IT Support Firm Guidance Consulting Finds that Bigger is Not Always Better

Smaller IT consulting firms like Georgia-based Guidance Consulting are finding that their smaller size makes them more marketable in today's corporate environment. The ability to specialize and personalize their approach to IT support results in lowered costs and time estimates over larger IT firms.

Duluth, GA (Vocus/PRWEB ) December 9, 2009 — The experts at IT support provider Guidance Consulting have always known that large IT consulting firms have dominated the market for technology support services for years, in everything from the fields of education and online storefronts to healthcare. However, the company is now finding that in today's market, there is a new focus on smaller, more personalized firms that can offer specialized services at a fraction of the cost.

The first company to report on this new phenomenon was healthcare research firm KLAS, which found that smaller IT firms are better at everything from planning and assessment to staff support. Guidance Consulting, Inc., an IT firm operating out of Georgia, reinforces these findings with an emphasis on more than just the healthcare field.

“What they found in the healthcare field is that the smaller companies like Guidance Consulting have to be more competitive,” says Guidance Consulting senior consultant Ronald Gottilla. “We have to offer better rates and better services in order to compete. So that's just what we've done.”

The IT field is one that is always changing and developing, particularly when it comes to issues like the latest in vulnerability protection needs. Larger IT companies are slower to adapt by virtue of size, and there's simply no way around it. “You've got layers of bureaucracy to get through in a large IT company,” asserts Gottilla. “When you work with a small firm, you can get decisions and answers almost immediately.”

Of course, it's impossible to ignore the dollars and cents side of things, as well. Although skimping out on IT protection is never a good way to ensure a company's safety against viruses and attacks, cutting costs is one of the most important measures business leaders can take in today's economy. Cutting costs by hiring a smaller IT consultant firm is often the ideal solution, since companies don't have to take a hit to quality even if they're paying less.

“When you hire a company like Guidance Consulting,” adds Gottilla, “you also get the benefits of our IT staffing department. If you're cutting costs by getting rid of an internal IT department, we can not only provide the protection planning you need, but we can supply you with temporary employees to get you through the rough patches.”

About Guidance Consulting

Guidance Consulting is a technology solutions firm offering a range of services related to technology, infrastructure development, and general information technology consulting.

For over 15 years, Guidance Consulting has been delivering profitable technology results to everything from small, private firms to Fortune 500 companies. In addition to meeting employment and staffing needs, Guidance Consulting implements a wide range of IT solutions that help companies to cut costs, increase productivity, and avoid damages associated with vulnerability issues to get the most out of the current technologies available for businesses of all sizes.

For more information on making Guidance Consulting a part of your company's IT support team, visit their website at http://www.guidance-consulting.com.

Contact for Media Inquiries:
Kami Trieu
Office: (678) 528-2681
Fax: (678) 669-2829

Geeks On Site is Making Geeks for Life by Adding more Benefits to VIP Program

Geeks On Site is adding additional features to their “Geeks for Life” program. “Geeks for Life” is a VIP plan Geeks On Site customers can join in order to receive special offers and coupons on myriad services for repair and maintenance.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) November 14, 2009 — Geeks On Site now sends their “Geeks for Life” members monthly postcards and emails with unique deals available exclusively for them. In addition, Geeks On Site has a special toll free number members can call for assistance on their account. These particular customers enjoy special treatment in appreciation of their loyalty to Geeks On Site.    

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“Geeks On Site is looking for so much more than just one on-site visit or remote call- we believe in on-going customer care,” explains George Otte, president of Geeks On Site. Geeks On Site trains their customer service representatives and sales staff to always keep customer satisfaction as one of their main goals.

The “Geeks for Life” Program, which the Geeks On Site Customer Loyalty Department oversees, was created to reward repeat customers. This program offers a monthly computer tune up and unlimited assistance all at no additional cost to the Geeks On Site customers. Members can call in as many times as they wish, and request technical support, or to schedule preventative maintenance. Geeks On Site customers also receive expedited dispatch for onsite support. And Geeks On Site technicians not only repair and maintain PCs, Macs, and laptops, but peripherals such as printers, Blackberries and webcams. Finally, Geeks On Site’s “Geeks for Life” members receive 10% off any onsite service needed.

Geeks On Site has customers that have been with the company for almost eight years, which was when the company came into being. Geeks On Site says their customer base is growing at an incredibly rapid rate; therefore, the company is seeking new ways to stay connected with their customers. Geeks On Site is striving to give individualized attention to each and every client. The toll free number and the monthly offers are additions to make VIP customers feel appreciated; and to eventually have every customer join “Geeks for Life.”

National Electronics Service Dealers Association (NESDA)

The National Electronics Service Dealers Association is an organization for electronic repair professionals, primarily TV repair technicians and service companies, although some members are also computer techs.

Benefits include access to training materials, service literature and schematics, an e-mail self-help program called NESBANET, membership to a discount program called The Buying Group,  your own listing at tvrepairpros.com, a tips program called TECHMATE, a spare parts database, discount parts program, credit card processor program, access to the NESDA Industry Relations Committee, ProService Magazine, listing in the Annual Directory and Yearbook, an insurance program, annual convention,  technician, management and service center certification programs and political representation.

