However, over the weekend Oracle, the owners of Java, released an update that addressed the major vulnerabilities in the application and changed the default security level of Java to High, so that users will be prompted before running unsigned Java applets.

It is recommended that if you are running Java 7 to install this update as soon as possible. The update can be found here on Java’s website -http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp.

To check if you are running Java 7, please follow these steps:

For Windows Vista/7 Users:

1. Click Start
2. Select Control Panel
3. Select Programs then click Programs and Features
4. Scroll down the list to find Java. If your Java says, “Java 7 or Java (TM) 7” you need to install this update.

For Windows XP Users:

1. Click Start
2. Select Control Panel
3. Select Add or Remove Programs
4. Scroll down the list to find Java. If your Java says, “Java 7 or Java (TM) 7” you need to install this update.

Although this is a patch to fix the major security holes, it is still recommended that you disable Java even after applying the Update, but understand that this could have an adverse effect on some business applications. If you find that your application is not running correctly re-enable Java, but make sure you have the update applied.

Instructions on how to disable Java can be found here: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/disable_browser.xml

Click here to read more about the Java Vulnerability: http://www.zdnet.com/homeland-security-warns-to-disable-java-amid-zero-day-flaw-7000009713/?s_cid=e589

If you have any questions on whether your business application runs Java or require assistance getting Java updated please feel free to contact us by email at support@intecit.com or by phone toll free at 877-757-2804.

Showcase.    The  showcase  is  scheduled  for  Thursday,  August  30,  2012  at  the    Cincinnati  Museum  Center at   Union  Terminal  from  1:00-­‐5:00    PM.

Innov8  for  Health  is  a  community  wide  initiative  to  create  a  health   innovation  ecosystem.    Working  together  with  local  and  national  partners,  we  identify,  incentivize,  and  support  innovators  to    create  new  solutions    that  provide  better  heath  and  better  care  at  lower  costs.  The  community    goals    for    Innov8  for  Health  are  to  improve  health,  attract  and  retain  top  talent  and  create   jobs.

The  Innov8  for  Health  Launch  Pad  Startup  Showcase  is  the  culmination  a    three-­‐month    experience    in  the    Innov8    Business  Accelerator.    Seven  innovative  healthcare  businesses    were  selected    to  participate  in    our  intensive  12-­‐week    accelerator  program  and  a    $20,000    grant  from  the    State    of    Ohio’s  Third  Frontier’s  ONE    Fund.    The    Accelerator  program  has  given    them  the  opportunity  to    work    with    established  mentors  from    various  sectors  of  the  healthcare  industry    and  business    community,    develop  a  working  prototype  for  their  product,  as  well  as  meet  with  well-­‐known angel  investors and venture capital  firms    to  seek    funding  for  future  growth.

During  the  showcase  Accelerator  companies  will  show live  demonstrations  of  the  latest software  solutions  designed  to    solve  real  problems  in    healthcare.        This  is  a    great  opportunity  to  see    new  startup  businesses    showcase  their  products    that  have  been  transformed  from  innovative  ideas    into    the  next  great  things  in    healthcare!  This  event  is  open  to  investors,  entrepreneurs,  healthcare    professionals,  and  all  other  interested  members  of    the  community.  Come  support    the  Innov8  for    Health    teams  so  we  can  help  spur  business    development  and  advancement  in  the  healthcare  industry    for  the    Cincinnati  community.

A      list  of  the  Accelerator  companies  and    short  description    can    be  found  on our website  along  with  our    generous  sponsors.  If  you  are  an  entrepreneur   who  may  be  interested   in  seeking  an  investment    opportunity  with    one  of  the  Innov8  for  Health    companies,  please  contact  us  for  more  information    on    the    Healthcare  Executive  Discussion  Panel  occurring  immediately  prior  to    the  showcase.  Thank  you    very    much  for  your  time.  We  look  forward  to  seeing  you  at  the  showcase.

Sincerely,    Innov8  for  Health

                    Sunnie@Innov8forHealth.com

513-­‐284-­‐6154

Owners and Office Managers of Private Medical Practices have their hands full to say the least. On top of their normal duties, most practices are currently working on implementing an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, preparing for a ICD-10 conversion, and dealing with changes in their reimbursement requirements.

“The IT needs of the Private Medical Practice span a broader spectrum than many other types of businesses and the last thing they need to worry about is the complexity of their technology or the reliability of their IT infrastructure,” says Phil Stinson, CEO of Intec Solutions. “Medical staffs need to focus on treating patients and growing their practices. Spending time and energy managing IT doesn’t need to be on the Doctor’s or Practice Manager’s plate.”

Some strategic IT challenges for Private Medical Practices…

• Improving work flow efficiencies
• Interfacing IT systems with multiple locations and/or the medical center
• Implementing mobile technologies

Add on that all this technology has to be compliant with HIPAA patient privacy laws and you have a major undertaking for any Private Medical Practice.

Managed IT Services Make Sense for Private Medical Practices

“The overwhelming IT needs of medical practices is why managed services make so much sense for them,” states Brandon Bailey, IT manager at Intec Solutions. “We can bring whatever services the practice needs to the table fully implemented and supported. We can then design a plan to manage each specific need and all this can be done with a budget friendly fixed monthly fee that can be easily planned or adjusted for growth.”

Tristate Arthritis & Rheumatology Share Their Experiences With Intec Solution’s Managed IT Services Offering

“The proactivity of the Managed Service Agreement (MSA) allows our practice’s IT infrastructure to run smoothly so the providers can focus on treating patients. We miss seeing Brandon around here because things run so smoothly now” says Barbara Goebel, Office Manager of Tristate Arthritis & Rheumatology. “Problems are resolved before we even know there is a problem!

“The latest upgrade to our EMR System has greatly improved the speed and efficiency of our office, which translates into improved patient care. This has been tremendously helpful,” says Dr. Lee Colglazier, one of the 5 practicing physicians at Tristate Arthritis & Rheumatology.

Contact us (859-757-2804) for more information about about how Managed IT Services can help your Medical Practice or Business.

With the popularity of mobile computing and the newer, high functioning mobile devices such as Android, Windows Mobile, and iPhone / iPad, Intec Solutions is introducing a new addition to its flat fee managed services model – Full Support for Mobile Devices. Intec can now monitor, manage, and backup your Android, Windows Mobile, or iOS mobile devices

Data stored on mobile devices is inherently less secure and more vulnerable to theft. 

“Mobile devices, such as Apple’s iPad, iPhone and other “smart” phones and tablet-like devices are everywhere, and as a result vendors have flooded the market with apps that do literally everything” says Phil Stinson, the owner of Intec Solutions.

