Archive for December, 2009

Are you prepared for the next computer crash?

If you are a business professional of today, then you are most likely on the move and rely heavily on technology to connect you to your work.  When you are traveling, you may transfer important data to your laptop and work on it away from the office.  Perhaps you have to go home at the end of the day, but find your self plugging away on internal corporate documents on your personal PC.  If you are doing any of this, you are not alone! When was the last time you backed up your personal or corporate data on your off-site machines? You are also not alone if you haven’t ever backed it up.

Most people don’t understand how much critical information they carry around in their laptop or personal PCs until they crash, are stolen, or files are accidentally deleted.  Some irreplaceable documents you may be carrying are HR documents, time/expense reports, and client files. Laptops often have a short lifespan and disasters are likely to occur.

Many believe that backing up files on a personal computer is too expensive and difficult to do, but WingSwept is here to clear up the misconception.  Protecting your off-site machines can be simple, affordable, and accessible through the Internet.  If you want to see for yourself, try out WingSwept’s reliable online solution for your laptop or personal PC with a FREE 30 day trial. If you want to know more about the benefits that Data Vault can provide you, click here.

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Triangle IT Company Rounds Up Year with Heads Held High

WingSwept, a leading local IT firm, has gone through 2009 accumulating much recognition and proving themselves to be an award-winning company. WingSwept is based in Garner, NC and staffs over 20 people in the four divisions of Government Services, Network Support, Web Development, and Vertical Marketing.

In light of the state of the economy, this IT firm has not hesitated in hiring the staff members they need to reach their growing client base, which also led to expanding office space.  WingSwept has selectively filled multiple Sales Representative positions, a Customer Service Representative, a Community Relations Director, a Marketing Coordinator, and a Partner Advisor. WingSwept will conclude the year with other 1,700 diverse customers in all 50 states.  It is WingSwept’s forward-thinking approach to business that has allowed the company to achieve revenue growth of 50% for the second straight year.

In 2009, WingSwept gained many key customers and strengthened relationships with existing customers in all divisions.  The Network Support division has converted many significant customers to Managed IT Services to better accommodate the customer’s time and budget.  The Vertical Markets division has the most rapidly growing customer base, and its success has not mirrored the economy in any way.

In the summer of 2009, Business Leader Media announced WingSwept as 31st on the Top 100 NC Small Businesses. In September, WingSwept was ranked on Triangle Business Journal’s Internet Marketing & Design Firms for the third time, this time topping the list in fifth place. North Carolina Technology Association most recently chose WingSwept as one of four finalists for the Customer Service Company based on the organization’s commitment to simplifying business for their customers and exceeding client expectations.

In August, the company was rewarded with a $16,000 workforce development training grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Development. The Program is designed to benefit businesses by enhancing the skills of employees, thereby increasing productivity and the potential for company growth.  WingSwept’s focus is on becoming highly skilled in the techniques of selling and customer service in Vertical Markets, which serves clients nationwide.

All of these successes have not stopped WingSwept from being active in the community more than ever this year.  They remain being committed to the Garner community and surrounding community, and often participate together in charitable events. WingSwept held its first ever Technology Spring Clean, an Earth Day inspired recycling event, which allows citizens to drop off old technology equipment to be recycled without polluting landfills.  Jay Strickland strives to set an example in leadership and involvement.  He is the Garner Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board and President of the Garner Rotary Club.

“It was always our intention to not only survive the economic turmoil, but come out of it stronger than we went into it.  We have been blessed with a solid foundation of strong customers who themselves masterfully navigated the current economy and dedicated and focused staff,” says Jay Strickland, WingSwept CEO and a 2009 Triangle Business Journal “40 under 40” recipient and 2009 Business Leader Media “Mover and Shaker”.

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CNN Announces the Top 10 Tech Trends

This year everyone was trying to find a way to access information with ease and speed.  In fact,  Smartphone sales worldwide for 2009 were up 24 percent compared with 2008, according to Gartner Inc., a research company.

From smartphones to social meda…WingSwept suggest you take a look at CNN’s Top 10 Tech Trends of this year.

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Most don’t realize how much business relies on data, until it is too late. Don’t risk your data…secure it!

What would happen if there was a flood, fire, or theft? Could your business operate? How long would it take you to be up and running again?

Some don’t realize how much they rely on data until after the fact…when it is too late. That is why every business needs a reliable backup at an affordable rate.

At the very least, business owners need to have data backup on the machines that hold the most critical data. At WingSwept, we offer a very affordable online solution for people like you to put on single computers, such as your off-site machines or coverage for main computers.  It also recommended to have backup to your existing backup, and you can use our Data Vault Services to do so, because it is that affordable.  We are even offering a FREE 30 day trial to test it out and help you protect your business.

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WingSwept Promotes Staff Member to Conquer Another Vertical

WingSwept has promoted a leading sales representative, Robert Goldsobel, to the position of Body Shop Websites team lead.  Robert has been promoted based on his extraordinary sales performance and leadership skills.  As the team lead, Robert will be responsible for the initial sales focus for Body Shop Websites and helping to train and develop a high functioning team to help meet the demand for this product.

 This is a logical step in WingSwept’s focus on multiple verticals in their Vertical Market division. They have established themselves as the leader in automotive repair shop websites, and can now concentrate efforts on developing its sister brand.

 Much of Body Shop Websites has been molded around Repair Shop Websites, but the industries are more different than most imagine. WingSwept’s senior web developers and Vertical Markets team have dedicated a lot of time and resources to perfecting the product for the collision industry clientele. 

