Lessons from the Technical Frontlines

Should I install Windows 7 Service Pack 1?

2011-04-01T15:39:00.000-06:00

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 became available last week (3/15/2011) and if you're a Windows 7 user, or you run Windows 7 clients in your network, you're probably asking yourself the following three questions:

What's new in Service Pack 1?
Have there been any problems with Service Pack 1 since it's release?
Do I need to install it?

What's new in Service Pack 1?

The answer is not much. Service Pack 1 largely is a roll up, or collection, of security fixes and patches that have been made to the Operating System since it was released. Service packs such as this one largely assist users when the need arises to reload a system. Being able to have pre-downloaded a service pack such as this one which contains a roll up of updates helps the installer because he/she does not need to download the fixes and patches individually and apply them (which can take some time).

Have there been any problems with Service Pack 1 since it's release?

There are always some problems that get reported with any patch, fix or service pack when it's released, but the problems being encountered with Service Pack 1 appear to be relatively benign.

Do I need to install it?

Since this Service Pack consists largely of previously released updates, fixes and patches, it is not something you need to rush out and install. If Analytics runs your network, we will likely be copying this service pack to your servers and using it in re-deployments of your business network systems.

Watch out for the Lone Ranger

2009-06-22T14:42:00.000-06:00

Does your business rely on a Lone Ranger to manage your IT needs?

On TV the Lone Ranger was a hero who would:

Show up right when you need him
Reliably defeat the bad guys
Took whatever time was needed to get the job done
Was dedicated to the job of enforcing justice

In real life, The Lone Ranger who manages your network might:

Not be available when you need him
Be unable to solve certain issues
Not have enough time to complete the work you need done
Be looking for another job while he works for you

If you are running your business from inside of a fantasy television show, then you should use The Lone Ranger. If you are running your business in the real world, you should use Analytics.

At Analytics we employee several practices to avoid some of the short comings of "one man show" IT support show.

Multiple Technicians are trained on your systems - This means that if your primary technician takes a vacation, is sick, attending to another client or otherwise unavailable there will be other technicians who are trained on your network and who know your needs who can help you out.
Diverse Backgrounds - Having more than one technician means that we can call on each other for information. Our technicians have all come from different backgrounds and specialize in different aspects of your network. If you have a problem, Analytics can solve it.
Fluid Scheduling - Since Analytics has an established client base and multiple employees we anticipate and expect a certain amount of flexibility will be needed in our schedules. If we find an issue on your network that needs special attention, rest assured that we will be able to take care of it. One man shows typically have completely booked schedules which lead to a lot of "we'll get that next time" mean while the issues keep occurring on your network.
Reliable Service - All Analytics technicians are full time employees. As a result you are not working with someone who is between jobs and filling the gaps while he looks for full time work. Often times The Lone Ranger will get a full time job, and take all of the knowledge regarding your network with him. Usually you do not find this out until you have a problem and need some IT expertise. This leaves you in a very bad position no "Lone Ranger" no "Tonto" your IT problems are now your problems, as if you don't have enough problems already. With Analytics, this is not an issue we have been in business since 1995 we are here today and will be here tomorrow.

Hi-yo, Silver, Away!!!

Why pay for Custom Programming?

2009-06-05T11:38:00.000-06:00

In the modern workplace, it seems it's impossible to get all aspects of business covered without having to use a computer. In order to accomplish what we need to accomplish we try and find software that matches our goals. Almost everyone in business uses a standard set of tools, a Word Processor, Email, perhaps Financial Software, or a Spreadsheet Program. These tools help us to be more efficient, productive and organized. But a question that we often get asked is when the right time is to switch over to software from Analytics, custom written for your business?

Custom Programs are a little bit like computers themselves. Theoretically, we understand what they are there for, but once we start to use them we don't know how we lived without them in the first place. If well written, Custom Programs can change the way you do business:

Better Collaboration - In Organizations where a project will go through multiple people or departments before reaching completion, Customized Programming can be used to speed up your work flow as well as enhancing the inter operation of you business. If the entire work flow of your project is taking place inside of a single application, then Team A can see where things are with Team B. Managers and Administrators can oversee the entire process and identify road blocks in the process. Communication systems can be implemented in the program to communicate status' for various stages of a project. Without a Custom Program, people and departments are left to fend for themselves when communicating stages of a project or client.

Better Communication - Custom Programs can also be used to stay in better contact with your clients. Use email or web notifications to alert your clients of changes to their accounts, updates to projects, and completion of services. Communicate back and forth with your clients directly from software and keep the relevant data communicated with the project.

Data Collection - When you write a Custom Program your software will begin to collect data for you. You can use this data to improve and tighten your business, making you more competitive. Find out, for example, what the average turn around time is for a project. Collect data on which department in your organization is most efficient. Analyse your volume of business on a yearly, monthly, weekly or daily basis.

Depending on what you want programmed, and how you want it programmed there are many different features and benefits available. If you think that writing custom software may help your business contact Analytics or view our Custom Programming page for more details. Our suggestion, if you are unsure if Custom Programming will help you or not, is to wade into the waters gradually. Try taking a process at your company which does not currently have software associated with it and develop some simple software to help you through it. Then track your results. We think you will be beyond amazed at the differences which Custom Programming can have on your business.