Data is often the crown’s jewels of a company so keeping it safe is of the utmost importance. Unlike traditional laptop computers, data leakage on mobile devices can be a profound risk. Once a user transfers sensitive data to any mobile device, that data can be compromised if the device is lost or stolen. Companies must keep in mind that most mobile devices were designed for consumer use, not business use. Companies must carefully evaluate their risk tolerance and then secure sensitive information before granting mobile device access privileges to users , since handheld mobile security policies often lag behind similar laptop security policies.

Phil Stinson agrees by saying, “Though many companies have policies in place that requires users to encrypt sensitive data on a laptop hard drive, few organizations encrypt data stored on smaller, mobile devices. Therefore, data stored on mobile devices is inherently less secure and more vulnerable to theft. If a mobile device is stolen, the ability to remotely disable the mobile device and restore it to factory defaults is imperative. That’s why we are so excited about offering this new service. It gives our client the additional peace of mind to enable their mobile work force with the tools they need.”

Contact us (859-757-2804) for more information about the new Mobile Computing addition to the Intec Solutions Managed Services lineup.

They say that technology moves at the speed of light. This is true especially for medical records technology. As more and more medical practices transition from traditional paper records to an Electron Medical Records (EMR) model, the accessibility to and speed at which information is retrieved is truly astonishing.

When considering an EMR, a key feature should be its compatibility with mobile devices such as smart phones, tablets like the iPad, and of course laptop computers. Because of the need for real time, accurate medical information, use of mobile devices doesn’t just offer efficiency and convenience; their application can literally be life saving.

The Doctor’s Perspective

As a busy physician, you are always on the go. Moving between hospitals, clinics, and your own practice is just a fact of life for doctors in the new millennium. As such, mobile devices have become critical to sending and receiving vital patient information, test results, imagery, and lab work. By having the ability to freely move from place to place, knowing your patient information is secure and accessible, you can communicate easily with your staff, colleagues, and even patients. Quicker, better access to medical records means better communication and better health care decisions on behalf of the patient.

The Patient’s Advantage

Patients can also greatly benefit from a mobile device-enabled EMR system. Through a secure login, patients can fill out medical histories and provide medical monitoring information such as blood pressure and blood glucose readings, weight, symptoms, and prescriptions. The time spent in the doctor’s office is significantly reduced by being able to provide this information in advance, and storage for sensitive patient records is no longer an issue. Well-known EMRs with mobile device compatibility inherently have backup, security, and compliance concerns addressed, so you as a physician do not need to worry about these aspects when considering swapping out your outdated paper system for a digital one.

Mobile Device Applications Can Be Integrated or Included

Depending on the EMR system you choose, a mobile device application may be offered as part of the total EMR solution, or it may be an add-on feature. However, most physicians view a mobile device interface an absolute necessity in the Internet age. Health care providers simply cannot afford to function efficiently without a mobile EMR application.

Mobile Device EMR Integration Just Part of Industry Change

EMR systems are here to stay. The question is not “if” your practice needs to transition to an EMR, but “which EMR” and “when”. If you are starting to think about transitioning to an EMR, you will want to consider some important factors:

• Capabilities – what is included
• Customization – to what degree can it be customized
• Integration – What clinical applications interface with it
• Training and Support – What kind of service do you get after the sale
• EMR Solution Provider – a technology partner that represents different EMR systems that can guide you to the right decision – without having to do all the research yourself

Transitioning to an EMR will open up an entirely new world of possibilities for better workflow, improved communications, cost containment, and most importantly, enhanced patient care. With mobile devices as part of your total EMR solution, you will be free to think about practicing medicine, not information technology.

Intec IT has been providing IT solutions for health care providers for over ten years. We are EMR solution consultants helping doctors vet, choose, and implement EMRs that suit their practice’s needs and goals.

Contact us (859-757-2804) for more information about EMR Solutions.

The next Referral Promotion started on April 1, 2012 and runs until June 30, 2012. Make sure you get a chance to win a Dell Mini 1012 Inspiron!

>> Submit a Referral

Brandon Bailey(Intec Solutions IT Operations Manager), Kim Barker (Progressive Podiatry), & Phil Stinson (Owner of Intec Solutions)

Running a busy, profitable medical practice requires the integration of many different elements.  From your staff, to medical equipment, office procedures, insurance, and other worries, patient medical records and their secure management are one of the most critical aspects of your practice’s vitality.  If you are an independent health care provider responsible for your own IT, trying to juggle multiple systems, programs, and paper records can add considerable amounts to your operating costs, not to mention stress and the temptation to tighten the financial belt in mission critical areas of your practice.

Paper Patient Histories Pose Significant Risks

Disaster recovery is not just about forces of nature or random catastrophic events.  Identity theft has become rampant in our society, and medical records are a favorite target of ID thieves to obtain the names, social security numbers, and other personally identifiable information of your patients.  Struggling to house and maintain bulky and dated paper patient files is risky in today’s business climate.  Many states require physicians to house patient records going back 7 years or more, regardless of the patient’s status as active or inactive.  Storage, risk, lack of access control, and the costs associated with these negatives are giving many doctors pause to think about how to balance their need for a cost effective, streamlined solution with the mandate for patient information security, HIPAA compliance, and adoption of modern record storage methods.

EMR Systems Offer Off-site, Secure, and Completely Integrated Record Management

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) provide busy physicians the ability to house their patient histories, test results, digital imaging, prescriptions, immunizations, allergies, and other critical data in one place, as well as manage accounts receivables, medical coding, and insurance reimbursement.  Because EMR systems are hosted off-site at a secure data center, big servers and other peripheral computer hardware are not taking up valuable real estate inside your office, nor do you need to worry about the breakdown or maintenance of such equipment.  In addition, your data is backed up automatically and risk of data loss is significantly reduced.  With a professionally installed, modern EMR system, data replication and remote storage allow you to focus on the health of your patients, not the integrity of their medical data.

Patient Convenience Means Higher Retention Rates

Other than disaster recovery, patient convenience is another bonus of an EMR system.  Instead of arriving at the doctor’s office 30 minutes beforehand to fill out layers of paperwork, patients can securely log into their personal medical file and provide answers on their complete medical histories, family history, and current concerns.  This marketable feature will appeal to both new patients and present ones.

Have a Plan and Have Peace of Mind

With almost half of any business going OUT of business less than five years after a catastrophe, planning for the unthinkable is imperative to your practice and your reputation as a health care provider.  Intec IT has been helping independent medical practitioners choose the right EMR and managing its implementation for over a decade.  Intec can provide custom database management, integration, digital imaging, and receivables management within your EMR.  Intec can look at every aspect of your IT system, identifying inefficiencies, gaps, and potential risks you may have not even thought about.  They can then customize features within your EMR system and provide IT support so you will never again have to fret over system failures and data integrity.

