The IS Support 2012 Technology Wish List

Our 2012 Wish List


2011 was another booming year for technology.  As we usher in a brand new year, there are a few things that the people at IS Support would like to see change in the technology world that would make our lives easier, efficient and we've listed them in our blog.

1.  Electronic Receipts.

It's hard enough to keep track of anything paper, especially important receipts.  If online shopping has this down, why are so few retailers churning out small pieces of paper that winds up lost, trashed or in the bottom of a laundry bin.



Kudos to Office Depot, Wal-Mart and Lowe's for beginning to embrace the concept but for most retailers, a paper receipt just isn't there when you need it the most.

2.  No More Patent Wars.

How much have the Apple iOS and the Google Android battle cost?  Countless other intellectual property and patent lawsuits costs at least $3 million each.  In the past, such lawsuits are settled by cross-licensing, shipping delays and royalty payments which all need to be arranged by courts and lawyers.  Keep this in mind for 2012 and let's make some progress on these battles.

3.  Digital Wallets.

Google and Paypal have introduced effective e-pay products, but what would really be useful in day-to-day living is a digital wallet that really works.  Imagine this concept on vending machines, transportation, retailers or parking meters; it would also be effective at building loyalty programs!


4.  Check Scanning Apps

Yes, there are some banks that have this feature...but not enough.  The ability to scan checks and deposit them over the Internet without visiting an ATM or bank branch would be even more convenient.  However, many banks are lagging.  They should embrace this green concept that can take banking into the 21st century.

 5.  No Subscription Fees.

Not many things are more frustrating than putting down several hundred dollars for major purchases such as a door lock, or web thermostat and then pay a subscription fee to use it.  There are more effective ways at using our dollars.

6.  Modernize Airplanes and FAA Policies.

Hey, we all know that it's important to turn off your phones and electronics during take-off and landing.  Does anyone know exactly why?  There is probably a good reason, but why can pilots suddenly use iPads in the cockpit but passengers can't listen to their iPods?  That doesn't make much sense -- and neither does the lack of electrical outlets and WiFi on planes.  It's almost 2012, airplanes!


Now that we've revealed our list, share some things that you would like to see from the technology world for the New Year!

If you ever need to contact us regarding your technology for 2012, give us a call at 866-370-7142 or visit our website here.  


From everyone at IS Support, we wish all a Happy New Year!

Houston Texans and Cloud Computing: Playoff Edition

2011 Houston Texans: AFC South Champions

A couple of months ago, we decided it would be fun to use our hometown Houston Texans football team to use a fun (but very poor) analogy to how cloud computing works and how the Texans could use cloud computing principles to help their season.  We drafted a blog post, thought it might be funny, and posted it here.

It was a hit!  So now that the Texans have clinched their first ever playoff berth and an AFC South title, we thought it would be fitting to see how well they followed our advice, and tips they can use going into the playoffs with the IS Blog's edition of "Houston Texans and Cloud Computing: Playoff Edition."  Congrats to the Houston Texans, 2011 AFC South Champions!

1.  Reduced Costs

Since cloud computing reduces overall IT costs, with a pay-as-you-go scale, we suggested that the Texans use their salary space wisely.  While some high paid players have disappointed, Houston's rushing game is led by running backs Arian Foster ($525,000) and Ben Tate ($405,000).  They're probably due for a raise, but this year, there might not be a better bang for the buck and the duo has played a major factor in Houston's offense.

2. Disaster Recovery

When we last talked about the Texans and the cloud, we stressed the importance of disaster recovery.  It is much more secure to have critical data in the cloud, rather than an on-site server where hurricanes and fires can wreck a business and cause loss of important information and business productivity.


On the field, the Texans were facing the loss of star linebacker Mario Williams for the season and receiver Andre Johnson was hurt.  Since then, thing haven't gotten any better with both starting quarterback Matt Schaub AND his backup Matt Leinart hurt for the year.  It seems as though the Texans took our advice to heart.  Not only did they have serviceable back up plans for Williams and Johnson (Connor Barwin has stepped up his game to a Pro-Bowl level at LB; tight ends Joel Dressen and Owen Daniels also picked up their play)  but the story of the year might be T.J. Yates.

The rookie QB has only gone undefeated in three starts, including leading the team to a come-from-behind victory in Cincinnati last Sunday, throwing a TD pass with two seconds left to clinch the Texans first playoff berth ever!  Now that's what we call a great disaster recovery game plan.

3. Remote Access and Mobility

The business environment has changed; it is imperative now that employees and clients have access to information and files away from the traditional desktop.  Cloud computing allows the mobility for today's worker to be effective and efficient away by accessing what they need from home, away from the office, and even mobile phones.

