Pardon me

Looks like a scheduling error tried to send out tomorrow's post this afternoon.  Sorry about that folks. :)

Microsoft vs. Google: Let the mudslinging go into round 6,513...

Office 365 is Microsoft's outing into Cloud distribution of product, pushing their Office 2013 product out to clients.  Because it allows for an instance to be installed on up to 5 devices for a lower price than their business open license product (1 perpetual license) it's a far better deal for small businesses or for those users on the go with multiple devices.  It's a huge stab at Google Apps, and to further the punching bag game between both companies, Microsoft did this recently...(from the article over at CNet)

 



 

Really Microsoft?  Rather than try to co-exist, knowing that both yours and Google's products appeal to different people...you have to go all Eric Garcetti on Wendy Greuel on us!  There is no need in the business world to do jerky things to competitors, it just reinforces an already negative opinion about you when you do.

Real Cloud Backup: Barracuda

A couple of years ago, a client of mine...we'll call him Bob...had called me with concerns about his backup scenario.  With two locations on different sides of the US, it made it difficult for him to manage the information, and do specific backups.  It was here that I first really heard the phrase, "Mike, how can we use the Cloud to backup and restore?"  For all of my knowledge, I was a little stumped...because there really wasn't anything yet that could do what he needed to do, without some major tricks involved.  We worked on several solutions that COULD help him, but they never came to fruition, then a budget hit...so it's languished for some time.  I never gave up on him, and always kept this failure of mine in the back of my mind, watching like a hawk for something that would work for him, or anyone else I was working with.

Earlier this year, along came my friends at Barracuda (I'll bet you a donut that they're reading this too) in one of their standard vendor meetings.  I've always loved their products, and their awesome team that I work with makes it even better.  I was tired that morning after being up late re-reading my copy of the last Dresden novel, and was only half there when I heard the phrase, "...yes it's Cloud Backup."  My eyes and ears perked up at that, and the part of my brain waiting on that phrase kicked into gear ...almost making me stand up out of my chair.  There it was...like magic.  I quickly became adept with the product, and brought it to several clients...all of whom are seriously pursuing it...and I even have a conference call today with my largest client about it as well.

What's important to know here is that this is a disk to disk to cloud solution.  Now their backup unit comes with the software to manage the backup, and does NOT have to go out to their cloud to be used.  It is efficient without the cloud and bears looking at it, even if the word "Cloud" gives your bosses the willies.  It shouldn't however, because Barracuda's cloud backup is HIPAA compliant...and that's a very good thing.  If it passes that muster, it's got secure legs to stand on.  Like I said, the Cloud portion is optional, in both a 200gb unit version, and an unlimited version (there's a price break in there...if you work with me I'll show you).  The kicker on top of that is the Instant Replacement feature.  Yes it adds a little more to the price but once used pays for itself 10x over.  If that unit ever goes down/melts/drowns/and otherwise becomes useless...just call Barracuda and they will ship you a new unit with the files you're storing in their cloud on it, ASAP.  Holy melted backup Batman...you are saved!

Is it perfect, No...and I would never claim it to be.  Can it solve all of your backup/DR worries?  I think it can.  In the end it bears taking a look at.  I'd like to get you on the phone with them...email/call/use the contact page and get in touch with me...we'll work out a conference call so you can see this stuff in action.

I'm telling you now...don't wait...let's evaluate your backup/DR solution now!

Happy Wednesday!

Adobe Creative Cloud

Much has been said about Adobe moving its business to the Cloud...with complaints on every side including folks in sales.  I'm not one to complain, but I wanted to make sure this post covered, why the Cloud, and what you can do to take advantage of it.

