January 13, 2011

Introducing Avelient

Mariano DiFabio, the featured speaker for the January Partner meeting, is the President of Avelient, a website company that provides website design and development, and social media consulting. As an integrated AMRCON Partner, Mariano is the force behind the AMRCON website and websites developed for AMRCON clients.

Does Your Website Build Your Brand?

Featured Speaker: AMRCON Partner, Mariano DiFabio

mariano.difabio@avelient.com

Mariano DiFabio, the featured speaker for the January Partner meeting, is the President of Avelient, a website company that provides website design and development, and social media consulting.  As an integrated AMRCON Partner, Mariano is the force behind the AMRCON website and websites developed for AMRCON clients.

“Websites are no longer billboards for your business,” said Mariano.  “In today’s web focused market, websites must be dynamic and express ideas that help companies build their brands.”  When a company uses its website along with social media such as Facebook to build relationships with customers, the customers will continue to come back and the sales will spring from there.  “The web is interactive – it can’t only be about a company selling a product.  Customers want to be involved and have an exchange.” Continue Reading

May 27, 2010

Server Room Monitoring through APC

As networking equipment and servers become more powerful, and costs begin to rise on their support contracts, the environment is usually the last item that is budgeted for. Today, small businesses utilize spare closets, medium businesses may have a dedicated equipment room, and larger corporations will have a custom built data room. As we safeguard our investments against file viruses, email spam, and internet hackers, we have seen in our experience, that the actual monitoring of the network room, is usually sub-par.

Although you don’t need to have an entire Cloud System in your office or a VMWare infrastructure running a server farm, most company’s will have an Active Directory Domain Controller, Email Server, and possible a dedicated File Server. While we pour resources and funds into the server management aspect to ensure we can work, and communicate, we sometimes don’t stop and realize the very basic health of the room:

(1) Multiple extension cords, surge strips, overloaded electrical outlets.

(2) Servers and Network Equipment dispense great amounts of heat that need an escape.

(3) Do we really know how much time is left on the batteries (if any at all).

Utilizing the best equipment, requires the best monitoring to ensure that your systems stay online without downtime. When installing any of the different models of APC Symetra units (Batteries, KV Power Modules, Environmental Modules), they each perform a different function and safeguard. The batteries allow the run-time to increase if you lose electrical connectivity in the building, the Power Modules increase the load capability of the unit, and the Environmental Modules monitor temperature and humidity in the room.

By accessing the web based interface of the APC/UPS Network Management Card that installed in the unit, you have a dashboard of the health of the environment at your fingertips. You can instantly see the Equipment Load, Battery Run-time, Temperature and a slew of other usual monitoring. The application allows you to setup multiple server monitoring, graceful shutdown thresholds, and the most important feature is EMAIL notification or SNMP alerting. If the device switches to battery, you are notified; if it gets too hot; you are notified. Data can be damaged if servers just power off. Equipment can be damaged if the AC unit fails or overheats.

As equipment is an investment, so should the proactive monitoring.

For a walk-through of our new data center, feel free to contact us at AMRCON, and we can schedule a meeting.

May 18, 2010

Get Ready; The New ODS interface is coming

The new ODS “Virtual System Administrator” interface is almost ready for live launch. We have spent months preparing, building and testing the new function ability of this state of the art server. The entire environment is built on the proven technology of 64bit platform of Windows Server 2008, and utilizes the database scalability of Windows SQL Server 2008.

We decided to install on a HP DL380 server, Dual XEON processor, 10GB of Memory, and 2 RAID arrays, as this is a powerhouse of hardware, capable of handling some of the most system intensive programs.

The Graphical User Interface has been completely redesigned. The module tabs and function lists have been combined into a single expandable-collapsible explorer like navigation pane

Some of the new features include “Users, Scopes and Roles”, for added security and access for Master Administrators, Consultants and End Users. Computer groups have also been migrated into Organizations, Machine Groups and Departments.

The Info Center includes a new function called the INBOX. The inbox holds messages generated by other users or by the ODS System. Much like email, you can use it as a method of system notification or to communicate with other ODS users.

With a goal of minimal user interruption Live Connect gives you the tools to do anything and everything you can imagine with an agent, directly.

