Cloud Computing is certainly the buzz in the market.  As a CEO of  a technology company I focus on what people need and want, and how to effectively deliver products or services at a competitive price.   There are many factors to consider when evaluating Cloud Computing, and the decision making process can be overwhelming.

The first step is to interview the client, and qualify the possible cost and payoffs of using Cloud Computing versus a traditionally LAN.   I look at different aspects such as security, backup, redundancy, overall performance, hardware, software, maintenance, internet, productivity, remote access,  utility cots, availability, support, expansion, ease of use, etc.  Ultimately, the pros and cons (including Total Cost of Ownership) are weighed and informed decisions made.  Cloud Computing isn’t a fit for everyone, and it isn’t always cheaper then a LAN (excluding free cloud computing).  Every client has different needs, but I would say that there is a good chance that even just a part of anyone’s business can benefit from Cloud Computing.

In future blogs, we will be posting some of our worksheets that we use to help make decisions.   If you need something right away, you can submit your info to our free consulting request form.  Obviously, you can look on the web for all the pros and cons as well, not to mention call a handful of companies that offer cloud services.  Our objective is to obtain clients that want the personal touch and technology partner.  Hopefully you are left to ponder, “Am I leaning towards sky diving (Cloud Computing) or perhaps I will remain grounded (LAN).”

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“Even though I have the experience of sky diving and pilot of an ultra lite under my “belt,” most of us would not feel “safe,” window cleaning 10 stories up, without rope and harness.”

In the technology world, I am amazed at how many companies have left their data exposed. A solid back up safety system is missing.  Not uncommon –is the new prospect call that we receive where the system has crashed –quite traumatic for that company. This is usually an expensive situation and if not given immediate attention could bring a company to the point of closing.  Everyone knows the old adage, “the shoe-makers kids go barefoot”, in our case I would say we are wearing our NIKE’s.

The 1^st place to focus when discussing Backup Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity,  is Loss Value. There are a few ways to determine this number. Below is a simple formula to determine hr/daily labor costs.  Don’t forget to include the company overhead, which I typically consider to be 25%-30% above one’s salary.

20 Employees x 25.00 Hourly Rate x 8 hrs. Day = 500 per hour and 4,000 per day.

So, in the above case it probably makes sense to buy a 2,000 BDR System considering that only 4 hours of company wide labor pays for a security blanket.  I will be posting a comprehensive checklist on backup systems in our blog, and hopefully everyone will take the appropriate action steps to protect themselves one way or another.    See if my mantra for backup applies to you….

BACKUP MANTRA

Problem:

Comprehensive Backup Solutions are not in place

Old backup systems are not reliable, not tested & slow

Probability:

It’s inevitable that a PART of every system will crash.

Companies and individuals will suffer huge consequences financially and emotionally.

Solution:

Use Redundant BDR (Backup Disaster Recovery) Technology

Fastest, most reliable, tested and most comprehensive

Local and Off- Site Protection

Most Valuable Total Cost of Ownership

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How do you choose the right technology partner?   This is an old picture of me doing my first on-site network installation - unshaven of course.   This image may be dated, but the only thing worse than an ape on the outside is NOT SEEING who your technical company really is until it’s too late.   I have heard horror stories of companies that have hired tech companies; which held them hostage over their own network, have no systems or processes in place, can’t communicate on a business level, see lack of response time, duplicating work order fixes, etc.   Being in business for almost 20 years, we have had our fair share of growing problems, and I can share freely about our issues.  We have learned from our mistakes and have made the changes to make us better.

Back to the question, how do you choose the right technology company?  A common approach is to look at the size of the company,  their experience, knowledge, location, response time, cost of services, etc.   These are all good things to know, but I think it really boils down to whether or not the technology company you are hiring captures the essence of you and your company.   Maybe it is old fashioned, but listening to the client and understanding what they really want and need is the most important part of creating a long term relationship.

My sales training background is based on addressing clients issues, and only after that is realized do you formulate a solution to the problem. I live by an “80/20 rule” during initial sales meetings. I listen to the client at least 80% of the meeting and talk about our services 20% maximum. Once the root of the problem is discovered, then a plan including costs, timeliness,training and technical chalenges is easier to flesh out. I hear owners comment that they have a lousy network, but more often, I believe, it’s the wrong technical vendor.

Do your due diligence when finding a tech company. Hopefully, do it prior to your systems going down and being in PANIC MODE.  Contact us if you need any help in this area.

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Measuring the overall performance of your network can be a monumental task.  Most small businesses don’t have the resources or skill set to actually test the security, speed, backup, processes, documentation, productivity and satisfaction on your network, to name a few.   There are many programs available on the market to do testing and some are actually Freeware.   The biggest challenge is finding the programs that address each aspect you are looking to test, monitor or control.

Since we are a Managed Service Provider (MSP), we are familiar with monthly seat subscription packages for our industry made by Zenith Infotech, N-able, Labtec, Kasaya, etc.   The beauty of these packages is that they encompass a vast majority of the necessary tools in one central console.   These packages are  typically only available to MSPs, and they are  designed to avoid the problems.  Freeware is great, but who has the time to deal with the hodge podge of programs that may have incompatibilities, loopholes, and lack of standardization?

One of the most common questions asked by a prospective client is why their network runs so slow?  There are many things that can cause this problem, and it comes down to methodically inspecting and isolating the problems.   In our experience, the culprit may be the PC, the servers, software, firewall, internet, spam, security breaches, applications, switches, malware, wiring, phones, electricity, etc.

What tools do you need for a clean start? I would recommend developing an outline for your testing process. If youhave the time, you may explore and research Freeware. If time is in short supply, then buy the best comprehensive package  that promises to solve your problem.   Most come with some type of money back guarantee and support for a period of time.    There are both hardware and software solutions available, and most of the time software is a good way to go.  Some high profile manufacturers are Microsoft, Cisco, Fluke, Oracle.   We have installed shareware programs for clients, and typically just charge for our labor.

Hopefully you find the right solution that speeds up your network. It is equally important that you find the right partner or staff that insists on using “Best Practices”during any system set-up.   IMHO, detecting that slow network (over the one that crashes) stops the hidden, daily, wallet drain.    So… get your magnifying glass out, Watson.

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