So why Creative Cloud for teams?  One of the biggest plagues that businesses go through is refreshing their software.  With Adobe refreshing every year, most folks were content to update their software every 3-4 years instead of being on top of new features...not that businesses were lazy...Adobe's setup just made it expensive.  Now, with the Cloud model where you pay monthly (through adobe) or yearly (at a large discount from people like me), you can be up to date with the newest Adobe software.  The Creative Cloud for teams model actually works to your advantage in that:

1. You have the most up to date software.


2. Your team can collaborate & share files through the Adobe site


3. The publishing services included help publish webistes and digital apps


4. The creative cloud files folder online (100gb per user) allows you access from anywhere.


5. Easily track usage and transfer seats while getting the Expert support from Adobe.

Right now there's a special deal to get you and your company into the Adobe Creative Cloud.  Normally $70 a month ($840/year), until August 31 you can pick up a year subscription for $479.  Not bad right?  You can see more details here.   Let me know if you have questions!

Information Tech Department Growth

Howdy folks!  I get a bit dismayed as I have been so busy with sales work that I've not been able to post effectively as much as I want.  So I'm frontloading posts a bit here so you'll start getting things regularly...and I'll have more things toward the end of the month when "sales life" explodes. :)

This is a great article from Mikko Peltoniemi at Spiceworks, as it really relates to a lot of you out there (and myself included).  Trying to make things work while a company grows, only to find that you've been so busy with the growth that you lost the personal touch, and may have more work than expected with new things.

One of the things that Mikko mentions is finding new personnel to add to your IT staff...always a difficult thing.  How do you find qualified people?  How do you truly know they're qualified?  It's a difficult thing...I know, I've worked in management before I came to be in Tech Sales, and hiring the right person is always a game of russian roulette...less if you can do your research on them...but a game nonetheless.

Enter PCM and my Services team.  We have one of the best Tech Personnel/Staff Augmentation groups in the US working for us, providing the personnel you need, with the quality assurance of "hire them as a temp"...pay us to handle that mess...try them out for 30 days, and if you like them, pay the fee and hire them away from us."  It's simple, easy and gets done what you need.

Got a large project that you need to get done, but don't have the expertise to do it?  We have someone...either someone you can bring on as a temp, or our own service personnel for work like that.  Don't try to train yourself and tackle something that is brand new...I and my team can connect you with the right people for the job!

So call me...talk to me...tell me what you want to do...solve that problem!

Make today a great one! :)

 

PCM Webinar series

Howdy everyone!  I've got a list of webinars that PCM is setting up for our clients and potential clients in the coming weeks.  One thing we've been clear on for quite awhile now is that we are here to help you plan and prepare for whatever comes your way...we just have to know what you know. :)  Take a look and sign up...most of these have chances to win things like Tablets in them...don't miss those! :)

Apr 18, 2013  10:00 am

Protecting data and networks in an ever-evolving threat landscape

Fred Meek, Dell SonicWALL Systems Engineer

Register

Apr 18, 2013  10:00 am

Windows 8: Modern Tools for Business

Bret Rohloff, Microsoft

Register

Apr 24, 2013  10:00 am

Spend less time managing IT and more time running your business with HP ProLiant Gen8 Servers

Josh Koelewyn, HP ISS Americas Product Manager

Register

April 30th, 2013 - Register

Plasmas, LEDs and LCDs...OH MY!

Here's a neat video over on youtube about how to understand the differences between these things...

http://youtu.be/w8ykjdA9g9w

A reminder this Tax Season...

In today's day and age, email is something we take for granted as private. Emails on the corporate side, while saved are protected from outside influences, right?  Not totally so.   I was reading this article earlier and was reminded of the power that the IRS holds in this country, even if it is just based on fear.   TECHNICALLY, the IRS considers your emails free and easy to get without a warrant.  So if you're sending stuff that might get you in trouble that way, stop it.  (In fact stop just screwing around with your taxes, that's a hornet's nest you don't want to irritate.)  While the majority of the email providers out there stand behind the US vs. Warshak case. which says that the Feds HAVE to get warrants to access your email, the IRS can just ASK for it and some smaller companies will give it up out of fear.

