August 2008
In this issue

√ ITS Enhances
    Account Management
    Team
√ Productivity Calling
√ Microsoft Demo
√ ITS Repeats Inc. 5000
    Recognition
√ Employee Spotlight
 

A long time ago we realized that fixing computers was only about half of what we do. Communication, setting your technology roadmap, and higher level consulting is really the reason we keep clients year after year. Over the last couple of years account management has become so important, in fact, that we've quadrupled the size of our client service department while doubling the size of our engineering team. Today, we have 12 full-time employees dedicated to servicing clients only.

On the network services side of our business we've added a new position in 2008 -- the Virtual Chief Information Officer (VCIO). Some companies call this position "Account Manager", but we believe that our mission is to truly serve as your trusted advisor when it comes to technology. Most of you don't have a CIO - that's where we come in. Making sure you have what you need day-to-day is important, but making sure you have a long-term technology strategy is even more important.

By now, those of you on our SharedVision plans know who your VCIO is – either Tina Bruzas, John Kodsi, or Lauren Kane. Tina, John, and Lauren are going to be more visible in the coming months as we implement new procedures to make your networks even more stable and your employees even more productive. With the rapid proliferation of spyware and viruses, we need to clamp down a bit more on what kind of trouble users can accidentally get into.

And we want to know what you think -- all the time. Every service request we close has a survey attached, and our management team reads every one. We've also created a couple of new generic e-mail addresses that you can send concerns or suggestions to. The first is soundoff@itsolutions-inc.com. It's your outlet for general comments you have (positive or negative) about ITS. It goes directly to our senior management team and every e-mail will be responded to. And suggestionbox@itsolutions-inc.com is the best way for you to let us know about a new product or service that you think we should be offering or about a process you'd like to see us improve.

Overall, we think we're putting our efforts in the right areas with this push into client service and the VCIO position, but maybe you don't think so? Let us know at one of the addresses above. We look forward to hearing from you.

Your company's IP network already enables your employees to use the internet, e-mail and web resources on the job. But did you know the very same technology can help your company save money -- by transmitting phone calls through voice data in packets using IP rather than a traditional phone line?

If your company is like many SMBs, you're on a fast track of growth but want to keep your business expenses from running amuck. One way to achieve both goals is through a robust technology called Voice over IP (VoIP).

This technology was once touted as a solution of the future, and today is already proving its worth for many SMBs seeking to prepare for the future.

What exactly is VoIP?

To ensure that all your company publications and marketing materials reinforce your business brand, it's important that your logo, colors, fonts, and other branding elements are used in a consistent way. Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 makes it easy to choose and save design details and business information — including a company logo — to use whenever you want to create a business card, data sheet, brochure, or other business publication.

Start with a predesigned scheme and then customize the color, font, page format, and more. You'll see your choices reflected instantly in a design preview as you click through the options. When you're finished, save the customized scheme to use in all your business publications. Watch the demo to see how it's done.