a project (VOIP/datacenter upgrade/VMWare/etc.), and many other things...PC Mall can help you solve these problems.

Most often I hear, "I didn't know you did that" and that's a fair assessment...sometimes it's a little daunting to explain what we can do.  However that problem is a thing of the past.  This video from Phil Mogavero, our VP of Advanced Technology Solutions at PC Mall, helps explain some of our primary strengths.  Anything outside of those, we usually have a partner we work with to affect solutions.  Take a look and let me know what you think.  I'm always game to understand clients' thoughts when it comes to what we can do better for business.

Have a great Friday and Weekend, and we'll see you back here on Monday! :)

 

 

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PC Mall in the Wall Street Journal!

That's right...HP is running an ad for their new ultrabook, the Folio, this Friday and next Tuesday in the Wall Street Journal...and PC Mall is a part of that ad.  I'm always happy to see our partners working with us (and others in our industry) in order to help increase everyone's awareness of new products and how to get them.  The Ultrabook is a new format that combines the power of a true laptop, with a unit that weighs less than a half gallon of milk.

The Folio is 18mm tall, weighs 3.3 lbs, and is a core i5 unit.  That's a great product for someone who is always on the go, but needs a real laptop that'll work business applications.  Salespeople, executives, and even IT personnel who run from site to site all make good candidates for an ultrabook.  Right now, the 13" Folio is priced at $999.

Give us a call or shoot over an email if you've got questions!

How about a Free Power Assessment?

People throw the word "free" around a lot, when it usually is not.  In this case, it is really free...and the folks at TrippLite have teamed up with us here at PC Mall to help you get a better idea of your power situation.  Take a look:

PC Mall Power Audit NEW - Customer 11 2 10

From my experience, I've had clients who have been spending FAR too much on their power (and cooling)...in many different ways.  Either too many UPS units, too few, the wrong units ...and other reasons.  Let us help you with this free power assessment.  If you have a rep here, great, Call/Email them today.  If not, use this form and we'll be able to help you out!

Upgrading Adobe software just became a major PAIN...

I don't believe in beating around the bush on this...because as a former IT person it bugs the heck out of me.

If you haven't heard by now, as of the release of CS6, Adobe is changing how you can upgrade to it.  If you do not have CS5.0 or CS5.5, you cannot upgrade to 6.  Yup...that means it's only for 1 version back!  For many of you, I know you're not on 5 or 5.5...and that's going to present a cost saving issue for when you have to upgrade.
So, if you've been considering an upgrade...now is the time to do so before the end of 2011.  If you upgrade to 5.5 and do Adobe's maintenance contract, you'll be covered for the release of CS6, and CS7.  (Since they're now releasing new versions yearly.)  Don't believe me?  Check out Adobe's blog page that talks about it.  They're serious.

I would suggest giving your rep here at PC Mall a call right now and talking about this upgrade.  With the special 20% off discount on Adobe upgrades right now through the end of 2011, it's a good time to get square and upgraded before you're going to have to pay TWICE that amount to get current.

Food for thought...mmm I'm thinking pie. :)

 

 

Out for Vision 2012 today

Howdy again folks!  This is just to let you know that most of us here at the PC Mall offices will be out at our annual Trade Show, Vision, for most of today.

You are welcome to contact us through email, and we will respond as we can from the event.  Please understand however that there will be a delay in response while we are helping clients at that show too.

Are you in Los Angeles today and want to come down?  We're here at the Long Beach Hilton!

 

Take care!

Update on Thailand and in regard to Hard Drives...

While I don't want to undercut the seriousness of the flooding in Thailand, but if you're paying attention here, IT IS GOING TO AFFECT IT DEPARTMENTS WORLDWIDE.

Alarmist?  Maybe.  However, understand that Seagate, Western Digital and Hitachi all have facilities in the Bangkok area.  Currently, Bangkok is under 3.5 feet of water...and the flooding is getting worse.  Data coming in tells us that they could be upwards of 5 ft. underwater by Saturday.

All of the above manufacturers above have shut down their plants in the area...and there's an unconfirmed rumor that WD has declared their facility a total loss.  I know that distribution and manufacturers are cancelling most backorders and won't take any more backorders until product becomes available.

What does this mean for you?  If you need a drive now, call your rep here at PC Mall and order NOW.  We're doing everything we can to secure stock, but there is going to be a mad rush in the coming weeks, and it's a good idea to stock up.  I can guarantee that prices will skyrocket, and supply will disappear...so take that for what you will.

Have questions?  Call us now.  Get us involved early so we can help.



Update...I actually have pictures of the WD factory and the area surrounding it...They came from our friend Mike Sullivan over at RexMoore (through his contact at WD)...

Doing Business with Google?

I know many smaller businesses think that it's a great idea to work with Google.  Low/Free pricing, and great experiences as consumers will always cause people to gravitate to them.  Personally, I have had a wonderful experience with Google's email, maps and other services...but I would never use them for my own business.