Two things.  Get Congress to actually do something and update the Electronic Communications Privacy act of 1986, and don't let them get anywhere near your stuff.  :)

I'm out of the office until monday.  Drop me an email if you have questions. :)

 

-ML

Saving America...one muffin at a time

Hate to follow up with this post hot on the heels of the other one...I read this on my break and forgot to put it in here. :)

The article you can see here...but I'll repost it so you can read it.  It's very good. :)

7 Reasons This Muffin Mix Can Save America

• Cory Suter

"Cory, My name is Howdy Holmes; I'm the CEO of Jiffy mix. Why don't you give me a call at ...." I could hardly believe my ears. There on my non-smart phone voicemail was a message from a Formula Atlantic Racing Champion-turned-CEO of the $100 million per yearmarket-leading company in prepared baking mixes. What could I possibly have done to deserve this honor? I simply had written a short note complaining that I preferred the flavor of real blueberries to the artificial ones in their muffin mix.

Anyone who has dared venture down a grocery store's baking aisle or opened their grandparent's cupboard has probably seen one of the timeless white and blue "Jiffy" boxes that haven't changed much since the mixes were first invented by Holmes' Grandmother in 1930. What I didn't know until I did some homework, was just how great of a company is behind Jiffy mix. After a 16-minute long chat with the Jiffy mix CEO, and 11 years of studying business and economics, I knew I had discovered one of America's last great businesses. Here is seven reasons why:

1. Jiffy mix sells over 55% of all muffin mixes in the United States, but doesn't spend a dime on advertising.

While Jiffy competes by selling quality products at the lowest price (40 to 60 cents for corn muffins, for example), most American companies now try to sell their products by making people feel inadequate.

"Buy our products, or you won't be happy or sexually fulfilled" is the implicit message that lies to us each time we turn on a TV or catch up on the latest news. Instead of trying to convince us what we should want, Jiffy simply does the right thing, and works to meet a genuine need for convenient wholesome food. The 30% to 52% off the final price that Jiffy saves not advertising or making flashy packaging is directly passed on to customers in the form of unusually low prices.

2. Jiffy mix denies Wall Street a chance to make money from other people's work.

Wall Street finance has increasingly morphed from being a source of investment in America, wisely allocating scarce resources, to being a predator "landlord" that makes money off of other people's work. Jiffy mix is a family-owned business that has repeatedly refused debt-financing and lucrative offers to hand the business over to a corporate conglomerate backed by a big bank. As CEO Holmes said in our phone conversation, "I didn't want a 28-year-old brat from Wall Street telling me how to run my company."

For Holmes, keeping local control of the company is about much more than stubbornness or pride. Keeping Jiffy mix away from the financial elites is a major contributing factor to their customer loyalty, and the quality of life in their neighborhood.

3. Jiffy mix management treats their employees the way they would like to be treated.

Not only does the CEO know most of his 350 employees on a first-name basis, he also has compensated them well, including giving some stock-ownership in the company. With an average salary for a production worker of $47,000 per year, the median family income in the little town where Jiffy mix is $72,266, which is $20,000 more per year than the median U.S. family income. While a Wall Street investor would want to lower this "unnecessary" labor expense, Holmes believes caring for his community and workers is what good business is all about.

4. Jiffy mix genuinely serves their customers needs, instead of being obsessed with profit.

Almost any analyst could tell you that Jiffy mix could make more profit by raising their prices. However, as CEO Holmes explained to me, "Most Americans don't have two homes or much extra money to spend on things that aren't necessary. We provide high-quality ingredients at the best price to help as many customers as possible." From an economist' perspective, raising prices close to the level of competitors would maximize profits, but it would also erase an even larger amount of consumer surplus, thus creating a dead-weight loss for society.

