Happy Labor Day!

“We need to do more with less”. I’ve been hearing a lot of that the last few months. What that usually means, is we need to produce the same amount of work with less people or lower cost systems. The less people part is unfortunate, and sometimes as much for the people left working as the people let go. As for the systems, it’s not as bad or difficult as one would think to do more with less. For example, one of the big challenges we have always faced is server performance. We have always used enterprise class servers in our network designs because they provide the best performance possible and everyone wants performance. There is of course a price to pay for more performance, and more to the point, excess performance. I know there are companies out there with servers that are under-utilized. The problem is that buying a server is a lot like jumping over a big puddle, you don’t do it in two steps. It’s all or nothing right up front, mostly. However, with a little up front planning we can capture that excess performance, and do more with less.

By now some of you are very familiar with the steps we have taken over the last few years to do more with less. And before we go too much further, I am talking about value, not price. In short, spending the same or less to do more work, have more options, and be more productive. For those that aren’t as familiar, let me share a few things.

Almost 3 years ago we started working with server virtualization. We have many, many cases where one new physical server has been hosting and running from 2 to 7 or 8 virtual servers. It’s like 7 or 8 families living in the same one family house with all the room they need and never knowing the others are there. It sounds a bit spooky when put that way, but nonetheless it’s what’s happening today.
For the last 4 or 5 years we have been using disk based backups instead of tapes. We believe whole-heartedly that disk is the way to go. The systems we have been selling and using are very effective because they are self-contained, fast and we can manage and monitor backup status from there consoles. Today we have another very cost effective choice. Clients who are using our NetworkCare Service Platform can now utilize lower cost network attached storage units and external usb drives for complete system backups that are managed and monitored from our Service/HelpDesk. In short, upfront costs from $3,500 to $20,000 for centralized backup systems can now be reduced to $500 to $2,500.
Near the end of last year we purchased and started deploying an Enterprise Class Managed Service Platform, many of our Clients know it as NetworkCare. The reason we did this was simple, we knew that with our People, our Processes and this Platform, we could provide better overall Support and Service for the same or lower cost. Since most services can be provided via remote management and control, our travel and on-site times are reduced, thereby reducing cost.
Last but not least is the issue of used equipment and free software. When the budget doesn’t allow for a new server, we have used and/or refurbished equipment available. For some offices, the installation of a used server with one of the free VMware virtualization products is a perfect fit. Sometimes it’s all they’ll ever need, and sometimes it’s good enough for the next 2 years. In many cases we use the free software on brand new servers too, because it’s the best way to go.
We know there are companies running out of warranty servers that have been acting up, and/or their backups are weak or suspect…

You don’t need to be risking your business!

Please don’t risk your business because you think you can’t afford something better, faster or more stable. There are a lot of very good options available today and I am always happy to discuss the pros and cons of these with anyone who has an interest (Call me @ 440-325-2101).


And on a personal note, more with less can be fun and rewarding and all that warm and fuzzy stuff. Several weeks ago we started doing Outdoor Movie Night. My buddy Todd has been doing this for his kids and friends for few years now. I figured I’d give it a try too. So, I bought a slightly used projector, plugged in a laptop with external speakers and we were in business. The first night we had about a dozen people and I projected “The Sandlot” on the back of the house. The picture was about 7 ft. across and we had a really good time. The movie was barely over and everyone was talking about next week already. Fast forward a few weeks and we have about 20 people watching our homemade 16 ft. wide screen made from a plastic tarp and PVC pipe. We’ll still go to the movie theatre now and then, but Outdoor Movie Night in the backyard with family and friends will make lasting memories. And that has Value.

Regards,

Dave

We Have Moved!

After several months of searching for a larger and permanent home, we are very pleased to announce that TrustPoint Technologies, Inc has moved into its new offices. This new facility provides us with the space needed to support our new NetworkCare Managed Services Platform and Help Desk.
Additionally, now that we have a permanent and large enough facility, we will be planning in-house events such as lunch-n-learns and multi-vendor presentations. Since many of our projects include technology from several different manufacturers, it is our intention to develop a “Hands-On” demonstration room to showcase these solutions and their interaction.
In the meantime, if you have any suggestions or would like to discuss an event, please contact me directly.

