By Mark Johnson/Richmond News

Midwest Computech is the new provider of technology personnel services for Richmond R-XVI following a vote of the board of education during a special session last Friday.

The firm was selected from three finalists, which included Worldwide Tech, also known as TurboNet, and AOS/k12itc. Board member Dale Vandiver was the sole vote against the proposal.

Superintendent Dr. Damon Kizzire reviewed the proposals and responses from references provided by each firm before the vote was taken.

He said AOS/k12itc, an Overland Park-based firm, was very knowledgeable and had worked with some large school districts in the area, but noted that it was often on projects, not providing technology personnel services. Kizzire also raised the issue of the cost of the company’s proposal, which was close to twice as much per year as the other firms’ and only provided one on-site technician on a regular basis, with the cost of servers and virtual servers also being difficult to determine.

Several school board members raised the issue of the commitment that would be required with AOS/k12itc, which was seeking a four-year contract.

Kizzire said TurboNet, a Lexington-based firm, had mostly local customers and lacked the experience of the other firms. He said one of their larger corporate clients provided as a reference raised a concern about the lack of prompt response when assistance was needed.

Midwest Computech awarded one of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Businesses of the Year for the second consecutive year

Midwest Computech is honored to be named one of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Blue Ribbon Businesses of the Year. This is the second consecutive year that Midwest Computech has been named a Blue Ribbon Business, this time coinciding with the 30^th Anniversary of the business. David Nivens, Midwest Computech CEO said, “We are very excited to be awarded for the second year, this great honor. We value our roles in the communities we serve and are so pleased to be recognized for the work our employees have done not just in the last year, but in the past 30 years.”

The Blue Ribbon Awards are given to 75 companies across the county that exhibit dedication to a growing client base, quality customer service, a strong community commitment, and contributions to the free market system within their communities. “These award winners embody the spirit of American free enterprise,” said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO . “Today, the Chamber celebrates the positive impact made by these companies and is proud to recognize them for their outstanding achievements.”

Winning the Blue Ribbon Award has also placed Midwest Computech in the running for the 2012 Community Excellence Award which looks to our business community for support! We need your VOTE!

Midwest Computech has been honored to provide Columbia, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Sedalia and St. Louis area businesses and schools districts all across the state, quality technology products and services for 30 years. We are pleased to be a part of the communities we serve and ask for your support as we seek The U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2011 Community Excellence Award.

Voting takes just a minute and you only need to do it once!

 Go to :  http://goo.gl/2Ch4S  and vote for Midwest Computech

Voting is open March 1, 2012 to March 15, 2012 at 5pm.

Well, the simple answer is, both. Security and compliance are not the same, and frequently don’t cover the same areas of your technology systems. But what does this mean for your business and why does it matter anyway?

Compliance

Most businesses fall into an industry category that has specific requirements for network and systems standards. Everything including financial fields, medical offices, business services, schools and many other industries are required to meet network compliance standards by an overseeing agency. These standards are intended to ensure a minimum level of network stability but frequently do not focus on complete threat prevention and disaster preparedness for a technology system.

Security

Your network needs to be secure, it’s that simple. But what does security really mean. Unified threat management coupled with a complete backup program is ideal. This means that your network is covered by network, email, and web protection while providing a comprehensive data backup system to ensure limited downtime in the event of server or building failure.  The goal of a network security program is to ensure your specific business network’s protection and the continuity of your business operations.

Why not just choose one?

When a business is given their compliance regulations, many frequently view the list as a complete overview of everything their network needs for security. Technology security authority at Versign, Danny McPherson, estimates “about 80 percent of what is ascribed to the [business] IT security budget is actually spent on compliance issues. Worse yet, most customers don’t invest in anything more than anti-virus and firewall technologies, which generally means that the organization is still at risk to a whole host of security issues.” Compliance is necessary, but at what cost, your network and data could be paying the price of lacking security.

If a business just chooses to go the security route some necessary compliance standards might be missed resulting in potentially bigger issues. So you have to do both, that sounds like a daunting and likely expensive task, well there are options.

The Total Package

Taking many of those compliance standards and security needs to the cloud is a practical and cost efficient means of achieving the total package while also adding ease of management. We have often discussed the benefits of the cloud, its cost saving options (Cloud Computing) and its ability to streamline services meaning you pay for what you need and nothing more. Currently, there are many scalable full service unified threat management options available that operate with this structure in mind.