In October, we suggested that the Texans could use better mobility since they were currently just 14-29 as a road team under coach Gary Kubiak.  Since then?  The Texans have only won four straight games away from Reliant Stadium and with their only other road game left against winless rival Indianapolis, the Texans could very well make it five in a row and claim that for the 2011 season, they were able to "get the job done" away from home.

All things aside though, we should give credit where credit is due.  It's been a great football season in Houston this year.  And we're not suggesting that the Houston Texans read the IS Blog or Coach Kubiak listened to our advice when we posted the first "Houston Texans and Cloud Computing" blog.  But is it a coincidence that when we posted that blog in October, the Texans have won six straight?  We're just saying....

And as always, if your business is interested in making cloud principles work for your company like the Texans, give one of our professional consultants a call or e-mail us at info@issupport.com.  You can also visit our website anytime of the day!


Congratulations from IS Support to our hometown Houston Texans, 2011 AFC South Champions!  

Houston Texans and Cloud Computing

Since our headquarters are in Houston, we like to think of the Texans as our "hometown team," despite the fact that we have Cowboys, Bills, Patriots, and even a Lion's fan frequenting our office.

Last Sunday saw the Texans smash the Tennessee Titans 41-7, to start the season at a 4-3 record.  With Texans fans hungry for a winning season and playoff success, we think that the Houston Texans could apply some cloud computing principals in an alternate universe for more success.

Here are a few benefits of the cloud that could help the Houston Texans as they push for a playoff spot. [editor's note: I am not claiming any of these are rational and/or possible]


1. Reduced Costs  

Cloud computing reduces overall IT costs such as hardware, software and networking management.  In addition, cloud computing offers a pay-as-you-go scale.

With the current NFL salary cap at $120 million dollars, wouldn't the Texans love to save money with the cloud?  I would say, start with WR Jacoby Jones, who's $10 million contract isn't living up to the production (1 TD in 6 games is making is hard for some fans to justify the cost).

2. Disaster Recovery 

Houston is the best at recognizing the importance of having company data stored in the cloud, rather than a server room where hurricanes, fires or power loss can ruin your business's productivity or even worse, lose your memory.  Having a solid backup recovery in the event of a disaster is crucial to your business.


Similarly in the NFL, injuries are a part of the game but it doesn't hurt to have a great disaster recovery plan.  When RB Arian Foster missed two of the Texans first three games, Ben Tate stepped in and filled in admirably as the Texans went 2-1.  With Pro Bowl WR Andre Johnson still out with an injured hamstring, the Texans probably wish they had a similar disaster recovery option at receiver, going 1-2 since Johnson's injury.   Too add another problem, star LB Mario Williams will miss the rest of the season...who will be the backup plan?

3. Remote Access and Mobility 
With the cloud employees, partners and clients can access and update information and files wherever they are.  In today's business environment, staying in communication and in control of responsibilities is vital for employees and with cloud computing, they can access all the information needed to stay efficient and effective away from the office.

The Texans road win at Tennessee was their second road win of the season, but it's interesting to note that Coach Kubiak's road record is currently 14-29 as the Texan's coach.  Imagine a cloud computing environment, where Matt Schaub's passes were just as crisp and accurate in Indianapolis, as in the friendly confines of Reliant Stadium.  Imagine a team that was unfazed by the crowd at Pittsburgh or Baltimore.  When you migrate your systems to cloud computing, it's like having home field advantage anywhere.

With the unofficial midway point at the NFL season, Houston will be alive and electric, hoping for the Texans to make the final push for their first ever playoff appearance.  The fans here at IS Support wish them luck and maybe even remember to apply some "cloud" principles into their team strategy.

Since it's unlikely we will get a call from Coach Kubiak, we'd like to help your business apply cloud computing to your advantage.  If you're interested in how the cloud can help your company grow, please visit our website or call 866-370-7142.

IS Support -- Who We Are

We could tell you, but we'd rather show you!




Special thanks to DataSphere for the great video production!

Assessing Cloud Computing

If you're a company considering migrating to the cloud, your analysis should move beyond the obvious factors such as cost reduction, security and a flexible and scalable infrastructure. Many are also discovering that cloud computing can help them gain speed, increase mobility and be more innovative.

Many IT leaders are also comparing other factors that correlate with cloud adoptions, such as dedicated vs elastic resources; days to provisioning vs instant provisioning; and long-term contracts vs pay-per-use. Such aspects have convinced many businesses to move to the cloud, which signals not only a desire to improve systems and infrastructure, but in a uncertain economic climate, establish necessary technological building blocks for the future.