Please find below our new Main Office Address:
TrustPoint Technologies, Inc.
10800 Pearl Road
Suite B4
Strongsville, Ohio 44136-3380

Our Accounting/Administration Address remains:
TrustPoint Technologies, Inc
P.O. Box 33069
Cleveland, Ohio 44133

Your assistance in updating your records and passing along this information to others on your staff will be greatly appreciated. We value our personal and professional relationships and we continue to be very appreciative of your support. If any of our staff may be of any assistance at all, please do not hesitate to call or email.

Regards,

Dave
440-325-2101
dbasile@trustpointtech.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Those of you that have the luck of the Irish probably don't need to read this, but for the rest of you, well, I think it'll be worth a few minutes of your time. If your business can not afford to be down for days, then take heed of these 3 easy (but crucial!) steps to make sure you never have to experience extended downtime, data loss or corruption. 1. Keep on-site and off-site copies of your data. You never want to rely solely on an on-site backup. If a fire, flood, natural disaster or burglary happens, you're out of luck. Plus, why bet your business on one backup? It is smart to have several backups of your data. 2. Throw your old tape-drive out the window. If you're still using tape drive backups, you could be in for a terrible surprise if you need to restore from them. Tapes are slow, highly volatile, high maintenance and have a very high failure rate. We have found that many companies using tapes only have enough for a week or two worth of backups, and, that the backups are never verified. This means that if a backup is failing and no one notices, your last good backup could be gone in 5 to 10 business days. 3. Image your Server(s) and Workstations. Imaging your server(s) and workstations is similar to taking a "snapshot" or "picture" of your hard drive. Not only does it make a copy of the information (data) stored on them, but it also makes a copy of all the software programs, personal settings, favorites, desktop icons, network settings, printer configurations and EVERYTHING exactly as it is in your current computer. Once your hardware is repaired or replaced, this image can enable you to be back up and running in an hour or two as opposed to a day or two. Rebuilding a server (or workstation) that has crashed, burned or otherwise been incapacitated takes time. Call us during the month of March and we'll perform a No Charge Disaster Recovery Checkup to see if your systems could be back up and running FAST in the event of a major failure. Regards, Dave 440-325-2101

Happy Valentines Day!

Paddle, paddle, paddle. Whatever you do, don’t stop paddling! That’s about all I remember hearing from our guide during my one and only whitewater rafting weekend. I think that was sometime in the mid to late 80’s.

When I look back over the last few years, It feels like that’s all I have been doing is paddling. Lately, I think I can almost hear him again in my head. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here when I say that we are all getting busier and busier. What I have heard the most of lately is “I am overwhelmed”. Certainly for some, it’s the economy that drives them to work harder, longer, do more with less, etc. For others, well, the reason is probably less important than the results. Whatever the reason, I am afraid the results are the same; and certainly not healthy. Not healthy for bodies, minds, spirits, families, relationships or anything else that really matters to us. “They” keep giving us bad news about the economy. You know as well as I do that good things are still happening. But, good news doesn’t sell papers or advertising. To quote our friends in Brooklyn N.Y. I say Fugetaboutit and go about your business in the most positive manner possible. Sure the economy has taken a hit, but, it’s our spirits and our peace of mind that have been taking the beating.

So, that being said, I am not going to suggest you go to a gym, take a yoga class, start meditating, eat better, stop smoking or any of the other dozens of things that could actually lead to a healthier and more peaceful life. Today, I am simply going to suggest two things to you. Two very simple, free and fast (just the way us Americans like it) suggestions.