By addressing fears about backup and disaster recovery now, you can avoid the potential downfalls of using out-dated, unprotected methods of patient and business record keeping, saving time, money, and a world of hurt.

Intec Solutions has provided service to the Healthcare IT Industry for 10+ years.

Please contact us (859) 757-2804 if you would like information about how Intec Solutions can help your practice with Electronic Medical Records (EMR).

A Part of Our “Talkin’ IT” Webinar Series

Thursday, July 19, 2012 @ 1pm

This webinar will explain the different ways you can go about taking your business to the next level by leveraging technology. Helping you to find the best solution for your business goals AND budget.

The following will be covered in the “Taking Your Business To The Next Level” Webinar

• Mobile computing strategy
• Workflow improvements
• Systems Integration
• Cloud Solution options
• System Reliability – so you can focus on your business

Trojan Virus Named DNSchanger

A Trojan virus named DNSchanger, first discovered in 2007, is controlling 350,000 computer’s DNS. What is DNS and why does it matter to me? DNS (Domain Name System) translates those easy to remember URL’s (apple.com) in to a numeric addressing system also known as IP addressing (apple.com = 17.172.224.47). Every computer on the internet has an ip address and a DNS server it looks to, like a map, for directions to websites.  Without DNS the web would not be what it is today.  DNSchanger takes advantage of the address translation. So when you go to a popular Website such as Amazon.com or Apple.com, instead of seeing the website you’re expecting, you will get a fake site or a malicious advertising site. DNSchanger also blocks antivirus updates so it can remain on your system undetected.

Since 2007 DNSchanger Has Infected Millions of Computers

Around 500,000 computers in the U.S. have been infected.  Through the infected computers, the criminals have reportedly pulled in around $14 million in stolen funds. This success spurred the criminals to branch out from targeting Windows PCs to other platforms that include the Mac OS and also networking hardware such as routers, so entire networks could be scammed.  Reference – Cnet.com

Why This Matters to You

Back in November 2011, in Operation Ghost Click, the FBI shut down the botnet behind DNSChanger. In the meantime every major anti-virus company has updated their programs to find and remove DNSChanger.  The FBI setup a safety net to filter any reaming DNSchanger infections.  The safety net is a DNS server setup by the FBI in place of the rouge DNS server the FBI took offline. Again why is this a problem?? Because now, the FBI wants to take that safety net DNS server offline this past November. Here is where you’re affected… Once the FBI takes the safety net DNS server offline on July 9, if your PC is infected with DNSchanger  trojan you will lose your internet connectivity on July 9. What do I do now? Read on…

If your lucky enough to be a managed client of Intec  Solutions, meaning you have an active support contract we have already checked and repaired your Server and firewall DNS.  We are asking users to test their individual computers.  If you find that your PC is infected there are instructions on how to remove DNSchanger below.

TEST Your PC

Click on one or both of the links below. The test is instant, so please do not delay.

• http://dns-ok.gov.au/
• http://www.dns-ok.us/

Removal

• Microsoft Safety Scanner –  http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx
• Kaspersky Labs TDSSKiller - http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208283363
• Additional removal information -  http://www.dcwg.org/fix/

Reference

• Internet doomsday DNSchanger defined http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/dnschang.shtml

FBI DNSchanger website

• https://forms.fbi.gov/check-to-see-if-your-computer-is-using-rogue-DNS
• http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/malware_110911/DNS-changer-malware.pdf

Register Below!

The offer includes BDR, Protection Service, offsite Back-up

• Set up fee waived
• First month free

A Part of Our “Talkin’ IT” Webinar Series

Thursday, April 26, 2012 @ 1pm

Data protection and business continuity/disaster recovery planning are almost always the tasks that keep getting pushed down the to-do list. Businesses are so focused on keeping ahead of their competition by offering the latest and greatest technology, they forget their most valuable asset is their data. For businesses that need to compete nip and tuck with their competition, think about what losing your data for a week or more would do to your competitive advantage. That’s why protecting your data is fundamental to the long term success of your business. It’s your insurance plan against being out of the game for a week or more and limping along into the the future with spotty data.  Your home and office are insured, so make sure your business data is also.

This webinar will explain the different ways you can go about protecting your data. Helping you to find the best solution for your business goals AND budget.

The following will be covered in the “Protecting Data” Webinar

• Review Potential Threats
• Discuss Business Impact
• Investigate Backup Options
• Outline a Proven Data Protection Strategy
• An exclusive Data Protection Bundle offer from Intec Solutions ($500 Value)

Each Referral Gives You a Chance to Win A Dell Mini 1012 Inspiron!

This referral promotion will run from April 1 – June 30, 2012. Each referral you send will become an entry for you in a raffle to win a Dell Mini 1012 Inspiron!

Submit Quality Referrals Here!

Dell Mini 1012 Inspiron

A Part of Our “Talkin’ IT” Webinar Series

Thursday, April 26, 2012 @ 1pm

Data protection and business continuity/disaster recovery planning are almost always the tasks that keep getting pushed down the to-do list. Businesses are so focused on keeping ahead of their competition by offering the latest and greatest technology, they forget their most valuable asset is their data. For businesses that need to compete nip and tuck with their competition, think about what losing your data for a week or more would do to your competitive advantage. That’s why protecting your data is fundamental to the long term success of your business. It’s your insurance plan against being out of the game for a week or more and limping along into the the future with spotty data.  Your home and office are insured, so make sure your business data is also.

This webinar will explain the different ways you can go about protecting your data. Helping you to find the best solution for your business goals AND budget.

The following will be covered in the “Protecting Data” Webinar

• Review Potential Threats
• Discuss Business Impact
• Investigate Backup Options
• Outline a Proven Data Protection Strategy
• Provide you an exclusive offer from Intec Solutions to bundle these threat mitigation strategies

The CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark identifies managed service providers who have demonstrated a commitment to providing managed services in a competent manner and illustrates the quality of services each of these companies delivers. It is a commitment to excellence on behalf of their clients. Companies that showcase the CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark logo pledge to follow a robust code of practices that meet or exceed the industry standard level of service their customers will receive.

How Our Clients Benefit

• The trustmark provides our clients peace of mind – knowing that our company employs industry best practices and tools to keep your business systems up and running
• The trustmark shows our clients our commitment to quality – to employees, business prospects, and investors

> Intec Solutions’ Listing

Saving money with Technology is not only smart business but essential in today’s fast passed competitive markets. But keeping up with the ever evolving, ever changing technologies available on the market today can be a challenge even for the most tech savvy.

A Strategic IT Partner Can Simplify Which Solutions Match Your Business Plans and Objectives

Having a technology partner that has experience working with and keeping up with all the new options and emerging technologies will not only give you the biggest bang for your buck but a completive edge. With so many more options now available to the SMB market through Cloud Solutions, SaaS, HaaS and mobile offerings choosing the right solution for your business has never been more challenging. But finding the right solution for your business will be all the more rewarding. A strategic IT partner can simplify your options and drill down to the solutions that will best align with your businesses plans, goals and objectives.