• The cloud options provide full-scale unified threat management service, often working in conjunction with a hardware piece but now provide ala carte services that can be tailored to specific compliance requirements. With extensive research and testing behind many of the services even banks are using this format to ensure compliant AND secure networks.
• For backup solutions, also a frequent component in compliance standards, cloud and hardware hybrid systems exist (check this out). While expediently increasing the stability of the old tape backup or even digital external hard drive solutions, these systems also provide the peace of mind your business wants, at a price you can’t beat.

When a business is presented with compliance or security as a network standard the solution should be both. With many an option available today to accomplish any standard, the key is in making sure you have the knowledge of the products and options available and someone who knows the standards you are looking to meet.

Midwest Computech has been establishing and securing business networks for more than 25 years. We specialize in making your network meet your goals while maintaining a secure and efficient process for all of your employees. Contact us today to find out what products and service can benefit your business. 1-800-346-8934 or info@midwestcomputech.com.

With an increase in electrical storms, high temperatures, more brown outs, and the threat of severe weather, summer months can wreak havoc on your technology. Proper planning and preparation can extend the life of your products and lower the amount of downtime suffered at the hands of an electrical issue, however this does not mean investing in extension cords.

Power Issues
To determine if even thinking about power needs at your office is necessary we must first determine what actual power abnormalities exist. Power cycles happen in all of your office technology.  A recent study by IBM showed that standard computers go through an average of 120 power problem cycles a month. Additional common activities include sags and spikes in power strength, surges due to storms and transformer issues, blackouts and brownouts.

Power Impacts
Lightening storms happen all the time, what difference does it make; losing power won’t do much to our system, right? Wrong. The impact of just one of the power issues noted above can be severely detrimental to your business and the longevity of your technology.

Common impacts on computers effected by these power issues include external device lockup and malfunctions (mouse, keyboard, and other usb devices), degradation of internal computer hardware which can increase over time, total loss of computer data and capabilities including hard drive and motherboard components, and even server malfunction and loss. Phone/fax lines are also very susceptible to power surges, often requiring substantial service to repair. Those threats of lightening frying your computer are not just off handed stories the computer guy tells you.

The loss of your hardware and important data can be crippling to your daily operations not to mention your technology budget. Also is the loss in productivity. A technology research group recently found that downtime due to technology outages costs an average of $1,000 an hour and that’s just for small sized businesses. With loss in power, data, hardware, and even worker productivity, power issues might just be important enough to consider.

Solution
Business Professional, meet the battery backup. Yes you have probably seen these under some desks or in your server room. They are often heavy and for the average person seem more expensive than the standard home power strip. They are not the same as your home power strip, do not use a home power strip in the office for your computer and extension cords are not ok. With that said, the benefits of these battery backups are quite impressive and well worth the couple bucks more you spend on them then the power strip you can pick up at the local dollar store.

The Battery Backup – This little box (Uninterrupted Power Supply – UPC) offers three main features, all of which your business will benefit from. First is, as the name implies, battery backup capabilities. If the power in your office goes down, everything plugged into the batter backup will run of that pack’s power. This means a safer way for you to power down your equipment, the ability to save what you were working on, and even catching a few minutes extra while the office is in the dark.

Second, you get superior power surge protection. Honestly this blog topic came about from one of our techs visiting a client’s office that was struck during an electrical storm. Instead of their computer getting zapped, the surge instead knocked out the battery backup and saved the computer. This key feature in the pack ensures that no matter the size of the storm, power cycle, blackout etc. your technology will have a stable source of protected power. Additionally the cost of replacing a battery backup battery is in the neighborhood of $50, substantially less than your average business computer.  This doesn’t even take in to account the cost of any lost data on that machine (or something similar….just thought this idea should also be inserted somehow in to this section).

The third feature is the energy efficiency. UPC’s detect idle equipment plugged in and minimize their power consumption until they are needed. Reducing each power box’s consumption by roughly a third means substantial energy savings for a business.

Even if you have seen a couple battery backups floating around your office, every computer, printer, and server should be plugged into one. The ability to save your office multiple headaches from damaged and destroyed equipment and severe losses in productivity are worth the purchase of a simple battery backup. The old adage really does fit, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure”.

Is your business lacking the proper power and surge protection? Do you want to know other ways to safeguard your technology and data? Contact Midwest Computech to find out how easy IT can be. Info@MidwestComputech.com or  1-800-346-8934

COLUMBIA – The John Anderson Celebrity Golf Invitational presented by Midwest Computech is proud to add a Joplin school supply drive to the list of activities for the 2011 event being held July 10th & 11th.

In addition, the Anderson Family Charitable Foundation will donate $10,000 to the Joplin schools to help teachers and students rebuild and restock their classrooms this fall.

The celebrity event will once again raise funds for the Anderson Family Charitable Foundation and The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri and will now include a school supply drive for the students and teachers impacted by the recent Joplin Tornado.