Complete Agent Data including procedure history

• Audit Information
• A robust drag and drop file manager for transferring files to and from the agent
• Command Prompt
• Remote Registry Editor like regedt32.exe
• Task Manager to see running processes and resource consumption
• Full Featured Event Viewer
• Ticketing interface to update active issues directly
• Chat for IM like conversations with the agent user
• Desktop Access for full interactive remote control of the agent
• Discovery is a tool to sweep the local network(s) of the agent and discover all network nodes
• Video Chat allows for fully interactive face to face video chatting with the agent user if their machine has a camera

April 1, 2010

How to Improve Wireless Networking

     If Windows ever notifies you about a weak signal, it probably means your connection isn’t as fast or as reliable as it could be. Worse, you might lose your connection entirely in some parts of your home. If you’re looking to improve the signal for your wireless network, try some of these tips for extending your wireless range and improving your wireless network performance.

1. Position your wireless router (or wireless access point) in a central location
When possible, place your wireless router in a central location in your home. If your wireless router is against an outside wall of your home, the signal will be weak on the other side of your home. Don’t worry if you can’t move your wireless router, because there are many other ways to improve your connection.

2. Move the router off the floor and away from walls and metal objects (such as metal file cabinets)
Metal, walls, and floors will interfere with your router’s wireless signals. The closer your router is to these obstructions, the more severe the interference, and the weaker your connection will be.

3. Replace your router’s antenna
The antennas supplied with your router are designed to be omni-directional, meaning they broadcast in all directions around the router. If your router is near an outside wall, half of the wireless signals will be sent outside your home, and much of your router’s power will be wasted. Most routers don’t allow you to increase the power output, but you can make better use of the power. Upgrade to a hi-gain antenna that focuses the wireless signals only one direction. You can aim the signal in the direction you need it most.

4. Replace your computer’s wireless network adapter
Wireless network signals must be sent both to and from your computer. Sometimes, your router can broadcast strongly enough to reach your computer, but your computer can’t send signals back to your router. To improve this, replace your laptop’s PC card-based wireless network adapter with a USB network adapter that uses an external antenna.

5. Add a wireless repeater
Wireless repeaters extend your wireless network range without requiring you to add any wiring. Just place the wireless repeater halfway between your wireless access point and your computer, and you’ll get an instant boost to your wireless signal strength. Check out the wireless repeaters from Cisco or Linksys.

6. Change your wireless channel
Wireless routers can broadcast on several different channels, similar to the way radio stations use different channels. In the United States and Canada, these channels are 1, 6, and 11. Just like you’ll sometimes hear interference on one radio station while another is perfectly clear, sometimes one wireless channel is clearer than others. Try changing your wireless router’s channel through your router’s configuration page to see if your signal strength improves. You don’t need to change your computer’s configuration, because it’ll automatically detect the new channel.

7. Reduce wireless interference
If you have cordless phones or other wireless electronics in your home, your computer might not be able to “hear” your router over the noise from the other wireless devices. To quiet the noise, avoid wireless electronics that use the 2.4GHz frequency. Instead, look for cordless phones that use the 5.8GHz or 900MHz frequencies.

8. Update your firmware or your network adapter driver
Router manufacturers regularly make free improvements to their routers. Sometimes, these improvements increase performance. To get the latest firmware updates for your router, visit your router manufacturer’s Web site.

9. Pick equipment from a single vendor
While a Linksys router will work with a D-Link network adapter, you often get better performance if you pick a router and network adapter from the same vendor. Some vendors offer a performance boost of up to twice the performance when you choose their hardware: Linksys has the SpeedBooster technology, and D-Link has the 108G enhancement.

10. Upgrade 802.11b devices to 802.11g
802.11b is the most common type of wireless network, but 802.11g is about five times faster. 802.11g is backward-compatible with 802.11b, so you can still use any 802.11b equipment that you have. If you’re using 802.11b and you’re unhappy with the performance, consider replacing your router and network adapters with 802.11g-compatible equipment. If you’re buying new equipment, definitely choose 802.11g.

March 16, 2010

Wright Line helping AMRCON with proven solutions!

Wright Line has been a partner of AMRCON since it’s beginning. In fact I have been working with them in other businesses since 1998. Their furniture technology and lifetime guarantee were among 2 of the top reasons they were our first choice. So let me take you through a brief history. In 1999 the company that I was with purchased data center, office furniture and advanced network operation center furnishings, which were employed for several years. The solutions were second to none. It went through aggressive daily use and maintained perfect utilization and appearance. In 2008 the original company was absorbed by a company that decided to close that office. AMRCON purchased the furnishings and shipped them to Keyport, were they were redeployed into our NOC, back office and other areas. We needed very little refitting and Wright Line was happy to provide new CAD drawings on how they could be redistributed. If you’ve visited the office over the past 2 years you would have seen the solutions. Now that AMRCON is moving, Wright Line has agreed to assist us in new designs to refit the furniture once again and make certain that we are getting the maximum out of our assets.