Solutions That Can Help Your Business Grow, Save Time,  and Save Money

Cloud Solutions/Saas – The cloud as well as SaaS (software as a service) is nothing more than an application or service typically delivered over the internet that you can use on demand when you need it. For businesses, that may also mean that you pay for a service or app as you need it based on how much you use. Examples are Hosted Exchange, Server Virtualization, CRM applications or File Sharing (Drop Box, Box.net.) These are just a few of the services easily available in the cloud today. Look for many more to emerge in 2012 and 2013.

HaaS Solutions - Hardware as a Service or HaaS was designed to give business more options when confronting the larger costs associated with replacing hardware or growing and expanding network infrastructures. This is a great option for business with large IT needs but smaller budgets. Businesses can upgrade, enhance and grow their network at their pace. The hardware and solutions can be implemented for a monthly fee. Terms and prices are negotiable and are often rolled into service contract agreements that include maintenance and IT system support. Most contracts will replace hardware that becomes outdated or defective as the contract term matures. So no need to worry about large or unplanned IT expenses to replace hardware and systems. Old systems go out and new ones come in routinely allowing business to plan, grow and succeed as needed. The cost is spread out over time making IT spending much more budget friendly and predictable. This service also gives the SMB market greater access to technologies that would other wise might not be affordable for them. By having more access to technology solutions means having a greater completive advantage.

Back up and Disaster Recovery (BDR) Solutions - Protecting your data is protecting your business.  Since BDR’s are available at almost any price point, they are  the single best cost saving strategy for any business. Make sure to have your technology partner help you choose the best backup solution for your organization. For more information about BDRs see PROTECT YOUR DATA…The essential first step to any IT strategy.

Welcome to the Big Leagues SMB!

The service delivery model in which these and many other solutions are now being delivered has also gone through a bit of a renovation and worthy of mention. All these solutions can now be delivered, enhanced and supported very consistently through a Managed Service Agreements (MSA). This is just a way for a business to pick and choose which solutions fit best for their organizations. With a predictable payment method, solution plans can be designed to fit even the most modest of budgets. No longer will the cost of keeping pace with technology only be for the organizations with large capital budgets. The ease and speed of access to IT and a service delivery model that is business friendly makes for a bright future for the SMB market.

Mike is our newest IT Support Specialist and is a Cisco certified systems engineer with a strong skill set in systems & network support.  Mike has excellent customer service abilities and will be focusing his talents on remote monitoring, management and issue resolution for our service contract clients.

We are very excited to have Mike on our team and look forward to being able to enhance our customer service experience. Welcome aboard Mike!

To report an issue or please e-mail support@intecit.com or call the help desk at 859-757-2804.

What are your goals for this year? Do you want your business make more money? Do you want to lose the clutter and get better organized??  You can achieve both of your goals by cleaning up your IT Network??

A Compliant Well Functioning Network Can Add Serious Dollars To Your Bottom Line

Getting your systems evaluated is a very useful first step in creating your Business’s IT strategy. Having a strategy not only saves you time and money but will help you to better focus on your business goals and objectives and the key roles IT will play throughout the year. Take a moment to see what benefits having a compliant well functioning IT network can do your for business.

The Technology Audit Process

The process of a technology audit or IT system analysis is pretty straight forward and simple, but the result can lead to significant process and efficiency improvements which can put money back in your pocket. In simple terms, the technology audit is nothing more than a detailed inventory of all devices on your network. A quality technology service provider can install an audit tool on your network and compile this data usually within 24 hours.

Technology Audits Identify…

1. Devices that may cause network performance issues
2. Devices that may not be protected from viruses or malware
3. Devices that may not be included in your backup / disaster recovery plan – or even worse no backup or disaster recovery plan at all
4. Older devices that may be under performing or chronically failing
5. Devices that may reduce the overall speed of the network and internet connectivity
6. Devices that have network vulnerability such as an open wireless access point or lack of a firewall

Technology Audits can also discover money saving opportunities such as…

1. Opportunities to utilize cloud services to replace legacy software
2. Identify potential network infrastructure upgrade opportunities to dramatically increase network efficiency and in turn overall employee productivity
3. Identify opportunities to replace regular desktop workstations with lower cost thin client’s or mobile devices

A technology audit is the foundation for creating an overall IT Strategy. With the audit being your staring point and your business goals being your destination, you can develop a road map (IT Strategy) for achieving those goals. It may require an investment to address the issues discovered during the technology audit. However, the efficiency and productivity benefits, which allow you to focus on your business instead of constantly fighting technology problems, will far outweigh the cost.

Please contact us (859) 757-2804 if you would like a complimentary Technology Audit done for your business or just want more information.

Data protection isn’t a new concept, it isn’t hard to do or all that costly given the potential financial impact to a business if data is lost, stolen or corrupted. Data really is a company’s most valuable asset. Having a reliable data backup/recovery system in place is critical and should be considered a top priority in any business’s operational plan. So as much as I enjoy helping companies design, develop and deploy IT strategies for success let’s make it simple, at least initially. Protect your business assets first. Please, get a back-up solution and have it consistently and routinely monitored and maintained. Take the needed time to create and implement a Business Continuity Plan. Taking the time to create this plan is an essential step to reducing the risk of a down time and financial loss. Below are some examples of commonly used BDR solutions. Take some time to discuss these solutions with your trusted technology partner. Have them help you chose one that best suits your business.

Three Ways to Back-up Your Data

The image below provides an overview comparison between these backup types, for detailed information about each back up type consult with your technology provider.

 
Please contact us (859) 757-2804 if you would like to learn more about how Data Backup Solutions can help your business.

The following position is now open at Intec Solutions…

FT Level 1 IT Support Technician

Serves as the primary point of contact for desk top computer support and assistance with related hardware and software. Ability to troubleshoot common technical problems and be able to escalate and dispatch higher tier issues. Must be able to resolve most tier 1 issues via phone/remote support but may be required to aid in assistance on site for customer support.

Job requirements:

- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Must function well in a fast passed team oriented environment
- Associate Degree or equivalent from 2 year collage or technical school
- 2 years hands on experience providing technical support for Microsoft desktops, MS Office and PC hardware/peripherals.
- IT certification desired MCSA/E, Network +, CompTIA A+
- Related experience servicing Desktop systems: XP and 7. Server Systems: Win serv 2000-08r2, Exchange 03-10
- Beneficial knowledge or experience with SQL 2000-210, Sonicwall, Cisco, AVG server, EMR systems and Autotask a plus.

This position has a competitive salary and benefits package with tremendous growth potential in fast paced growing IT Company.

