16
Feb
More and more businesses are outsourcing their IT departments to Managed Services Providers. Are Managed IT Support Services right for your business?
If you operate a business with a complex IT infrastructure, you’ve probably heard of a service called Managed IT Support and have wondered about the advantages this kind of service could offer your business.
You may be surprised to learn that a large number of businesses are turning to a Managed IT Support model to increase the effectiveness of their IT Support and lower their overall costs.
That’s because Managed IT Support models are designed to maintain and optimize the health of your network rather than wait for problems to arise. The result is that your business will experience far less breakdowns that lead to expensive visits from IT tech support.
Even when things do go wrong, a Managed IT Support provider should have a fully staffed Help Desk available 24/7 to offer phone and remote support to nip issues in the bud before they turn into big problems that threaten business continuity.
4 Benefits of Managed IT Support Services
So what are the major benefits of Managed IT Support? Here are just four benefits that are sure to appeal to any business owner who doesn’t have time to worry about his or her IT network.
- Expertise—a great Managed IT Support team is made up of experienced consultants with a wide range of expertise in the IT industry.
- Cost-effectiveness—Managed IT Support providers continually monitor and maintain the health of your network so you don’t have to spend a bunch of money on damage control.
- 24/7 Support—when problems do arise, a great Managed IT Support provider will be available to troubleshoot your problem remotely at any time of day.
- Peace of Mind—when you don’t have to spend your time worrying about your IT infrastructure, you can think more about running your business and supporting your clients.
To find out if Managed IT Support Services are a good fit for your business, contact us today.
9
Feb
Can you believe we’re into February already? AMRCON is gearing up for quite a year.
I was a little confused about how I would title this post—we missed the end of the year and it’s not quite the end of the quarter. I just don’t know where the time has gone. So here I am making up for lost time and getting a report together.
I guess first things first. Our little Domenica turned 6 months old just the other day. I can’t believe it.
Can anyone tell me how I can slow this growing stuff down?!
I mean just the other day Santino asked me if he could come work for me so he could earn some money. He said he has a few things he really wants to buy. I told him the hours and how much I would pay him and I found myself in negotiations with my 5 year old for 15 minutes. I have to tell you he made some good points.
This month in tech history:
1971 – Apollo 14 astronaut Alan Shepard hits the first golf ball on the Moon. With only 1/6th the gravity, I wonder what that really looked like.
1985 – Steve Wozniak decides to leave Apple. He remained a shareholder on the board but he comes back when Gil Amelio takes the reigns.
1998 – AOL takes over CompuServe. Does anyone remember what either of these companies do? lol
2008 – Microsoft makes an official bid for Yahoo! Hmm, see what happened after that?
AMRCON is gearing up for quite a year.
We announced, at the beginning of the year, our merger with MDP, and we’ve been very excited to meet and work with so many new clients.
Along with our ODS Managed Services clients, it seems IT projects and professional services have been warming up quite a bit. For the past few years this side of the IT industry has been very slow due to the economy. If an increase in new projects is any indicator of an economic turnaround, then it should be an interesting year.
I hope everyone is off to a great start. Check in with you again next month.
Sincerely,
Dee Rudko, CEO
30
Jan
Don’t miss an upcoming networking event on Friday 3 February 2012 at the AMRCON headquarters in Matawan, New Jersey.

Michael Slotopolsky, C.P.A. and Managing Partner at Vision Financial Group
Michael Slotopolsky—C.P.A. and Managing Partner at Vision Financial Group—will present on several business topics this Friday, including: The ABC’s of QuickBooks, The Biggest Mistakes Taxpayers Make, How To Avoid An Audit, How To Service A Client, and How To Buy A Business.
An accomplished author with several published books under his belt, Michael comes to us with an extraordinary background. He has also written a series of articles for many different trade publications and has given seminars on topics including How To Find Hidden Assets In a Matrimonial Case, Break-Even Analysis, and Real Estate Workout & Turnarounds, amongst many other interesting topics.
The event will begin with breakfast at 9:00 a.m. at our Matawan, NJ office followed by the seminar at 10:00 a.m.
Please RSVP as soon as possible by emailing or calling Lynn Hatter—whichever is more convenient. You can reach Lynn at lhatter@amrcon.com or 732-705-5057.
Take advantage of this exciting networking event and register today. Seats are limited!
18
Jan
AMRCON is a managed services provider, but what does that mean? And why should you care?
A managed services provider (MSP) is an IT services provider that assumes the responsibilities of managing and monitoring a business’s information technology needs. These needs typically include network monitoring, remote data backup, network security, and other state-of-the-art technology services like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Think of a managed services provider as an outsourced IT department whose sole responsibility is to make sure your IT systems continue to operate at their peek performance levels.
By monitoring your network 24 hours a day, seven days a week, an MSP can help your business avoid many information technology problems before they become an issue, and, if a problem does occur, an experienced MSP technician can troubleshoot and resolve your problem efficiently.
So when disaster strikes, like that hurricane that swept through Matawan last August, a managed services provider can help your business continue running with as little interruption as possible, potentially saving you from substantial productivity and revenue losses.
A MSP could save your business a lot of money.
For many businesses, outsourcing their IT support services is far more cost-effective than setting up and supporting in-house IT equipment.
Plus, for a managed services provider like AMRCON, information technology is our expertise. We have the time and resources to keep your business’s IT system up-to-date and functioning like a well-oiled machine.
In other words, by contracting a managed services provider to handle your IT needs, you’re giving yourself more time to think about running your business, with limited interruptions due to IT issues.
Think your business would benefit from contracting a managed services provider? Give AMRCON a call today. We would be happy to talk with you about our managed services and how we can make your business more efficient.
1
Jan
AMRCON is pleased to announce the merger of AMRCON and MDP Systems.
AMRCON is dedicated to growing and expanding the ODS Managed Services® brand by seeking out opportunities to strengthen our professional team and improve our offerings.
That is why, as of January 1, 2012, AMRCON and Marc Pickard of MDP Systems have decided to merge our two companies to further benefit both our clients and continue to offer outstanding IT support services in 2012.
The merger marks an exciting new opportunity for MDP Systems’ clients as it allows them to access a broader range of resources to manage ODS while continuing to receive the highest level of support-effieciency that Marc has and will continue to provide.
AMRCON and MDP Systems have been partnering for the last three years, utilizing the same hosted platform of ODS systems. We consider it a great honor and privilege to be gaining a professional with as much experience and proven ability as Marc Pickard.
Now, as a client of MDP Systems, you’ll have both the proven technical strength and ability of Marc and the dedication of our entire Network Operations Center to back you up.
We appreciate your business and want you to know that we look forward to continuing to serve your IT needs in the future. During the next few weeks expect to receive communications from the AMRCON staff introducing themselves and welcoming you aboard.