“With our mission of providing assistance to underserved school-aged children in the public school system, the Anderson Family Charitable Foundation is honored to not only support the Buddy Pack Program at the Food Bank and the local public schools, but also to collect school supplies the kids and educators of Joplin so badly need,” said Anderson, an ESPN anchor and 1987 Mizzou graduate.

The school supply drive, coordinated in partnership with the Joplin Schools, will kick off on Sunday July 10 from 6pm to 9pm at Shiloh Bar and Grill in downtown Columbia during the Tournament’s Celebrity Meet-and-Greet. The community is invited to bring supplies and mingle with the tournament celebrities as we focus our efforts on rebuilding Joplin. The drive will continue on Monday July 11 from 10am to 3pm at the Country Club of Missouri.

“The celebrities playing in our tournament are already giving their time to help improve the lives of kids in Central Missouri and getting them behind a school supply drive for Joplin was easy,” said Anderson, “I am pleased to be part of such an amazing group of people willing to help our Foundation stretch its reach to the schools and students in Joplin.

Celebrities playing in the Second Annual John Anderson Celebrity Golf Invitational include: ESPN SportsCenter Anchor, Linda Cohn; former MLB All-Star, Andy Van Slyke; 3-time NBA champion and current ESPN NBA Analyst, Bruce Bowen; College Basketball TV Analyst and former Mizzou All-American, Jon Sundvold; ESPN College Basketball Analyst, Fran Frascilla; long-time ESPN Anchor and Mizzou grad Michael Kim; former Kansas City Chiefs Tight End, Walter White; St. Louis sportscaster, Tom Ackerman; Mizzou legends Mel Gray and Johnny Roland; Mizzou Athletic Director, Mike Alden; Wyoming Head Football Coach and former Mizzou Offensive Coordinator, Dave Christensen; KOMU-TV Sports Director, Chris Gervino; and ESPN “Dream Job” winner, MU graduate and current Big Ten Network Anchor Mike Hall.

The 2010 John Anderson Celebrity Golf Invitational included more than 200 participants, raising in excess of $30,000 to benefit the Anderson Family Charitable Foundation and the Buddy Pack Program of The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri. Find us on Facebook and visit the website, www.andersonfcf.org, for more information and pictures from last year’s event.

Cloud computing at its core
Instead of rehashing all that cloud computing is, its history, and structure I would direct you to a previous blog of ours, The Cumulous Connection, for the cloud rundown. Instead let’s look at the application of the cloud and how it works within the business environment, and your new startup.

•    Time
The process of any sized business getting completely new or even updated technology is an ominous task. Whether there are 3 employees or a team of 30, installing servers, networks, running cabling, going from station to station installing the necessary software and setting preferences is not a quick process. Beyond the initial set-up time to get you up and running there are the maintenance needs to be considered. Every business network requires software updates, has a computer with issues, needs to be backed up etc. While these processes can be expertly handled with a quality Managed IT Provider, they do still require a time outlay. For a startup, that time lost can be costly and highly inefficient. With only a few employees the time down means dramatic cuts in productivity, cuts that can dramatically hurt a fledgling business.

The setup for a cloud computing platform is dramatically different than the traditional network system. Instead of installing a bunch of hardware, the cloud streamlines the setup process. Data is collected from all your employees’ current computers and moved to the cloud, your platform is created and you have access to your information and programs substantially quicker than with a traditional model. There are no cabling needs, no setting up each employee computer one at a time, and no hand loading of multiple software disks at every station!

Better yet, the regular maintenance that business networks require is all done behind the scenes at the cloud. Software updates are pushed out automatically, secure connections are integrated, user preferences are seamless, and adding a new employee or workstation can happen in a matter of minutes instead of days. For a startup company the cloud will save you time initially and as you grow over a traditional network system.

•    Cost/Scalability
For any startup the cost factor weighs heavy in every line item, with the thought of technology threatening to blow your budget.  Adding up the cost of data servers, email servers, new workstations to handle the programs you need, software licenses for each employee, and standard maintenance, the traditional business network is frequently well beyond the budget and needs of a business startup.

The cloud offers a high technology, budget friendly, and scalable solution perfectly capable of making any startup look like a well oiled machine without the need for costly hardware and upkeep. Many cloud providers offer the full package for a low monthly rate per user (secure connection, automatic data backups, backend maintenance, software updates, set amount of data storage with growth capabilities, standard MS Office software etc.). This system means easily adding new employees when you need them. If your startup focuses on temporary help, what better way to budget around them then with a monthly usage plan?