Email Resumes To Emily Stinson

So, if you are in the market for a laptop, PC, or Server, you may want to make that purchase now to avoid a possible price increase or long delay in shipment.

> ZDNet Article about how Thailand floods are causing Hard Disk Drive Shortages.

Please contact us (859) 757-2804 if you would like to place an order or find out more about how this potential shortage of hard disk drives could raise the prices or slow the shipment of new Laptops, PC’s, and Servers.

Small business look to move away from the headache of trying to manage their IT internally, midsize companies needing to grow need extra resources while larger organizations may want to free up internal IT resources to focus on more strategic endeavors. Regardless of the reasons, most companies will need to acquire technology to keep a competitive edge.  With more servers, desktops, laptops, mobile devices and applications comes added complexity to the central nervous system of any business operation. Now more than ever is the need for many businesses to build a relationship with a trusted outsourced Technology partner.

OK, I know I need to outsource by my IT but how do I go about choosing the right IT service partner for my business?

All technology service providers are not the same since each service provider specializes in certain technology.  Make sure to take some time to evaluate a potential technology partner because it not only can save you time and money, it is a very critical step in the safeguarding the future success of your company.

Our Checklist of Selecting the Right IT Service Provider for Your Business

1. What resources do you have to cover (Your Technology Audit)? A good technology service provider should be able to help you with this. They should be able to evaluate your IT systems and help you to determine what IT resources you have and how to prioritize them. This inventory or technology audit is very important and will help determine the amount of support needed as well as identify any critical issues that may need to be addressed.  Many service providers offer this as a free service in hopes to gain your business while others may charge a fee depending on the complexity involved in such an audit. Either way this is a very valuable asset to have in determining your technology needs.
2. How important is each resource? Once you know what IT resources you have, it is important to rank them according to how critical they are to the company. Not all resources will require the same level of support.
3. What do you need to fix and how long will it take? A service provider should be able to give you a range of issue resolution times. These times will vary with issue and may be priced differently.  A good service provider should spend some time with you explaining how different issues are handled and set expectations for resolution times. Many IT issues can be handled / resolved remotely in very little time while others may take an onsite visit to manage. Knowing your resources and how important they are to your company’s bottom line should help you determine if the service provider can offer you and acceptable resolution time.
4. How will you communicate with your service provider? Different providers have different preferred modes of communication. Some will have a dedicated support phone line while others may have an online system where you can log in and report an issue or create a ticket. It is very important that your provider give you clear instructions on how they handle service requests.  Make sure that you have all needed modes of communication. Ask how they handle emergency requests and how soon they would be able to get someone onsite to handle a critical issue.
5. Is 24/7 coverage available? If your company needs 24/7 coverage, make sure that you know how the service provider handles calls or service requests after normal business hours. Some providers may have a different mode of communication during off hours or holidays. A good service provider should be able to properly inform you how to reach them during these times. Many Managed Service Providers can offer 24/7 monitoring within their service contract agreements that would include 24/7 monitoring of critical resources such as servers and workstations. Meaning any issues that happen during off hours would be handled and fixed remotely before you would become aware of them.
6. Can the IT service provider support multiple locations? Ask about the geographic scope of service coverage from your provider. If you have various locations around the county or world make sure they have the resources available to handle issues at these locations.
7. Is software covered? To cut down on finger pointing, Ideally you want a provider who can handle hardware and your software requirements.  You want a vendor partner who will step up to the plate and get to the bottom of the issue and get it fixed.  That means you need an IT partner who is able to deal with your most critical software, whether it is virtualization or tools or applications such as e-mail. Not all providers will be experts in all areas but they should be willing to manage and communicate well with your other technology vendor partners in supporting your overall network.
8. What services are provided for mobile users? Questions to ask about support for mobile users range from how quickly can I get my defective, lost or stolen device replaced to what specific devices the provider supports. People are increasing becoming more mobile and conducting business on smart phones and tablets. Find out if your service provider intends to support these devices or how willing they are to communicate and work with the mobile device vendor you are using.
9. How reputable is your provider? When entrusting a service provider with your IT network, arguably one of the most business critical area of your business, it would be a good idea to check references.  A good provider typically will have good references and satisfied customers.
10. Does your service provider know your business? You would want to select a provider that has experience servicing other businesses in your industry or one that is committed to learning your business and your business objectives. It is a huge benefit to have a technology partner on your team that has already met the challenges of your particular industry and can pass the results of their experience on to you through their work.  A true technology partner will be committed to understanding your business objectives in addition to managing your IT needs.

As you can see there is a lot that goes into deciding who to outsource your IT to.  This checklist will help as you interview IT service provider prospects.  Having a trusted, experienced technology partner on your team will allow you to focus on your business objectives not your technology.

At Intec Solutions, we’ve been in business long enough to have seen a number of IT service providers come and go.  Intec Solutions comes through in all 10 areas for our customers every day and it’s the reason we’ve been in business with a healthy customer base since 1997.   If you are in need of a trusted IT service partner, please contact us (859) 757-2804 today!

How can you do more with less in IT? In this time of economic uncertainty, what strategies should you employ?

1. Stay calm - IT is and will remain critical. Stay calm and proceed methodically.

2. Use Technologies that reduce costs – Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) can save businesses thousands of dollars a year in long distance calls and other communications expenses.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has emerged as a viable mode of software usage for enterprises of all sizes due to its ease of deployment, low cost, and low maintenance. SaaS can provide a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) if you are paying high software maintenance fees and suffering expensive upgrade processes. SaaS enables organizations to eliminate costs associated with upgrading installed software, acquiring and managing hardware, staffing an IT help desk, and using internal IT staff to configure and code changing workflow or reporting requirements. The areas of SaaS application are gradually increasing. Some of the areas where SaaS are widely used include Customer Relationship Management (CRM), human resources (HR) and payroll.

Virtualization decreases the number of servers required, thus saving on power and A/C. It can provide not only cost savings but also increased data availability. By consolidating your servers, you can save energy, lower capital equipment costs, increase hardware utilization by up to ten times, enable continuous uptime with high availability and focus your IT efforts on more strategic initiatives.

3. Focus IT on the finance department - Finance is one of the critical areas where IT can have a substantial impact. Implement integrated systems that help you collect payments from your customers. Even a small improvement in the average number of days of open receivables (days sales outstanding) can meaningfully impact your organization’s cash flow and financial stability. Spending in IT may help with business problems related to tightening credit and cash flow. Look for ways to automate to reduce labor – especially important given likely headcount and hiring freezes. This will also result in quality improvements, as there’s less likelihood for human error. A billing system that is integrated with your CRM, for example, can generate invoices automatically and decrease the workload of the Accounts Receivable team.