This will now be the 3rd home for some of these pieces. The point is that even when items were damaged in shipping Wright Line was there. Even when we needed new pieces to fit new configurations, Wright Line still produced the parts. Even when we needed to purchase new solutions to add to our office and match to existing aspects, Wright Line was able to provide the solutions. We’ve always been able to get parts quickly, service to assist us in reassembly and getting new CAD drawings to get an idea of how things were going to look. The bottom line is AMRCON has a personal story to share here. We have a proven track record with an investment originally made over 10 years ago, still innovative, still providing a great solution for years to come. What do you look for in a furniture solutions provider? Are you working direct with a manufacturer or a broker/dealer? There is a difference I invite you to contact our representative with any questions at anytime Dennis Kilgariff dennis.kilgariff@wrightline.com or 215-778-5483.

So here is a peek at what AMRCON will be deploying in the new site, click on any of the drawings found on this page. Take a look around and let us know if you have any questions. These drawings and more will be available in the new office, where each CAD drawing will be posted on the corresponding walls. We will have before and after shots to give you an idea how you might be able to use Wright Line in the future.

March 8, 2010

Windows XP move over; Windows 7 is “Business” Ready

With Windows Vista having never received more than a lukewarm reception (at best), many eyes have turned towards Microsoft’s next OS. The company says it has learned from its mistakes and promises to do better this time around with Windows 7. Since it will come pre-installed on most new desktop PCs and notebooks, Windows 7 will inevitably gain a certain installation base. The situation was different when Windows Vista was released, as many users chose to stick with Windows XP for the time being. That won’t be as much of an option this time, since most companies no longer offer XP. Of course, manually downgrading will still be possible if you have an installation disc and a valid license. On the other hand, Windows 7 is generally being seen in a much more favorable light than Vista anyway. It looks like a lot of users may give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt.

Windows Vista was harassed with many complaints and negative reviews but high hopes are set for Windows 7. Windows 7 has created hustle and bustle and has become the talk of the town. Windows 7 flags many new features that are smooth and highly finished. Many enhanced features have been introduced such as new graphical features, enhanced task bar and security that makes it safer and user friendly. Additionally, it does not demand hardware upgrades that were needed in Windows Vista. Microsoft released and made available beta and one release candidate for public testing process for Windows 7 which is the largest shareware trial period offered by any and it does not prove to be irritating as Vista was. Microsoft is providing the users with six versions of Windows 7: Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, OEM, and Enterprise but basically three versions are being promoted by Microsoft; Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate.

The best improvements that Microsoft has made are in taskbar that features pinned program, jump lists, aero peek, aero snap, aero shake, etc. It is now quite easier to resize the windows, change theme packages. With windows media player you can stream media files, over the network, to another computer. Device stage allows you to combine printers. Native search features have also been improved in Windows 7, all the files that are added to hard drive can be easily indexed. use your fingers over mouse with new touch features. Many new features have been introduced in Windows 7 that surpasses the reputation created by earlier operating systems. Windows 7 is obviously not a Vista service pack. Windows 7 has a lot of new features and is clearly designed to fix all bad things people said about Vista. This means that Windows 7 is what Vista should have been in the people eyes. Windows 7 will totally feel like a revelation from the glassy future if you are coming from Windows XP. You’ll definitely say that Windows 7 is much better than Vista if you are upgrading your computer or laptop from Vista.

The bad effect of Windows Vista

Clearly, the public opinion of Windows Vista has left a deep impact on Microsoft. However, based on the biggest Windows 7 beta testing process in history, we can say that it sure won’t look like the upset Vista launch at all. There was a solid chance that your computer ran like crap or your programs didn’t work if you installed Vista on your PC within the first month of its release as the drivers compatible with Vista were not available. But that’s not the case with Windows 7. Windows 7 hardware requirements are basically the same as they are for Vista and it runs better than Vista on that hardware. Windows XP was a great OS of its time. Windows Vista failed to wind people hearts. But what people said about Windows 7 was that it is more fast, solid and the easiest Windows yet. Windows 7 is something people can grab without fear.

The Windows 7 Professional edition is designed for small business users.

It includes all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium, and adds the ability to join in a Windows Server domain. Windows 7 Professional offers various features that you won’t find it in Windows 7 Home and Starter editions. Additional features include features like Remote Desktop server, XP Mode, Network Backup, Offline files, AppLocker, BitLocker to go and ability to join a domain.