5. Jiffy mix staff find meaning and purpose through their work.

When I commented on Holmes' decision not to sell off even part of his multi-million dollar company, he said "What would I do if I sold-out? Spend my life vacationing somewhere?!" The CEO of Jiffy has the right attitude. Our occupations, in balance with our relationships, give our lives meaning. To work a job just for money or to escape from community and family responsibilities is shallow at best. A visiting reporter from Fortune magazine described Jiffy mix as "a decidedly chipper workplace, with friendly employees who seem to be genuinely enjoying their jobs. They greet Holmes warmly, he appears to know virtually all of them by name, and none of it feels phony."

One of the saddest trends in American culture today is the growing disconnect between making money and producing value. Many of our best and brightest minds shuffle paper and money for financial institutions to earn big salaries, while the real creators of wealth — bakers, builders, farmers, inventors, teachers, designers, and doctors are loaded down by debt. Jiffy mix is a welcome trend-breaker. According to CEO Holmes, "Our staff puts more emphasis on internal and external relationships than we do on completing tasks. This is very different from most companies ... Our dedication to strong family business values, combined with real world professionalism has us uniquely situated for the 21st Century."

6. Jiffy mix is honest.

Instead of hiding their cost-cutting techniques in the small print ingredient list, Jiffy announces on the front of their Blueberry muffin mix package that their product is "artificially flavored with imitation blueberries." This behavior is a clear contrast to Betty Crocker's Premium 'Wild Blueberry' muffins that cost more than twice as much as Jiffy mix, but douse  their "real blueberries" in high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. Holmes told me that Jiffy mix "has even won accolades for being more honest than required in packaging our products."

7. Jiffy mix makes long-term decisions to benefit future generations.

With no concern for investor's short-term expectations of profits, Jiffy mix just invested over $6 million into a new research and development facility as part of their plan to keep the company going for many more generations. While other American corporations do invest in research, this essential business function is declining in the United States. CEO Holmes has concluded that long-term thinking is one of the key differences between family-owned businesses and other companies.

Final thoughts

One of the world's most widely recognized ethical standards is to do to others as you would have them do to you. By separating the owners and executives of companies from the communities where these same companies do business, the corporate structure of business has increasingly lost sight of this traditional American ethic. Cutting employee benefits and jobs to enrich Wall Street has become almost as common as hidden fees,  and hiring lobbyists to gain unfair competitiveadvantages.

Small businesses and exceptional American companies like Jiffy mix, built our country'sonce-broadly shared prosperity. Sadly, thanks to Wall Street greed, large civic-minded companies are a dying breed. If all companies were as ethical as Jiffy mix, then most Americans could support the far right agenda to get rid of all the regulations. The best solutions are, of course, not so simple. We need commonsense protections from corporate abuse at the same time we need to scale back regulations that exist primarily to give big businesses advantages over competitors. Because, so few companies are like Jiffy mix, America needs a smart government of the people, by the people and for the people.

 

Hope you liked! :)

Picture Credit: Jiffymix

Mike's Ark: Staying Afloat

One of the hardest parts of working in IT (or any job for that matter) is juggling many different things at once.  Some folks look at me with surprise when I tell them I have it just like they do.  With different names for things, they all balance out in the end.  There are procedures for everything, and if there isn't, you get to write them right?  That's what I thought.

So in this case, to stay afloat you have to manage your time very well...especially in IT.  Some folks utitlize their Outlook calendar to great lengthns, blocking out time for appointments and tasks.  Others prefer archaic dayplanners and schedule books...but for those of us in the 21st century there are our phones and apps! :D  With apps like RescueTime, Things2, or Lift, you can get your life on track...not only your personal life but your professional one as well.   In reality, I"ve found personally that just writing out 3-4 things to accomplish works best.  Work on each one until done.  For example from today's list:

1. Work on Managed Services deals

2. Work on credit issues for clients

3. Place orders with efficiency.

4. Write blog entry.

Now as you can see those are not hard to do...but just generic enough that I can work on them without being distracted.  I have to still work at them, and they are specific enough to work on them until they are done.   Simple, right? :)

Oh yes...IT stuff. :D

 

Have a great Monday & Tuesday! :)