When considering technology costs for a new startup business, cloud computing provides the stability of a monthly budget, with limited initial outlay of cash and scalability built right in.

•    Data Storage/Mobility
Many business startups are not necessarily established in a brick and mortar facility with offices and set hours. Why then would you want a network that was contingent on all your technology being housed in a physical location? The beauty of the cloud for startups is the ability to take your ENTIRE network with you wherever you and your employees go. All the files, data, programs etc. go with you. If your startup is based out of your home, a corner table in your local coffee shop, or an entrepreneurial think tank, your corporate technology is ready and available to you wherever an internet connection exists.

Knowing that you will always have the documents you need and programs you rely on wherever you go is ideal for the busy startup.

Most startups are limited in their capital, physical space, and extra time, but the need for quality, reliable, and budget friendly technology still exists. Cloud  computing meets startup businesses technology needs while allowing for scalable and customized offerings to fit any budget. Knowing that your startup can have the newest software offerings, continuous and secure backup, worldwide mobility and all for the cost of a few lattes a month isn’t bad.

Midwest Computech is an award winning leader in cloud computing technology with the TruCloud(TM) platform. Contact us today to find out what cloud computing can do for your startup or existing business at a cost that fits your budget. 1-800-346-8934 or info@MidwestComputech.com.

The Mobile Shopper
As of January, 2011 more than 65.8 million Americans owned a smartphone (www.comscore.com) and 48 percent of them are using those devices to shop. Beyond the smartphone, however, are the estimated 3 million-plus Americans who regularly use an iPad or Android tablet, many to shop with. An added benefit of that handy smartphone or tablet is the ability to easily find locations of interest, like your business, leave and read reviews of favorite establishments and interact with their social networks. All this power means the perfect environment conducive to easy and enjoyable shopping for the potential customer.
With potential customers relying on their technology to not only lead them to the business of choice but to assist them in choosing products, sharing  their experiences, and even paying  for that product, the time has arrived for local businesses to determine how best to capitalize on this new shopping dynamic.

Mobile Options
Since many business industries can take advantage of mobile payments, knowing what mobile payments are and what options exist are the first steps. Mobile payments can be found in several different forms. The first is simply the ability to accept credit payment where businesses previously weren’t. This ranges from having wireless mobile credit terminals in non-traditional locations (vehicles, outdoor events etc.) which make for increased sales and ease for the customer, to the new gadget attachments for smartphones that basically create a credit terminal right on the phone, to the most recent development of e-wallets or digital credit cards that rely on a transmitter to recognize the payment when the phone is waved for payment.
All of these options offer increased flexibility and allow for a larger clientele to access and pay for your products. It is estimated that by 2014, $633 million will be collected worldwide through mobile payments (Portio Research), so what do you need to get started?

The Next Step
•    Mobility starts with accessibility.  A mobile presence is key in establishing your payment network. Websites with mobile versions increase ease of use along with increased interactive abilities allowing customers and potential customers to view your products etc. which are all integral to the mobile revolution.
•    Determining what your current customers already use or are looking at getting involved with can help your business determine what payment methods could be of some benefit. If you operate a food truck, taking credit means a great deal to your customers, something as simple as the iPhone attachment to swipe credit cards would be an easy transition with big impact (www.squareup.com). Retail businesses with a lot of in-and-out traffic and the need for quick payment options can easily benefit from the Speedpass system where customers wave their credit card or cell phone at a receiver (some credit/debit cards already offer the technology).
•    RESEARCH! Just “Google-ing” the various mobile payment devices returns hundreds of companies offering similar products. With this technology still considered in its infancy there are security, speed, ease, compatibility, and numerous other factors to look at with any of the options. Diligent research and references are key to determining  that perfect fit for your businesses needs

It is here, the time is upon us and the mobile payment is not a fad. What that means for your business might vary, but the fact is, the way we pay for goods and services along with the impact of an increasing mobile clientele can have a large influence on your business’ daily operations all the way though to how you market your self!

Are you looking for more ways to improve your business’ technology? Or looking for what options might exist to improve your business productivity, efficiency, and technology budget? Midwest Computech is your nationally recognized, local IT specialist. Contact us today to find out what we can do you make IT easy. 1.800.346.3934 or info@MidwestComputech.com.

John Anderson Celebrity Golf Invitational Announces Headliners

COLUMBIA, MO. – The Second Annual John Anderson Celebrity Golf Invitational is excited to announce the event’s headliners. The celebrity invitational, to be held July 11, 2011 at the Country Club of Missouri, seeks to once again raise funds and awareness for the Anderson Family Charitable Foundation and The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri.

