Soaring Technology

Technology and Managed Services Blog – A WingSwept Production

Do not access PDF files from untrusted sources!

Aug 25

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Technology Tips | No Comments

Do not access PDF files from untrusted sources! Adobe has recently outlined a number of security vulnerabilities affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat. It is important for you to remember not to open unfamiliar or unexpected PDF files, particularly those hosted on websites or delivered as email attachments.

An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by convincing a user to open a specially crafted PDF file. By opening a malicious PDF file, your system could become infected with detrimental spyware. The solutions are to (1) update the program, (2) disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader and Acrobat and (3) prevent Internet Explorer from automatically opening PDF files. Contact WingSwept to see if you have the affected versions (Reader and Acrobat 9.3.3, earlier 9.x versions, 8.2.3, and earlier 8.x versions) or to execute the security solutions.

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WingSwept Ranks as a Top Small Business in NC

Jul 13

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Industry News, Press Releases | Comments off

Business Leader Media recently ranked the Garner-based IT firm, WingSwept, among the top 100 small businesses in North Carolina for 2010.  Ranking on the list for the second year in a row, WingSwept is thrilled to receive the recognition again.

 Business Leader Media creates the list of Top 100 Small Businesses in order to honor companies that have demonstrated significant business achievements and community involvement in North Carolina. Evaluations of one and five-year revenue growth as well as business achievements and community involvement determined the company rankings.

WingSwept’s impressive placement on the list for two consecutive years not only demonstrates the ongoing demand for their services but the team’s ability to meet the customer demand and grow at the same time.

Even while concentrating on clients and improving their own operational efficiency; WingSwept still maintains a commitment to servicing its community through several organizations. With so many small businesses in North Carolina, it is a true honor for WingSwept to rank in Business Leader Media’s Top 100.

“Our team has not let economic doubt slow us down, but rather we have been extremely motivated in continuing to meet customer needs and grow our client base,” says Jay Strickland, WingSwept’s CEO.  “The recognition from Business Leader Media reminds us that our efforts are earning us very positive results.”

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ChannelPro Magazine Features WingSwept’s Creative Corporate Culture

Jun 22

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Industry News, Press Releases | Comments off

IT industry magazine, ChannelPro, recently featured an article on WingSwept detailing their efforts to further increase the company’s success through cost-control programs and incentives for the staff.  Ideas that are implemented come from both sources outside the company and from within.

 
The cost-control improvements affect the success of the company and the morale of its employees. One incentive that’s been a big hit with employees is the pay-for-performance program that allows staff to share profits based on their individual performance and the company’s overall bottom line success.
 

“It is critical, especially in economic uncertainty, to have employees care about the bottom line,” says WingSwept CEO, Jay Strickland.  “We have practices in place that show staff members that money-saving ideas not only benefit the company but them as well.”

 
A more cooperative corporate environment allows WingSwept staff to be at their best and provide the best service possible to our loyal customers. Without the trust and support of the customers, WingSwept would not be able to add benefits and have the creative work environment that is in place.

 
Read the article: http://www.channelprosmb.com/article/18794/Employee-Programs-that-Are-Win-Win/

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Is Outdated Equipment Holding You Back?

May 27

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Technology Tips | Comments off

Many businesses have been avoiding new purchases because they are dealing with a tight budget and have a need to cut costs. As a small business, we understand your concerns and the economy, but when it comes to your office’s computer equipment delaying a PC recap can actually increase your operating expenses. Productivity decreases as maintenance and support costs can increase over time. To learn about the costs associated with maintaining and supporting outdated equipment, contact WingSwept. A PC recap can really benefit your business!

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Like they said, “Managed Security: It’s About Trust and ROI”

May 18

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Managed Services | Comments off

Managed Services is a mutually beneficial IT system.  WingSwept’s customers can spend less and get more protection, and WingSwept’s technicians can stay in-tune with the ongoing network health of a customer’s business.  One thing this article points out is the importance of trust as well as cost-reduced IT practices.  WingSwept offers their customers 10 years of experience and trust.  In fact, May 2010 marks WingSwept’s 10th year anniversary!  To learn more about WingSwept’s Managed Services plans  and other technology solutions view our website.

 

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IT Community Recognizes WingSwept’s Excellence in Partnering

May 12

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Press Releases | Comments off

Recently at the Heartland Technology Groups (HTG) Summit, awards were given to members that have demonstrated exceptional performance amongst all the peer groups.  During this annual conference, members attended seminars and meetings to exchange IT expertise for an entire week.
 