4. Make sure all customer-facing applications are stable – Avoid penny pinching on technology that will impact customer-facing applications, such as ecommerce and email. While you can postpone many hardware purchases, for example, don’t do so with aging servers that manage your website or ecommerce. And take extra measures to ensure that email, your critical link to customers, prospects and partners, is never down.

5. Make your network compliant - The number and type of devices on your network matter. The move to more mobile technology means more devices on your network, such as, smart phones, wireless laptops , I-pads. All these devices compete for connectivity and can seriously affect your companies “up time” especially if there in not uniformity in the devices. A properly managed and compliant network runs smoother with fewer issues and less down time saving you time and money. Most MSP’s (manage Service Providers) will include a technology or network audit as part of their monthly maintenance contract or will offer this as a free service once a contract term. This is a very valuable service that can highlight areas of weakness or concern with your internal network allowing you time to set priorities make critical decisions while planning your IT strategy.

6. Investigate Hardware as a Service (Haas) – Having uniformity in your network devices is great for decreasing network maintenance cost and improving connectivity but can be an expensive undertaking up front. Also, replacing servers and work stations routinely is costly and this is where a HaaS (hardware as a service) can really help companies scale back on capital expenses. Most MSP’s can help companies replace and or upgrade their hardware for a monthly fee with no upfront capital cost. The contracts are usually termed out for 3 years and are set up to replace or upgrade devices at the end of the 3 year term making it easier and more affordable to keep networks and devices up to date and compliant.. These managed service agreements usually include a monthly maintenance fee that include any cost to proactively manage, repair or replace defective devices. Managed Service Contracts are fixed monthly fees and can make creating an IT budget much more predictable, eliminating unplanned or unexpected network maintenance expenses..

7. Invest in strategies that give you competitive advantage – Those who invest during the recession will come out of the recession quicker that company who didn’t.

8. Postpone cutting edge or disruptive technologies – Unless a technology can give you a clear competitive advantage or help you reduce costs, postpone it. Overall, it’s a good idea to bias your new-project selection over the next few quarters toward shorter-duration, lower risk projects so your organization can respond quickly to economic changes.

9. Secure, protect and backup your environment – Protect your data, and be sure you can get to it when needed. Look into disaster recovery planning.

10. Re-think how you approach IT -  Are you operating the most efficient and cost-effective infrastructure? Have you analyzed the efficacy of software-as-a-service for your key applications? Is managing your IT environment a core competency? Managed service providers offer a cash-flow-friendly alternative to on-premise installation for projects including email overhauls, Intranet development and wiki workspaces.

Please contact us (859) 757-2804 if you would like to learn more about how Managed Services, SaaS, Haas, Virtualization, or any of the other technologies mentioned in this article can help your business during and after the recession .

Benefits of “The Cloud” –  Access To Businesses Tools and Solutions Once Reserved Only for the Big Boys

Cloud solutions allow smaller companies access to enterprise level technology tools and solutions that until now were only available to larger companies who could afford them. Having access to such powerful technology tools at a fraction of the cost will help companies compete on a grander scale. Of course this is just one way the cloud will help smaller companies compete in a global economy. Let’s not forget how some new cloud solutions will help improve work flow and efficiencies, allow faster access to data and lower the cost of data storage just to mention a few. But my favorite cloud advantage by far will be the evolution of Managed Services in the cloud. This will make so many technology tools available to companies at a predictable cost! A Cloud strategy could take your technology budget from a variable unpredictable expense to  more of a planned fixed expense. And as a small business owner myself having some predictability and control of such a major part of your company’s technology expense is comforting to say the least. Now more than ever will companies be able to manage their technology expenditures. Most cloud service providers will offer a series of services at a monthly fixed cost.

A Competent and Trusted Technology Partner Is More Important Than Ever When Utilizing Cloud Services

So You think “The Cloud” Is For You.  What Solutions and Tools Are Available to your Organization? A trusted technology partner can be worth their weight in gold in helping your business find out how it can maximize all these new options and tools. Selecting a technology partner has never been more critical than it is today and will be in the future. Make sure to pick a technology partner who understands or is willing to learn your business and your business goals and objectives. Select a partner who understands business not just technology. You technology partner should  be able to help you weed through all the new Cloud service offerings and technology tools and recommend what is right for your organization.  You don’t need a technology partner who will just try and sell you a bucket of services or a block of hours.  A technology partner should be a valuable member of your company’s operational team and be instrumental in implementing a technology strategy for success.

Please contact us (859) 757-2804 if you would like to learn more about how Managed, Cloud or other technology solutions can help your business.

The following positions are now open at Intec Solutions…

Application Developer

Intec Solutions is seeking a developer that is looking for career advancement opportunities with a fast growing company.  Strong leadership and  project management skills are desired.

2+ years experience preferred in the following skills…

• ASP
• ASP.NET
• Java Scrip
• VB Script
• C#
• MSAccess
• MSSQL.

Experience in Visual Basic, Java, JSP is a plus.

Contact us (859-757-2804) today for more information about any of our available positions!

Strategic Planning is always challenging but in a turbulent economic environment there are just more challenges and variables out of our control. So Intec Solutions has made the decision to focus more on what we could control.

“During our annual strategic planning session earlier this year, we decided to shift our focus a little,” states Phil Stinson CEO Intec Solutions. “Our strategic focus had been relatively the same over the past few years. We had been striving to sustain our stable and increasing growth by adding new services and solutions for our customers. Even during the tough economic conditions over the past few years Intec has been fortunate to continue to show considerable growth in revenue which was recognized twice by the NKY Chamber of Commerce as an Emerging 30 and one of the fastest growing companies in the region.”

So, with Intec Solution’s new 2011 initiative they set out on a mission to find a way to get reliable and creditable feedback directly from their customers. They also wanted a way to compare themselves to other service providers in their local and regional area as well as similar IT service providers nationally/internationally.

Intec Uses AutoTask to Capture Customer Feedback

Several years ago Intec partnered with AutoTask, a leading Professional Service Automation software they use to manage their internal operations, work flow and processes. A new feature to the system, which Intec has implemented, was the ability of the AutoTask system to capture customer feedback electronically after each issue resolution.

“This has been a great tool for us in so many ways” states Brandon Bailey, Director of IT Operations at Intec Solutions. “The electronic survey is automatically generated in the system once the issue/ticket is closed. It prompts the customer to respond to the service given in order to close the issue/ticket. It allows us to have a greater ability to communicate with our customers and respond to any outstanding issue in a much more time efficient manner. The e-survey consists of 5 short questions that allow the customer to rank their satisfaction from 1 to 5 with 1 being the lowest rating and 5 the highest on our timeliness in issue response, resolutions and perceived technical ability of our technicians. It has been a great way for us to see how we were doing in specific areas and what issues were most important to a customer. We can see where we are doing well and where we need to improve.”