First, I am going to ask you to pause and think before you forward another negative email or pass on another negative story about anything to anyone. A little bit of encouragement and positive thinking goes a long way. Unfortunately, so does discouragement and negative thinking. And second, find two or three times a day to stop and breathe on purpose. Just for a minute, create a gap in your day, stop the chatter in your head and take a few breaths. If you must think about something, try to think/feel gratitude for family, friends, work, chocolate, hot water, whatever it is for which you are thankful.

If you’re one of the many that are feeling a bit overwhelmed these days try this:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

If your way past a bit overwhelmed, try St. Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

If all else fails, use a lifeline and phone a friend. And oh yes, Happy Valentines day!

Peace

Dave

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Clients,

I am sure I echo the sentiments of many of you when I say I can’t believe we are less than a week away from another Thanksgiving Day. Before the Holidays hit us full force I wanted to take a few minutes to look back over this past year and catch you up on what’s been happening with us.

As many of you know, the later half of 2007 was a busy time for us with the exit of my partner Mike, a plan to create a joint-venture with another I.T. company and our subsequent move to Brecksville.

After several months of discussions we decided that a joint-venture would not be in the best interest of either company or its respective Clients and ended discussions. So, no joint-venture, no merger.

I did feel however that our name change to TrustPoint Technologies would be an important part of our future plans and as we moved further into 2008 I had a few goals.

1. To increase the level of communication between our staff and our Clients.
2. To offer an email protection service for those Clients who didn’t have or didn’t want that equipment in house.
3. To offer a Network Health Monitoring Service.
4. To create a network documentation system for support Clients.
5. To increase operational efficiencies and replace several internal systems with one fully integrated solution.
6. To locate and move to a permanent larger office space.

I am proud to say that we have achieved the first four goals. We have purchased and installed the equipment and software for goal five and started training this week. As for the office space, we are currently considering a few good options.

While some of you joined us this year, many of you have been with us 6 years or longer and some have trusted us to manage and grow their networks over 20 years. And so on a personal note, I would like to say thank you to you all of you for your continued trust and support and that I am truly thankful for you and our Staff.

On behalf of the TrustPoint Technologies Team I’d like to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Dave

Microsoft Releases Emergency Critical Patch

Dear Clients & Associates

Please read this notice and/or forward it to the appropriate person.

Subject: Microsoft Releases Emergency Critical Patch

Microsoft issued an emergency critical update Thursday (10-23-08) addressing a malicious Internet worm that could allow attackers to infiltrate systems remotely and take control over users' computers without any user interaction.

Typically, Microsoft issues regularly scheduled updates on the second Tuesday of every month. The fact they released what is known as an "out-of-band" patch indicates that they believe the vulnerability could be severe.

This vulnerability, which affects almost every Windows operating system, is rated critical for multiple versions of Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003, but is given the less severe rating of "important" for Vista and Server 2008.

If left unpatched, this vulnerability could allow remote attackers to infiltrate systems in order to take control of users' computers and steal data without any contact with a user. Once a machine is infected, it has the ability to rapidly spread to other vulnerable computers within the network.

While all of TrustPoints Support Clients are protected by internet firewalls and End-Point Security Software, we haven’t seen any information on the possible vectors of attack. We don’t know if the current exploits were direct, or if they were delivered via web-browsing, email, instant messenger, etc. And we certainly can’t be sure about the status of PCs that are brought into the office from the outside. Once an infected machine is on the network, it will attempt to infect others.

We typically test any updates first, because on occasion a Microsoft update can cause issues with a system in general and application software in particular. In this case, we will be updating all server and workstations asap. If you are not a Support Client or you don’t keep up on patches, we suggest you consider applying at least this one patch as soon as possible. If you are concerned about your application software, please contact their support staff or website for information. Please be advised that some Microsoft Patches will require a reboot of the system to finalize installation.

If you have any questions on this issue, how it applies to your environment or how to apply the patch, please contact your assigned Engineer, our HelpDesk at 440-325-2102 or me directly at 440-325-2101.