During the awards ceremony, HTG recognized some of its dedicated members for their business and personal growth driven by execution.  Jay Strickland from WingSwept and Amy Kardel from Clever Ducks were recognized for their collaborative efforts with the “Excellence in Partnering Award”.

HTG encourages mind-sharing and utilization of joint resources between members, while reducing unnecessary costs.  Throughout the peer group association (with members across the nation and Canada), WingSwept and Clever Ducks were honored for their business practices concerning partnering.  Both companies have gone beyond their peer group to collaborate in multiple areas of business.  It began with a Marketing exchange in June of 2009. 

Since the initial marketing exchange, WingSwept continues to collaborate with the professionals at Clever Ducks while also reaching out to other peer group members.  WingSwept recently opened its doors to the marketing person of another peer company that admired WingSwept’s efforts.  In the span of three days, the marketing professionals from both WingSwept and the other company participated in brainstorming and idea collaboration that was mutually beneficial. 

Peers that are not in geographical competition range but are similar in size and methods have helped WingSwept to achieve success.  A lot of WingSwept’s recent marketing efforts have been to provide their over 1,800 customers above and beyond service that demonstrates true value.  It is through both marketing exchanges and HTG that WingSwept has been able to find fast yet proven solutions for their customers.

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WingSwept Gets Award for Marketing Their Leading Brand

May 11

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Press Releases | Comments off

WingSwept received an award at the InSpire award banquet, hosted by the North Carolina Public Relations Society, last week.  The banquet honored the best in communications, and the award that recognized WingSwept was for best practices in marketing.  WingSwept was given the “Award of Excellence” in the Silver division for it’s efforts in Vertical Marketing and more specifically for the marketing of Repair Shop Websites.  It was submitted in a category regarding the marketing of consumer products or services, business-to-business.

WingSwept utilizes the Repair Shop Websites brand under their Vertical Market division to assist automotive repair shops in establishing a reputation and improving their brand with existing and potential customers.  Vertical marketing efforts are applied towards specific industries where local businesses can use a professional website to level the playing field throughout their industry with national chains or gain a competitive advantage over other local businesses without websites.  Repair Shop Websites gives over 1,600 customers the ability to be consistent and proactive through a web presence.  Our business-to-business product is marketed based on the particular need for websites in the automotive repair industry and the experience we have with Web design and customer satisfaction.  WingSwept began the brand Repair Shop Websites in 2005, and has since become the industry leader in automotive repair websites.  Since its inception in 2005, Repair Shop Websites has grown from 50 customers into a well-established brand with over 1,600 customers.  Recent growth and future successes can be accredited to marketing efforts put forth in 2009.

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Internet Predictions for 2020

Apr 28

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Industry News | Comments off

It’s hard to predict the future, especially for technology.  The Internet has evolved quicker than most imagined in the past 10 years, so it will be fascinating to see what the next 10 years will do for the Internet.  It grows at an amazing rate! At WingSwept, we are always striving to stay ahead of the curve and be aware of important changes and evolutions.  Read this article’s predictions for the Web: http://pcplus.techradar.com/node/3230/

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Local Recycling Event Generates Over 22,000 Pounds!

Apr 23

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Press Releases | Comments off

WingSwept’s Second Annual Technology Spring Clean took place on April 17, which was a beautiful day in Garner.   People and businesses of Garner, Raleigh, Clayton and surrounding areas were enthusiastic to drop off old technology equipment to recycle that would otherwise pollute landfills and clutter their home or office.

The event was exponentially bigger than the last with over 22,000 pounds of electronic equipment collected.  The average drop off around 150 pounds of technology that was unwanted, and often unusable and outdated. 

For two years in a row, participants have been shocked at how easy and pain-free the drop off process has been.  WingSwept, the event holder and local information technology company, will continue to hold the recycling event around Earth Day every year as a convenient service to the community.

Items collected included CPUs, monitors, printers, keyboards, hard drives, wires and much more.  WingSwept witnessed the shredding of the 23 pounds of hard drives that were received in order to protect private data of participants, while the rest was properly handled by Triangle Recycling. 

WingSwept would like to thank the community and the following sponsors responsible for the success of the Technology Spring Clean: Triangle Recycling, Garner Chamber of Commerce, The Garner Citizen, McDonald’s, Town of Garner, Jones Insurance Agency, S&A Cherokee, Garner Rotary Club and Turner Farms Self Storage. 

Keep your eyes and ears out for the announcement of next year’s event, or check the event’s website at www.wingswept.com/recycle.

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Recycle your old computer monitors, cell phones :: WRAL.com

Apr 14

Posted by molly.moore@wingswept.com in Industry News | Comments off

Recycle your old computer monitors, cell phones :: WRAL.com.

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