Intec Has Achieved a 4.75/5.00 Customer Service Rating –  A Success For Both Intec and their Customers

Initially Intec was concerned that customers would not want to take the time to respond. This was quickly abandoned after they received over 100 responses in their first few weeks of implementation earlier this year. They found that customers love having a forum to be heard. Good or Bad.

“We really like it” states Gary Jenkins of TASA of KY, a leading provider of third party GAP administrative services and aftermarket products for dealers, and financial institutions. “It gives us the ability to know that issues are being addressed or resolved and for everyone to stay on the same page. We have the ability to determine if an issue is resolved to our satisfaction giving us a voice on our customer experience with Intec.”

“Being able to access measurable data is so valuable,” says Emily Stinson, COO. “I can easily log into our system at any time and retrieve statics on how we compare to over 24,000 IT solution providers in around the country. Our customer rating gets collected and ranked against some of the leading IT organizations in our industry giving us instant feedback on how we are doing compared to some of the best of the best. I am happy to report after a solid 6 months of data are average service rating across all 5 service categories is 4.75! Compared to the national average of 4.69 this gives me great pride in our staff, partners and technicians. I have a measurable benchmark now and I am comforted by the fact that we now know how we measure up against some of the best companies in our industry. We feel very fortunate to have such a valuable tool for our organization and feel that not only will it help us provide better service to our customers but it gives us so much valuable information about what our customers want.”

If you are tired of getting poor service from your technology provider, Contact Intec Solutions (859) 757-2804 today for a free consultation.

Trying To Simplify the Cloud

In its most simple terms, the cloud is nothing more than an application or service typically delivered over the internet that you can use on demand when you need it.  For business, that may also mean that you pay for a service or app as you need it based on how much you use. If you listen to all of the hype around the cloud these days, you may think that if you’re not working in the cloud that you’re missing out on something.  Well, the truth is some organizations may only make limited use of the cloud while it may make sense for other to adopt a wide array of cloud based services and solutions.  It’s important to partner with a solution provider that you trust and allow them to help guide your review and adoptions of cloud solutions that are best suited for your organization.

You Use On-Demand Cloud Based Solutions Every Day (Example: Search Engines)

Most of us have been using search engines for years.  They were one of the first (if not the first) on demand cloud based solutions.   Over the last 15 years or so, the technology of browsers, servers, and development tools have evolved to the point where almost any business application can now be delivered in real time, on demand, over the internet.  You could conceivably operate your entire business using only cloud based applications.  The advantages of operating in a cloud environment are many.  There’s no large capital outlay required to get started.  There are no servers and complex networking equipment to purchase.  You usually can deploy less expensive workstations (or possibly just use thin clients or tablets).  And your operational budget for operating in the cloud is easily managed because the cost is much more predictable. The cloud provider is responsible for the support and maintenance of the application and you just pay when it’s used.

The Cloud Can Allow Smaller Businesses To Use Enterprise Level Applications

From a business perspective especially for the small to mid size business sector, this can be a game changer. The access to large enterprise level applications and web technologies once only available to business that could afford to adopt them will now be available in the cloud for anyone at a much lower cost. This is very exciting for us at Intec as we are now able to offer many more solutions to our clients allowing them to become much more competitive in their markets. Managed Services will play a very large role in how we offer these and many more solutions and services to our clients in the future. I will discuss Managed Services in the Cloud in future articles and blogs. I truly feel the future is bright for technology and the technology consumer and Cloud Services will be a major part of this for all of us.

As You Move Towards The Cloud For Solutions, Make Sure To Take A Trusted Technology Partner Along With You

With every new technology, platform or environment there comes some bumps in the road, and some unforeseen issues as we plow through some untested waters.  So a “proceed with caution” should be a prevailing approach. Utilizing a trusted technology partner will help guide you though some of these. I will mention a few of the obvious issues briefly.  In a traditional “Public” Cloud Solution, all of your data exists in the cloud on public servers.  This may be a concern if you operate in a heavily regulated industry like healthcare where privacy concerns are large scale.  In order to address this, some organizations are implementing either a Private or Hybrid Cloud Solution. In the private cloud solution, organizations will partner with a data center to house their servers and software in a secure environment where only they have access to it.  While a hybrid solution is one in which the private data is kept in the private cloud and all other data remains in the public.

Please contact us (859) 757-2804 if you would like to learn more about how Managed, Cloud or other technology solutions can help your business.

As I mentioned in my last post, I was fortunate enough to get out and attend some conferences across the country this summer.  The most recent of which was the CompTIA Breakaway event in Washington DC the first week of August.  For those who aren’t familiar with CompTIA (www.comptia.org), they are the national IT trade organization and a valuable resource for IT R&D, trend tracking, education and partner building.

Click The Picture For a Slideshow

To kick off the event Todd Thibodeaux, President and CEO of CompTia gave a state of the IT industry report. I am happy to report that the IT industry growth is still very strong even in the midst of a weak national economy. CompTia also reporting an estimated 450,000 unfilled IT positions available across the US on any given day. Meaning the need for a skilled workforce in the IT industry will remain high for the foreseeable future.

Hot Topics: Cloud Computing and Healthcare IT (HIT)

The two hot topics at this year’s Breakaway were Cloud Computing and Healthcare IT (HIT).  I had the opportunity to listen to one of the industry’s top leaders in cloud computing – Dave Sobel, CEO of Evolve Technologies.  I came away with some great information that I can’t wait to share with you (the readers) as well as my existing and future clients. I also attended the Healthcare Tech Summit hosted by CompTIA.  The keynote was given by Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and she had some great insights into what drives the adoption of (or lack of) technology in the medical arena.  For a nice one page snapshot of the Healthcare Tech Summit, please click here.

What Drives Behavioral Change?

My personal favorite keynote address of the event was given by Peter Sheahan, Founder and CEO of ChangeLabs.  He’s a very dynamic speaker and had some great insights into what drives behavioral change and the influencers of “next big thing”.  His latest book “Making It Happen” is great.  I am currently reading it, and I would recommend that you add it to your reading list as well.

Future Topics To Look Forward To…

In the coming weeks on this blog, I’m going to delve deeper into both the topics of Cloud Services and Healthcare IT.  In the category of Cloud Services, some of the topics we’re going to explore include:  What is the Cloud, Is it Safe for Business Applications, and How Can my Business Take Advantage of the Cloud.   On the HIT front, we’re going to be exploring the topics like: Criteria for Selecting an EMR Solution, Current Legislation Driving the Adoption of EMR, The Transition to ICD10, and How Can I Find the Right Technology Partner for My Practice just to name a few.  I hope to try and share what I’ve learned and help you make some sense of the ever changing world of technology.

If you have any specific questions about any topics discussed here, please comment or email me directly.