In particular, SMBs (small to medium sized businesses) are many of the largest beneficiaries of cloud services, since they are void of the legacy systems that often inhibit the adoption of cloud services for large companies.  Many find the platform, infrastructure and software as a way to both enhance their technology and utilize IT as a service, with lower costs.


If would would like to learn more about how cloud computing can help your business in the ways mentioned, IS Support is offering a free analysis of your current infrastructure and ways that you can utilize private, public or hybrid versions of the cloud to personalize a system that works for you.

Call 866-370-7142 or visit our website!

Cloud Outages - What People are Saying

The recent Microsoft and Google Cloud outages recently, have people chatting about the cloud on different blogs, groups, and LinkedIn. 

We came across an interesting discussion and thought we'd share and get your thoughts on today's blog post.  [NOTICE: All posts are confidential and users comments and anonymity are protected]

These are just a few of the comments of the conversation going on.  What are your thoughts?  We'd love to hear them.  Comment below or contact us on our website: http://www.issupport.com/

The Cloud on CNN!

Some of the Cloud leaders top experts weight in on what direction cloud computing is heading on CNN. Enjoy!



And remember, if you want utilize this growing technology, our consultants will work WITH you to find cloud solutions that are personalized best for your business! Contact us at 866-370-7142 or visit www.issupport.com.

Using the Cloud Effectively!

A great video by VMware shows how to effectively use the cloud. Enjoy!

Top Ten Benefits of the Cloud: #4 - Remote Access



When you switch to the Cloud, employees, clients, and partners can access and update information whereever they are, rather than having to run back to the office.  People everywhere use their smartphones, laptops, tablets to access their work away from the office.  In today's business climate, staying in touch and in control of your responsibilities is essential, whereever you are.

 Systems like Yahoo Mail, Skype, Twitter and Facebook all use the cloud to some degree.  Your company can do the same.  The cloud gives us freedom to enjoy vacations, work from home, and be mobile while honoring our obligations.

This excellent video by salesforce.com provides a neat illustration of cloud computing through the years.  See if you can pick up on remote access.

Contact IS Support for more information on taking your business to the next level on the Cloud!

Top Ten Benefits of the Cloud: #3 - Disaster Recovery

Many small businesses that incur a significant data loss have often found themselves bankrupt within six months.  In Houston, we know firsthand that disasters such as hurricanes or floods can do irreparable damage to your company.  If you don't have a disaster recovery plan in place, you need one. If you haven't reviewed your plan in the past year, don't wait - But don't go it alone either.  IS Support can help.



Our cloud-based, IS RapidRestore is one of our premier services that is installed on your network to back up your server every 15 minutes on your company's site, then move it safely to an offsite location each evening.

Even in a catastrophic event your data can be restored with RapidRestore in less than an hour. In the event of a full server crash, RapidRestore creates a virtual replica to act as a standby server allowing business operations no interruption during timely server rebuilds. 

Features:

• 15-minute snapshots of server
• Offsite replication in the event of a total property loss
• Restores a full server or at the file level
• Back to business in less than one hour
• No expensive backup software or tape drives eliminating the risk of forgetting to change tapes or not take them offsite

If you're interested in more details on how IS Support can help give your business the peace of mind with a solid, redundant backup recovery plan, contact us today at 866-370-7142 or visit our website!

Top Ten Benefits of the Cloud: #2 - Scalability

(This is part two of a ten part series on cloud computing benefits)

When your business is on the cloud, you can "scale" your business' storage needs seamlessly, rather than purchasing individual expensive programs or hardware. 

Businesses can leverage certain projects and pay for all the cloud apps they need to create, implement and market certain projects on a month to month basis rather than purchasing pieces of hardware, worry about overloading their servers or buying various software licenses. 

For more information on how our IS Cumulus cloud options can help your business, visit our website or call us at 866-370-7142

Top Ten Benefits of the Cloud: #1 - Reduced Costs

When analyzing cloud computing for your business IT solutions, one of the most important reasons the cloud can help is to reduce IT expenses.

Cloud computing reduces your hardware (computers, software, downloaded programs), networking management and overall IT expenses.  To go more in depth, here is a brief, yet detailed summary of other ways directly reduces costs:

1. Pay only for what you use – IS Support's Cloud Cumulus solution operates on a pay-as-you-use model, or in different terms, a demand-only model. With IS Cumulus, you only pay for the services you require and use. This works out to be much cheaper than acquiring barely used equipment.



2. Running costs – In addition to usage, running costs comprise a significant portion of the annual IT budget. By shifting to cloud computing, your company is free of those expenses such as upgrades, physical maintenance, personnel salaries, etc.