For more information on this vulnerability please visit:

http://www.sophos.com/support/knowledgebase/article/47804.html

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms08-067.mspx


Regards,

Dave

440-325-2101

Holiday Shopping Warning

Dear Clients & Associates,

As we enter into the fall season, we begin to hear talk of the upcoming holidays. While some employees’ have already begun making a list and checking it twice, about 1 in 5 office workers will do some, if not all of their holiday shopping online during work hours. The average amount of time an employee spends shopping for holiday gifts alone can be a staggering 16 hours during the month of December. This is a costly and possibly dangerous way for employees to spend company time and resources, even if they are on their lunch hour.
The holidays place extreme demands on our time and pulling up our favorite shopping sites while at the office may seem like a harmless task, or is it? More than ever before employers need to be cautious about employee’s online activities. Most employees are unaware that the features that make many common websites appealing and user friendly can be compromised and expose your network to worms, trojans, viruses and hackers. The use of your internet connection for online shopping may significantly impact the performance of other business applications in your office.
It is becoming more and more common for the websites of trusted retailers and financial institutions to be defaced, attacked or hacked. These “trusted” sites can easily deliver malicious code to unprotected computers and servers on your network. And, just because it was safe last week doesn’t mean it is safe this week. Additionally, there are spoofed sites that can be presented by search engines that look just like “trusted” sites such as Amazon, Newegg, Overstock and even eBay, but they’re not! These spoof sites are designed to look exactly like the real thing so that you will feel comfortable and safe while entering your user name and password and even your credit card information. These scenarios pose a major threat on a professional and a personal level. While most employees understand the threat that viruses pose, they don’t understand the threats from spy-ware and other malicious code.
With regulatory acts such as HIPPA, GLB, SOX and PCI, businesses need to be vigilant and insure that a compromised PC doesn’t leak sensitive information and expose the company to legal or financial risks. It might interest you to know that a poll by the American Management Association and the ePolicy Institute indicates that 26 percent of companies have terminated employees because of internet misuse.
Most companies have policies in place that define the use of their electronic systems. Make sure your employees are familiar with your company's policies. Companies have a right to monitor employee’s electronic activities and it’s not just limited to the Internet or email system. This extends to voice mail, instant messages, and even postings employees have made on blogs and online message boards. Most electronic activity can be tracked and logged. Logs are usually created in email systems, content filters, browsers, firewalls, etc.
There are several options available to help ensure the safety of your company’s electronic information and assets. While we all understand that it may not the intent of employee’s to harm company assets, we need to be diligent in our efforts to prevent and control disasters from occurring. We suggest that you discuss these issues and any concerns you may have with your Network Engineer or give our Helpdesk (440-325-2102) a call and ask about a Network Health Audit.

Regards,

David


Still not Convinced? Check out these statistics:
• Non-work related Internet surfing results in up to a 40% loss in productivity each year at American businesses.- Gartner Group
• Employees use company high-speed Internet access to visit sites such as Broadcast.com and MP3.com more frequently at work than they do at home because of the high-speed Internet access at work.-Nielsen Ratings
• 85.6% of employees use office email for personal reasons.- NFO Worldwide
• 70% of all web traffic to Internet pornography sites occurs during the work hours of 9am-5pm.- Sex Tracker
• 92% of online stock trading occurs from the workplace during work hours.
• 64% of employees have received politically incorrect or offensive emails at work.- Business Week
• 30% of American workers watch sports online while at work.
• 24% of American workers admit to shopping online while at work.
• 30 to 40% of Internet use in the workplace is not related to business.- IDC Research
• 37% of workers say they surf the Web constantly at work.- Vault.com
• 77.7% of major U.S. companies keep tabs on employees by checking their e-mail, Internet, phone calls, computer files, or by videotaping them at work.- American Management Association
• 63% of companies monitor workers' Internet connections and 47% store and review employee e-mail.- American Management Association
• 26% of companies say that they've fired employees for misuse of office e-mail or Internet connections, and 65% report some disciplinary measure for those offenses.- American Management Association