Phil Stinson, Founder and Owner of Intec Solutions

HI. I’m Phil Stinson, owner and founder of Intec Solutions. Intec is an information technology service company. We have been providing high quality technology solutions since 1997. We specialize in providing the technology solutions that enhance business operations empowering them to improve efficiencies & work flow, save & make more money. For more information about Intec Solutions Inc. and the products and services we provide visit our website at http://www.intecit.com/.

This is my first blog. So to say the least I am not an experienced blogger, yet. I am excited about having another forum to reach my audience. As an IT consultant I have a vast amount of knowledge that I am always eager to share.

This summer I was able get out from behind my 3 flat panels and do some traveling. I love hitting the tech conference scene around the country to see what new and exciting things are happening in the tech world! Yes, maybe that make me a geek, but I had some fun too! I was privileged to be able to here perspectives on technologies and trends from some of the top thought leaders in our industry. Microsoft, Cisco, Gartner, Dell, HP, Apple just to name few. And let me tell you there is A LOT going on out there now and in the near future!! I am so excited about some of the new and exciting technologies coming down the pike and I hope you will be too!

In my future blogs I will be sharing the latest and greatest in the information tech world. I hope to make some sense of it along the way while providing valuable, practical and applicable information about products and services that can enhance your ability to do business. I plan to Talk IT!

Some topics to look for are Cloud Services (what the heck is that and how will it effect the way I do business). Manages Services, Mobile Technologies, Multimedia technologies, HaaS, SaaS just to name a few. And if you don’t know what any of this is, no worries I will fill you in. So I hope you find this blog a valuable resource for you. So lets spend some time and Talk IT! So visit, connect and/or follow me on/at http://www.intecit.com/, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. See you out there!

In a digital economy, IT is the foundation for doing business. Companies of all types are discovering that how they manage IT is crucial to their competitiveness.  How you handle IT determines whether your company’s dealings with customers and suppliers are efficient, scalable and timely; whether employees have the information they need to do their jobs; and whether employees throughout the company see technology as a tool to move forward, or an anchor that keeps them running in place.

A CEO’s role is to define how the company as a whole will do business in a digital economy. They must lead the IT initiatives that cut across all business lines. And it means they must resolve issues that local interests cannot resolve—like what data and processes will be standardized company-wide.

Questions Every CEO Should Ask About IT

• Are we using technology to transform our business, or are we just adding bells and whistles to existing processes?
• Who is making sure the company’s digital strategy is being implemented?
• Is electronic data empowering your people or controlling them?

Intec Solutions Is A Resource For CEOs and Owners To Review Their IT and Answer the Questions That Every CEO Should Ask.

1. Intec provides technology that transforms your business – Our primary goal as a company is to help organizations transform our client’s business and become more efficient through the appropriate use of technology.  We cut through the non-sense and make sure what we are solving a true  business challenges.
2. In most projects and relationship, Intec takes the responsibility of making sure our client’s digital strategy is being implemented. In our outsourced relationships , we are the responsible party that makes sure that once the correct IT strategies are defined, they get implemented and done correctly.
3. Intec takes great strides to ensure that our customers are in control of their data. At Intec Solutions, we feel strongly that data is one of the greatest assets of any organization.  However, without an easy, convenient, and flexible way to mine and access it – it’s nearly useless.  That’s why we include reporting and data mining capabilities with each and every project. Giving our clients a management data solution so that hey are in control of the data and not the other way around.

If you need technology that transforms your business, help with your digital strategy, or better control of your data, contact us for free consultation.

• Requirements: Unclear, lack of agreement, lack of priority, contradictory, ambiguous, imprecise.
• Resources: Lack of resources, resource conflicts, turnover of key resources, poor planning.
• Schedules: Too tight, unrealistic, overly optimistic.
• Planning: Based on insufficient data, missing items, insufficient details, poor estimates.
• Risks: Unidentified or assumed, not managed.

The Most Common Obstacles To Recovering Failed Projects

• Getting stakeholders to accept the changes needed to bring the projects back on track-whether they are changes in scope, budget, resources, etc.
• Poor communication and stakeholder engagement; lack of clarity and trust.
• Conflicting priorities and politics.
• Finding enough qualified resources needed to complete the projects.
• Lack of a process or methodology to help bring the project back on track.

How to Prevail

1. Knowing that over a third of projects are likely to have serious problems, the financial impact of these failures is very significant. It’s easy to say that there is nothing new about the five causes of troubled projects listed above. You should acknowledge the challenge and difficulty of aligning expectations and perceptions across a diverse set of stakeholders.  That is a fundamental obstacle to project success.
2. Acknowledge the reality of project risk for each project and address these risks, improve your communication, emphasis collaboration, and make sure to share information across silos and departments to employees and partners.
3. Find methods for making your projects more adaptive.Try to reduce decision cycle times to keep your projects responsive to changing conditions and requirements.

Forward thinking CIOs will recognize these realities and innovate by constructing a broad-based, long-term campaign to ensure that project outcomes align with organizational interests.

Unless you are an information technology service provider yourself, chances are your time will be much better spent on your core business.

How do you know when it’s time to get IT help?

• Are IT demands affecting your day and negatively impacting your actual business related activities?
• Are you starting to add new employees and computers?

If the answer to these questions are yes then it’s probably a good time to look into getting some IT help.

Should You Hire Internal IT Staff or Outsource It?

Internal IT Staff Advantages – When you make the decision to find an IT resource, your first decision will be whether you need to hire one or more staff to fulfill the role, or if you’re going to outsource IT services. Having dedicated IT staff means they are 100% committed to your business. They’re not splitting their time among numerous clients the way a contracted company might. One of the benefits of having an IT department is that the staff develops a strong understanding of your unique business needs and should be in a good position to manage your short and long term IT requirements. With your own IT staff on payroll, you know you’ve always got someone available (unless they’re out sick or on vacation!) should an emergency or urgent situation present itself.

Internal IT Staff Disadvantages -  Being on staff means that you will be paying for their benefits, their training, and a variety of other costs associated with hiring a new employee. Not to mention, you have to pay them the agreed upon salary regardless of how much IT work you end up having, which means you may be overpaying based on workload!

Outsourced IT Advantages - There are a variety of advantages of outsourcing to an IT service provider over hiring staff. You can choose to outsource your information technology needs to a flat rate IT service provider and reduce your monthly and overall costs. Having a virtual IT department lets you focus more on running your business rather than the technology that supports it. You aren’t stuck paying employee benefits or other employee costs, and you aren’t responsible for making sure the IT team remains up to date with their training and knowledge.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right information technology help for a growing business needs is challenging. When you think strategically about your business’ unique IT requirements, you can make sound decisions that further promote its growth and profitability.

If it’s time to outsource your IT, contact us for a free consultation.

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