1. XP Mode: Windows 7 supports virtualization, so you can run Windows-XP-compatible applications. XP mode will allow you to run your existing applications on Windows 7 system. Windows XP Mode is an add-on for Windows 7 Professional and higher that comes in two parts, each of which has its own setup. The first is Windows Virtual PC, a new version of Microsoft’s free desktop virtualization platform, and the second is Virtual Windows XP itself, which is a virtual hard drive pre-loaded and licensed with Windows XP Service Pack 3. XP Mode will be available to Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate users.
2. Backup to network: Doesn’t sound like a big convenience, but beats the pants off having to provide and/or manage plug-in external USB drives when big storage or backup servers are readily available.
3. Offline files: New enhancements to this capability which controls synchronization between local and network copies of files, especially those that support policies about which ones sync and which ones don’t, may be appealing or convenient for IT professionals but probably not to end users.
4. Join Windows Domain: Absolutely, positively essential for most corporate or organizational networks. If users want to get any work done on the business network, they must first log in. If they can’t interact with Active Directory.
5. Remote Desktop Host: A great tool for IT professionals who might need to poke around on, or manage end-user computers remotely. Unless your help desk/IT staff have some kind of analogous third-party tool set, go to My PC, Remote Control Pro, numerous versions of VNC, and so on.
6. AppLocker: It is a secure, easy to use utility that enables IT professionals to determine exactly what is allowed to run on user desktops. It restricts unauthorized software while allowing applications, installation programs, and scripts that users need.
7. BitLocker & BitLocker To Go: This tool protects data on systems and provides encryption for removable drives, with manageability to enforce encryption and backup of recovery keys. Windows 7 extends BitLocker protection to USB storage devices while making the original functionality even easier to use.

February 17, 2010

February 2010 Recommended Top Picks

Workstations-Entry Level

Workstations-Mid Level

Laptops-Entry Level

Laptops-Mid Level

February 16, 2010

Windows Mobile 7… coming soon to a PDA near you

Windows Mobile 7… coming soon to a PDA near you 

Apple Inc. rocked the wireless business by combining the functions of a phone and an iPod. Now, more than two years later, Microsoft Corp. has its comeback: phone software that works a lot like its own Zune media player.  The software, which was unveiled Monday at the Mobile World Congress, is a dramatic change from previous generations of the software that used to be called Windows Mobile. Microsoft’s mobile system powered 13.1 percent of smart phones sold in the U.S. last year, according to research firm In-Stat. That made it No. 3 after Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry and the iPhone. But Microsoft has been losing market share while Apple and Google Inc.’s Android gained.  All the while, the market is becoming increasingly important. People are spending more and more time on their phones, and the devices steer people to potentially lucrative Web services and ads. 

Phones with the new software will be on the market by the holidays, Microsoft said. All four major U.S. carriers will offer phones, just as they sell current Windows phones.  The new ones won’t be called “Zune phones,” as had been speculated. The software will be called “Windows Phone 7 series.” With the new software, “We really wanted to lead and take much more complete accountability than we had in earlier versions of the Windows phone for the end user experience,” CEO Steve Ballmer said at the Barcelona launch event.

 Microsoft is imposing a set of required features for Windows phones. Manufacturers must include permanent buttons on the phone for “home,” “search” and “back”; a high-resolution screen with the same touch-sensing technology as the iPhone; and a camera with at least 5 mega pixels of resolution and a flash. Hardware QWERTY keyboards will be optional.  A test device from Asus, also had a front camera and a speaker.

 Just as it did with the Zune, Microsoft has tried to avoid an icon-intensive copy of that setup. Instead, it relies more on clickable words and images pulled from the content itself. For example, if you put a weather program on the device’s home page, it shows a constantly updated snapshot of conditions where you are, rather than a static icon that you have to click in order to see the weather.  The idea of pulling information from different Web sites, like Facebook, and presenting them on the phone’s “home” screen isn’t unique to Microsoft: Motorola Inc. and HTC Corp. have created such software for their own phones.

 Windows Phone 7 Series borrows the clean look of the Zune software, departing from the more “computer screen” look of earlier Microsoft efforts. These were also reliant on the user pulling out a stylus for more precise maneuvering, while the software is designed to be used with the fingers. Most of the built-in applications complement or connect with existing Microsoft programs or services, such as the Bing search engine. The games “hub” connects to an Xbox Live account and lets players pick up where they left off with multiplayer games. They will even be able to play games against PC users. Microsoft also turns to the Zune programming for the phones’ entertainment hub, much in the way the iPhone’s music library is called iPod. And when users plug the phone into a PC, the Zune software pops up to manage music, movies and podcasts.

January 26, 2010

What laptop should I buy? Jan 2010

I get asked this question all the time. So much it inspired this new category called “Top Picks”. Although I may not always be the person to post new blog entries, I wanted to at least get this first one out.