3. Economies of scale – Cloud computing can utilize economies of scale to offer cheaper rates to your business. In other words, the service providers can buy IT equipment in bulk to lower unit acquisition costs, and part of the cost savings are passed on to their consumers. Consequently, this price is much lower than what you would pay to buy similar equipment from the retail market

4. Investment costs vs Operational costs - Acquiring expensive equipment is considered a capital expenditure, which can be costly. As the equipment ages, this acquisition depreciates over time. With cloud computing, a one-time expense is spread across several operational cycles, becoming part of operational costs providing a much better alternative. Factor in the time value of money, and the balance shifts even more towards cloud computing.

If you would like to learn more, or find out exactly how our IS Cumulus solution can provide your company all of the above benefits and more, contact us for a free consulting session!

Stay tuned for the next part of Cloud Computing benefits: Scalability

Top Ten Benefits of the Cloud!

Some IT Professionals will often talk about how cloud computing can help your business without getting very specific on exactly "how."  Well, we would like to change that.  In this upcoming blog series, we at IS Support have listed our ten favorite ways that Small-Medium sized businesses utilize the cloud.  We have listed them below (in no particular order)

1. Reduced Costs
2. Scalability
3. Disaster Recovery
4. Remote Access
5. Fast Response Time
6. Automatic Updates
7. Implementation
8. Level Playing Field
9. Mobility
10. Experienced Vendor

For the next ten blog posts, we will take each one above and briefly summarize it and how it can effect your business and help you evolve with technology to take your company to the next level. 

Stay tuned and in the meantime, check out our website...we'd be happy to put you on "the cloud!"

Do you trust your bank? Then trust the Cloud!

Many businesses have concerns about Cloud security, especially with recent headlines such as Amazon’s cloud outage.   Issues such as privacy and data breach issues are significant worries when a company considers switching to the Cloud and it’s easy to understand why – Cloud computing means moving some or most of your data to a third party location outside of your servers or hard drives. 

But the fact is that Cloud Computing is not a new trend in IT world.  In fact, you probably are using elements of cloud computing in your everyday life.  If you use e-mails services such as G-Mail or Yahoo Mail, you are already in the cloud. All your e-mails (data) are saved in servers outside your home or business and you need a web browser and internet connection to access your data, and this is what cloud computing is all about: storing your data and application in a remote server which you can access via web.

Your online banking is also a form of cloud computing, you need to log on a remote server, via your bank website to access your account information which contains your banking data.  Almost everyone uses some form of online banking, without even realizing that such concepts are forms of cloud computing.  Online banking or mobile apps are a safe and secure way of making banking easy and accessible; so is cloud computing for your company.

So cloud computing is not entirely new technology, we just have more applications now taking advantage of this technology.  If you feel secure to trust your online banking, then consider IS Support’s Cloud Cumulus solutions for your business. To learn more about how we can put your company on the cloud and all that our cloud solutions can provide your business, visit our website. We look forward to hearing from you!

If only it was this easy

Getting on the cloud is not this easy:

Our friends and partners at VMWare shared this hilarious video of an IT engineer trying to put his data center in the cloud.  If you're still wondering what all the chatter is about Cloud Computing, we can help your business find cloud solutions with our designed-for-you, Cloud Cumulus services.  We can make it look....almost this easy.

If  you would like a FREE consultation to see if cloud computing is right for your company: click here

Flying on "The Cloud"

 

Everyone remembers their first flight.  Whether you were 5 years old or 30, there was always a tinge of nervousness and dread.  Your mind may have flashed back to images of the news, or Die Hard 2 – a plane hurtling, uncontrollably to the ground.  However, after all of that anxiety, you ended up safely at your destination, on time, and received a free juice out of the ordeal.  Despite all the nervousness and in-flight turbulence, flying turned out to be a safe and fast way to reach your destination.

If you have doubts and skepticism about switching to cloud technology, you are not alone.  Certainly there have been bouts of bad publicity and concerns about security such as the most recent fiasco with Amazon.  But like flying on a plane, when all the hyped media coverage is removed, cloud technology is simply the most efficient and reliable way to deliver technology for your business.  Just like the truth: “You’re more likely to crash on the way to the airport, than to crash on the plane flight,” the same can be said about the reliability of the cloud: “You’re more likely to lose data with your traditional IT methods, than on the cloud.”  

IS Support is committed to providing your companies technology needs and as a small business in Houston, we are experts in helping local businesses make technology an asset, not an expense.  Since partnering with iland Cloud Infrastructure in 2010, IS Support is dedicated to becoming a leader in cloud technology for your business.  Iland offers partners a fully redundant private or public environment and have an amazing business continuity service that we allow clients to leverage.

If doubts about Cloud technology makes you feel like flying for the first time, let IS Support help ease those reservations. Contact us today, for more information on how Cloud technology can help take your business to the next level