Why?  I was thinking about this the other day, and wanted to explain it in a blog post to everyone...but I noticed today that my friends over at TechRepublic were riding the same wavelength as I was.  Worth the short read for you.  Here's a bit shorter version with my own spin.

1) Google's app environment isn't stable.  Outside of Gmail and Maps, the sheer amount of things that Google introduces and then pulls is massive.  This to me always shows that their products aren't really that well thought out or tested...and if you're a business, why would you want to be using an advanced beta product in your environment?  There's already rampant changes to Gmail coming...and that's messing with an established product that works.

2) Google could care less about you.  I think the folks at TechRepublic hit the nail on the head.  They don't have a SLA for their users.  That alone would be a deal breaker for me.  Those of you who've worked with any company that has a warranty, or response time added into it have expectations.  If your whole system relies on them, and they don't get back to you, how much money are you bleeding out during that time?  That should horrify any businessman or IT person.

3) They're collecting your information. Yup, when you click their search engine, and use their apps, you're generating them income...and they're finding better ways to sell to you.  Other companies out there who sell you the software you need, only collect information if you let them...and that's how it should be.  Google really wants your data to sell...and that's all you're worth to them.

I brought this up to a friend who owns a small business that uses Google a while back, and he laughed at me, calling me biased because I sell solutions.  Unlike some people, I do get it...that some businesses may not have the capital to start with enterprise level products...but there are answers that are much better than a free service who sells your information.  Heck, $5/month an email box for hosted services is what PC Mall and Microsoft charge...that takes the workload off of you, and keeps things safe.

In the end, you always get what you pay for.   Either do your own laundry, or hire a laundry service to do it for you.  Don't let the neighborhood kids paw through your clothes and wash them for you.  :)

Have a lot to do? Let us partner up and take on your load!

by Dwight Tabangcura

How often have you or your office purchased something and it's sat for a week...two weeks...a month...and you've not found the time to install it? We can help fix that with our iTeam solutions.

PCMall has partnered with iTeam to provide our customers with Onsite Installations of :

• PCs & Notebooks


• Digital Signage


• Servers & Storage


• Flat Panels


• Networking


• Projectors & Screens


• Printers


• Surveillance


• Software


• VoIP

iTeam, Inc., a private company, is the industry’s leading provider of Service-as-a-Product (SaaP). iTeam has transformed the complex, multi –step process of service sales and delivery into well-defined, packaged products that can easily be purchased by the end-user. One sku number to quote. One step process of engaging a skilled and certified service advisor and field technician. With a pool of over 13,000 field technicians across the US and Canada, each service installation engineer is carefully selected and matched to the customers needs based on the tech’s skills, certifications, location, and track record of successful delivery.

What makes SaaP different and better :

• Price is guaranteed, no up-charges, no onsite extras.


• Every installation service is managed by a highly experienced iTeam Service Advisor.


• Customer selects the day and time they want the installation.


• Performance guarantee ensures that the customers are satisfied before the technicians leaves the premises.

How much does it cost?

Well, like I said above, it's a fixed cost...not something that you have to have plotted out. I'll even provide a full price list below. What you need done not on there? Give us a call and we can figure it out so you'll know up front. Let's save you some valuable time!

Click here to look at what PC Mall & iTeam can do for you!

Free Stuff - AutoCAD 2012 is throwing the book at you...

The Blackberry Playbook that is!

Through October 14th, we here at PC Mall have been given an exclusive deal from the folks at Autodesk.  If your organization purchases a copy of AutoCAD 2012, Autodesk will throw in a free Blackberry Playbook 16GB, or an HP Pro 3130 Desktop!

Did I also mention that there's a $300 mail in rebate?  Yes, Autocad 2012 can be expensive...but your PC Mall team here can make it not expensive, and full of win!

Welcome to DragonTech!

A hearty welcome to all of you for coming over to check out DragonTech.  While this is primarily my blog for clients, a few select members of my team have opted to join in and provide their expertise and thoughts as well.  This will give all of you a very well-rounded experience with us.



What is DragonTech about?  It's a simple goal really.  We here at PC Mall's SMB division have SO much information to pass on to all of our clients and potential clients...but even if we called every single one of you every time something interesting came up, we'd never be able to place your orders!  Our goal here is to show you what's new and worth your time, where to go to learn more information, how you can take advantage of programs from both PC Mall and our manufacturers...helping to stretch your bottom line and bring you the help you need.


Stay tuned for more posts, and especially SUBSCRIBE TO THE RSS/EMAIL FEED.  Please feel free to post comments, or contact us for more information.  Want help finding or have questions about something in particular?  Just use our Contact Us form or call me (800-555-6255 x55517) and we'll be able to help you.

Glad to have you here.

Best Wishes,

Mike Leader