Should you have any questions or concerns about the merger, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer relations manager, Robyn Henderson at 732-705-5057.
Here’s to another great year in 2012!
21
Dec
Have you ever wondered what you would do if your laptop was stolen? What if it contained sensitive information about your business or your personal life? Is it possible to track it down?
One of our clients found out the answers to those questions the hard way when a Howel teenager went on a burglary spree. In a three month period, the teen broke into cars throughout the township. Thankfully, he is now in jail, awaiting trial for a long list of crimes.
Click here to read the full article.
Our client, who will remain nameless, may have felt unlucky when his laptop was stolen from his car, but it was actually that move that landed the teen in the Monmouth County Jail in Freehold Township. Soon after pilfering the laptop, the foolish teen decided to use his newly acquired piece of technology.
What he didn’t know is that our client had his laptop on AMRCON’s ODS!
Our client called us, and we were able to track down the IP address in no time and lead Colts Neck police to the arrest.
So far, police have charged the teen with 19 counts of burglary, 14 counts of theft, two counts of credit card theft, three counts of possession and dealing in stolen property, possession of forged prescriptions, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
That’s a long list! And it’s only expected to grow.
We’re glad we were able to lend police a hand in capturing this troubled teen and that we could help a client in need so quickly. That’s the true benefit of on-demand support—
We’re always here when you need us to lend a hand and get you back on track. Learn more about our ODS Managed Services.
14
Dec
Why do a few organizations achieve great heights and profits despite economic conditions…or the lack of corporate resources…or the tenure of their company?
It can be said in a word: LEADERSHIP.
Leaders define reality:
- They provide the VISION.
- The Vision converts into an exciting MISSION.
- The mission creates an inspired VISION COMMUNITY within the organization.
At our session on January 13, 2012, Rick O’Neil will take us through an exciting inspirational and dynamic presentation that will have you bouncing back to the office to get started! This is one of those “not to miss presentations” that will change your personal life as well as professional life.
The event will begin with breakfast at 9:00 a.m. followed by the workshop at 10:00 a.m.
Please RSVP as soon as possible by emailing or calling Lynn Hatter-whichever is more convenient.You can reach Lynn at lhatter@amrcon.com or 732-705-5057.
Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today!
8
Dec
AMRCON is offering all NJCUL members a free network audit to address the specific technology needs of each member and how to best meet those needs in the most efficient manner.
“For NJCUL members, we can provide an overview of their existing IT environment and how well they are meeting best practices and industry standards,” says AMRCON Chief Information Officer Taras Rudko. “After a thorough investigation, we’ll present our recommendation, both short-term and long-term, for how each member can best meet their technology needs”.
AMRCON offers friendly and effective services to simplify your IT environment and keep you focused on your strategic goals. Our extensive knowledge of the internal operations and functions in a Credit Union makes us a valued partner in managing the complex road to successful FCU technology implementations.
AMRCON has worked with many Credit Unions and has been involved in security reviews, policy and procedural reviews as well as provided mediatory steps in mitigating areas of contention on audit findings for IT NCUA audits.
To schedule your free network audit, please contact John Hendery at 1-800-792-8861 ext. 108 or jhendery@njcul.org, or Robyn Henderson at 732-705-5057 ext. 2300 or rhenderson@amrcon.com.
30
Nov

James M. Giunta, M.C.I.S., M.H.
Join us Friday December 9th at our Matawan, NJ office for an exciting upcoming event—”Learn About Yourself to Benefit Your Business Life” presented by hypnotist James Giunta.
The event will begin with a breakfast at 9 a.m. followed by the workshop at 10 a.m.
Please RSVP as soon as you possible by emailing or calling Lynn Hatter—whichever is more convenient. You can reach Lynn at lhatter@amrcon.com or 732-705-5057 ext. 2350
Seats are limited, so get your spot today!
AMRCON’s AMRCAR gains the attention of the State of New Jersey.
Last month, we unveiled the newest addition to our on-site technician fleet, the AMRCAR, a 2012 Fiat 500.
Now it seems the State of New Jersey has taken notice.
Here’s a lovely over the shoulder shot of the AMRCAR taken on the Garden State Parkway. While we appreciate the publicity, we have to admit that black-and-white does not do her justice. Check her out in full color.

It will be hard to claim that’s not our car. We’ll just have to be a little more careful in the future.
Sorry, State of New Jersey. We won’t let it happen again.