So choosing a laptop can become a time consuming task of various online searches, visits to local resellers and countless conversations with someone you know in IT. Before we get to the question, first I want to ask why a laptop? The reason is that a laptop will generally have a greater initial cost, greater total cost of ownership “TCO”, and a shorter life span. So when making the selection from desktop to laptop, make sure it’s for the right reasons. Because it’s cool should be the case unless the investment isn’t really a big deal and you like toys. An acceptable response would be more along the lines of; “I travel 30% of my week and need the ability to work from various remote locations”. Home is not really a remote location. Work from home can still be done from the comfort of a desktop with a larger screen. The bottom line is make sure you justify your usage.

OK, so laptop it is! Now let’s unlearn what we see on TV and in the stores. The mini is cute but does not have the same power to multitask and perform replacement performance of a desktop. Don’t get me wrong I’m working from a Dell Inspiron mini right now on a Verizon wireless card at the top of a ski mountain. However, the cost was more comparable to a mid range laptop or high performance desktop with all the bells and whistles I needed. Although the mini seems like a great idea on cost, I can assure you if you are planning to use it for business, it will end up being double the cost you thought it would be. It is a great option if you use a laptop less than 10-15% of the time and just don’t want to carry around the extra weight. That’s why I purchased mine. I actually mount it in the car so I can video conference, use Outlook as well as our internal systems to update accounts that I might have just visited. I also went with a solid state hard drive, built in Verizon wireless card ($60 p/mo additional), and a digital TV card for when I want to watch the game from the train. The budget on such a device will be $800- $900, yes for a mini that started at $300.

Lets assume you’re looking for a bit more than what a mini can do and you use a laptop 50-75% of your time. That assumes that you may or may not have an office machine that you will use from time-to-time. This automatically means you want at least a 15″ screen for comfort, extended battery life, a warranty option, and minimally Office Basic. I’m going to make a recommendation for a specific laptop but for those of you that have incentives to use another vendor or a special in a retailer, that’s fine. However, I want you to stay with business class, preferably Dell or HP from my personal experience. Now here is how you should be shopping. For the above solution look at the laptops that range from $800-$1200. Yes that’s right, don’t look at the units that seem loaded with everything for less than $600. I can assure you, eventually you will just not be happy with it. What they need to do to bring that cost down will not be described in the marketing ad. It will be deep inside the hardware where you can’t see it, such as the type of memory, CPU speed, main board manufacturer, and other internal parts that you need a degree to understand. That’s why I give the price point to watch for. This rule of thumb brings the hardware to a standard that will provide better quality parts, that in turn will provide a better experience and a longer life for your investment.

Recommendation: Dell Latitude E4500/E5500/E6500 Range: $800- $1200

Some packages include a mini!

January 21, 2010

Tech Tips Jan 2010

Migration Path: Small Business Server 2008

With the limited availability of “Down Time” in this technology dependent world, how do you upgrade old equipment, old software, or even old operating systems, without disrupting the client’s ability to work? In the past, the limitations of migrations for a Windows Small Business Server 2003 were limited to creating new separate Domain Controller Servers, new Exchange Email Servers, new Application Servers, and then having to piece all of the data back together.

Lo and behold: Enter Windows Small Business Server 2008. Microsoft has now created the Migration Mode install, which will allow a complete server to server migration of the Small Business Server. After installing the new server software, the multiple Migration “Wizards” take you through each level of transfer, to ensure that all necessary data is smoothly transitioned.

Did I mention that while this is going on, users can still work? Since it is a staged step-by-step transition, only sections of data are being moved at one time. The system creates virtual “connectors” so both servers become online at the same time.

1. After the new server is installed in “Migration Mode”, the Active Directory Schema is copied to the server (Domain information) including the same Domain Name and structure, users, computer accounts, security groups, etc.

2. Then users folders (redirection) are moved.

3. Network File Shares are moved.

4. Exchange Mailboxes are moved.

Pretty simply; a smooth transfer of information from server to server. There are some backend modifications that need to be done by the Administrator to facilitate this migration, but it is all done in stages on both the old server and the new server.

Microsoft also allows the old server to remain ACTIVE for 21 days, in order to ensure that all settings and data are moved and working successfully. Then, and only then, does the “decommission” begin on the old server. This will include, removing the server as a Domain controller from the network, removing all file shares from being accessible, removing all shared printers, and then finally removing the First Organizational Group (Exchange Server).

The Windows Small Business Server 2008 operating systems have numerous advantages for smaller businesses:

1- Utilizes the capabilities of multiple servers, usually seen in larger businesses, in an “all-in-one solution”.

2- Reduces electrical consumption of multiple servers.

3- Exchange Server 2007 integrated into the server.