ESPN SportsCenter Anchor, Linda Cohn and former MLB All-Star, Andy Van Slyke will headline the 2011 John Anderson Celebrity Golf Invitational presented by Midwest Computech.  Additionally, 3-time NBA champion and current ESPN NBA Analyst, Bruce Bowen as well as long-time ESPN Anchor and Mizzou grad Michael Kim will participate.

“We are pleased to bring a little piece of Bristol, CT and The Worldwide Leader in Sports to this year’s tournament,” said ESPN SportsCenter Anchor and tournament host, John Anderson.  “Great people and recognizable names will help ensure all our golfers have a fantastic day and keep this a first class event.”

Golfers can also anticipate a return appearance by NFL Quarterback and former Mizzou standout Chase Daniel, as well as Mizzou legends Mel Gray and Johnny Roland. Former Kansas City Chiefs Tight End, Walter White will again tee it up for the charity along with St. Louis Sportscaster Tom Ackerman.

“All of the celebrities participating have huge demands on their time, so for them to give up a full day, in some cases two days, proves that they are committed to helping kids in northeast and central Missouri,” said Anderson, “It’s humbling and empowering to have friends willing to help the foundation raise money for causes like the Food Bank and the public elementary schools.”

Other well-known personalities committed to participating in the invitational are Mizzou Athletic Director Mike Alden, Wyoming Head Football Coach and former Mizzou Offensive Coordinator Dave Christensen, longtime KOMU-TV Sports Director Chris Gervino, and ESPN “Dream Job” winner, MU graduate and current Big Ten Network Anchor Mike Hall.

The 2010 John Anderson Celebrity Golf Invitational included more than 200 participants, raising in excess of $30,000 to benefit the Anderson Family Charitable Foundation and the Buddy Pack Program of The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri. Find us on Facebook and visit the website, www.andersonfcf.org, for more information and pictures from last year’s event.

Sponsorship opportunities and a limited number of playing opportunities are still available.  For more information, contact John Anderson or Susan McNay at (573) 268-5618.

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While we can all admit that the tablets are often used for a game of Angry Birds or other mindless work distractions (plus they look cool) there are also more and more studies emerging touting increased employee productivity and corporate success when they are combined with apps specific to their business. But what applications do these apps really have, and where do the benefits come in?

The Business Mobile App

There are two paths that businesses are taking in developing the mobile app for workers. Both versions allow users/employees to access and input data from anywhere on their easy to transport tablet; the difference is in how the data is captured. The first option is for the app to dump the information into a unique database where managers etc. can access the data and take the next step, approval etc. that is needed. The other option is to develop apps that actually integrate with the business’ existing CRM or database software, allowing for the data to go directly into the systems the business already uses.

Studies

While, I’m not going to argue that every business will see an instant increase in employee productivity, there are real advantages in many industries to designed apps for employee activities. One of the most comprehensive studies, done by Frost & Sullivan, found that about 42 percent of respondents (mobile and wireless decision makers) saw an increase in user productivity with the introduction of designed apps. The ability for workers to travel with their systems and easily input data, create reports and continue their workflow has a dramatic impact. Beyond productivity, the same study also saw a 39 percent decrease in paperwork and 37 percent increase in revenue. That’s hard to argue with!

So who’s using these apps?

Industries worldwide are jumping on the bandwagon of worker apps for to the increased productivity, customer satisfaction, and revenue potential. A recent Sterling Commerce study found that 95 percent of respondents deploy the apps to executive management and IT staff while 85 percent are also focusing on sales and administrative staff.

The top industries pushing the app creation and use are distribution, logistics, manufacturing and media/communications companies. With the focus on an increased ability to complete job tasks quickly and remotely while providing better service, the apps are allowing workers all the tools they need without the extra bulk and time lag of prior technology.

Many large companies are even providing the mobile apps for employees to request resources (room space, technology for meetings etc.), schedule vacations on the company CRM, and access company reference materials anywhere.

How much is this going to cost me?

The cost of building a custom app for your business processes can vary dramatically, it all depends on which path you choose, how detailed the information collected is and how many variations you need. However, with the statistics and studies showing amazing trends towards its mass use and appeal, with ever increasing benefits, this app technology is here to stay.

On the hardware side there is quite a variety of options as well. No, the iPad is not the only one. Just Google-ing ‘tablet computer’ produces hundreds of tablet options, each better than the last. With options ranging from the ultra-thin and sleek to the super rugged, there is a tablet option that will fit any company’s needs and budget.

Is your company looking to go mobile? Do you want the flexibility of remote computing? Midwest Computech can show you options that fit your needs and budget. Contact us today at 1-800-346-8934 or info@MidwestComputech.com