 As Body Shop Business publisher Jon S. Owens said in the Sept. 2007 issue, “Having a website is now a basic, fundamental business practice. Not having one doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to fail, but it can be construed as a sign that you don’t desire to succeed long term.”

 It is important the collision repair shops understand that their competitors are on the Web, and so are their customers.  WingSwept can give these shops the opportunity to level the playing field with competition.

  “There is a major demand for a professional tool that will assist body shops in attracting and servicing customers while being a wise investment with no long-term commitment,” says Richard Benbow, Vice President of Vertical Markets.  “Our team has worked diligently towards understanding the collision industry’s needs and wants, and we are excited to reach out to shop owners across the country and introduce our product to those in need.”

 ABOUT WINGSWEPT

 WingSwept is a full-service information technology consulting company based in Garner, NC. WingSwept’s services focus on areas of government services, network support, web application development and vertical marketing. The staff of more than 20 serves a diverse set of clients in all 50 states and around the world. The companies maintain separate divisions with dedicated staff for Web/database development and information technology consulting. For more information on WingSwept’s services, please visit our Web site at www.wingswept.com.

 The vertical market division currently has two brands that offer functional websites, which are search engine optimized and can be customized for each dealer. WingSwept is experiencing overall growth due to the success of this division. The expansion of one vertical market brand has led to development and launching of another. WingSwept has invested heavily in the resources needed to offer a world-class product. Our company has dedicated Customer Service and Sales staff on site, as well as our own in-house sales force. To learn more about RSW and BSW services, go to www.repairshopwebsites.com and www.bodyshopwebsites.com.

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The Necessity of Robust Data Security and Business Continuity

Today’s economy has every business owner questioning their expenses and reducing the amount of risks they take, which is why data security is more important than ever. You may think this is only true for enterprise level companies that can afford expensive plans, but that is fortunately not the case.

It is the small to medium sized business that are at a higher risk of losing business due to major data loss, but rather than invest in a consistent and powerful best practice plan, these businesses often approach data protection in a sporadic manner. 

Data security doesn’t have to be a painful and expensive process.  Businesses of any size can permanently mark data backup off their to-do list, and put it in the hands of IT professionals they can trust.  IT professionals, with the right tools, can make backup simple for you, by helping you chose what data to backup and how frequently you want it to be backed up. Look for top-notch data security that backs up your data in an encrypted form and better protects you from theft.

How would your business fare if your technology failed or a natural disaster hit? How long would it take to recover the critical data like accounting files, emails, company records, and client files? Could you recover it? Ask yourself these questions.

Don’t forget about the loss of data occurs from human errors and is possible with only a couple wrong clicks of the mouse. Unfortunately, without an extremely reliable solution, everyone is at risk.  Data backup is the ultimate business insurance and grants you peace of mind while working on protected technology.  

A majority of businesses close within two years of major data loss. It if it important to you not to become a part of that frightening statistic and reduce as many risks as you can in such an unstable economy. 

My business has data recovery and backup plan, it’s my off-site machine I’m worried about…

On the other hand, perhaps your business has a data recovery plan that you feel secure but it does not include your machines at home or laptops.  Laptops are often not included in corporate backups, but hold critical data that you work on away from the office.  Sources say, over half of critical corporate data resides on unprotected PC desktops and laptops.

If you have hesitation of purchasing extra coverage, try seeking out a free trial. WingSwept offers a 30 day free trial of their online data backup solution (www.wingswept.com/vault). This IT consulting firm understands that you want the ultimate return on investment with a program that is easy to use, always available, and affordable.  With WingSwept’s Data Vault Services, you can pick and choose what machines are covered.  Data Vault Services can be used for secondary protection on your main machines at work, or the primary source of data security for your off-site laptop.

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Having trouble coordinating schedules? Send your Outlook calender via email.

For those of you using Microsoft Office’s Outlook, WingSwept would like to introduce a feature that will help you coordinate with other business professionals by emailing your calendar.  It is a simple process from customizing how the recipient will view your calendar to sending it. 

Click the Calendar icon in the left Navigation Pane of Microsoft Outlook, and then right-click the Calendar that you want to share.  You can then select Send Calendar via Email.

A new window should open where you can clarify what calendar you want to send, the date range to share, and the amount of detail to show to the recipient.

For step-by-step instructions, visit Microsoft Office Online. Select Share your calendar with anyone, and then select Send your calendar via e-mail.  It will automatically scroll down to the final section on the page.

You can find many other helpful tips on Microsoft Office Online. As always, WingSwept provides these tips wants to help you leverage technology.

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Is your business ready for a disaster? Protect your data!

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of small businesses that experience a catastrophic data loss go out of business within one year. While people invest so much in computers (which can be replaced) so few people realize the importance of protecting their data.  Data is so easily lost and is always at risk.

WingSwept, a leading Garner IT firm,  offers a simple and affordable backup solution for any of your machines, including your off-site computers and laptops.  We are so confident in our online backup, that we are offering a 30 day free trial!

Get peace of mind knowing you can survive from a disaster with data backup and disaster recovery, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg!

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Prevent Your PC Computer From Failure

Let your computer serve you longer by taking care of it.  Make sure it does not have unecessary software on it, which take up space and may slow your PC down. If you are sure you don’t need a certain program anymore, you can go to your “Start” menu, to your computer’s “Control Panel”, and then to “Add or Remove Programs”. find that program that is no longer being used and select it to be removed.

Another way to keep your PC healthy, is to protect it from threats. Are you up-to-date on your anti-virus software? The wrong virus can not only slow down your computer, but can stop it dead in its tracks.

If you are in the Triangle area, contact WingSwept to protect your business’s computers and extend the life of your technology equipment.

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