The association has been in existence for over 50 years. First time membership is $240/yr.

Contact:

NESBA
3608 Pershing Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76107-4527
Phone: 817-921-9061
FAX: 817-921-3741

Membership benefits:
http://www.nesda.com/servicers/benefits.html

FREE 30-day trial membership:
http://www.nesda.com/servicers/trial.html

iTenol

iTenol is an Internet based national service company based in Milpitas California. The company offers break-fix work, software and hardware support and Managed Services. Little information about the company is available from the web site and the only apparent means of contacting them is either via e-mail, forms on the site and a "Click-To-Call" feature on the home page which promises "Your phone will ring within sixty seconds" after entering a contact number.

The Force Field attempted contact iTenol using this method several times and has yet to receive a call.

NOTE:  At this time there is no other valid contact information available other than the web site. A contact phone number for the company listed in Manta.com was disconnected. FF members reported receiving recruitment e-mails purportedly from iTenol. Use discretion when filling out such forms on line and use caution when providing information. Use at your own risk.

Contact:

Jay Prakash, CEO

Service Provider Registration:
http://itenol.com/service-provider-registration/

IT Pros Seeking Security Certifications, CompTIA Survey Reveals

Interest also high in ethical hacking and forensics certifications

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 5, 2009 — Information technology (IT) professionals are placing their bets on security-themed certifications as they plot their next career moves, a new study from CompTIA, the leading trade association for the IT industry, reveals.

The CompTIA survey of more than 1,500 IT workers found that 37 percent intend to pursue a security certification over the next five years. Another 18 percent of IT workers said they will seek ethical hacking certifications during the same time period, while 13 percent identified forensics as their next certification target. The results are included in the CompTIA study IT Training and Certification: Insights and Opportunities.

“Given the growing reach of security, with threats becoming more pervasive and dangerous and with no business or industry immune to those threats, it makes sense that many IT professionals view this as a must-have for career advancement,” said Terry Erdle, senior vice president, skills certifications, CompTIA.

Other technology areas where survey respondents said they will seek new certifications over the next five years include green IT, healthcare IT, mobile and software-as-a-service.

Economic advancement and personal growth are key drivers for seeking IT certifications, the CompTIA study also reveals. Eighty-eight percent of certification holders indicated they pursue a certification to enhance their résumé. An identical 88 percent said personal growth is a major or minor reason in their decision to pursue a certification.

IT workers are willing to invest the time and resources necessary to advance their career by adding new certifications to their credentials. On average, candidates for an IT certification spend 44.5 hours studying and preparing to sit for an exam; and approximately one in three individuals spend 60 or more hours preparing. Fifty percent of IT certification holders pay for the exams themselves, while 38 percent rely on an employer to cover the exam fee.

“This confirms that many professionals are truly committed to the IT field and take pride in developing their skills and showcasing their expertise,” Erdle said.

The web-based survey was completed by 1,537 IT professionals during the period from July 13 through July 31, 2009. Survey participants were primarily from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

IT Training and Certification: Insights and Opportunities is available at no cost to CompTIA member companies. It can be accessed at CompTIA.org or contact research(at)comptia(dot)org.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.

Contact:
Steven Ostrowski
Director, Corporate Communications
CompTIA
630-678-8468
sostrowski(at)comptia(dot)org

Episode 37 – Planning Your Business Part 1

Today we’re going to talk with an IT service provider who created a business plan, learn how he did it and find out how his business plan helped his business become more successful. Part 1 of a four part series.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:17
Billboard 3:40

News and Comment segment 5:18
OnForce released their Services Market Index for the third quarter of 2009 October 21. The OSMI Q3 2009 report is available for download at http://www.onforce.com/OSMI/Q309.

IObit is giving away full one-year licenses of Security 360 Pro anti-malware utility until November 11, 2009. To obtain a free license, go to http://db.iobit.com/license-free/win7-special-offer.php

Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoAssist.com/techpodcast.

NASBA is now offering a free 60-day trial version of security software from Kaspersky Lab for resellers throught D&H Distributing.

Microsoft released Windows 7 October 22.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

Intro to Topic 1:58
Today we’re going to talk to Pat Palmer of The Computer Guy, learn about his business, hear how he took a course in business planning and find out how he created a plan for his business that helped him become more successful. Part 1 of a four part series.

Interview with Pat Palmer 15:45

Episode 38 Part 2 Teaser :25

Wrap up and Close :46

Comments, questions or suggestions? Send them in to comments@theforcefield.net. Feedback on this topic will be read by the host and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at http://www.theforcefield.net !

©2009 Savoia Computer. All rights reserved.

Episode 37 – Planning Your Business Part 1

Today we're going to talk with an IT service provider who created a business plan, learn how he did it and find out how his business plan helped his business become more successful. Part 1 of a four part series.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:17
Billboard 3:40

News and Comment segment 5:18
OnForce released their Services Market Index for the third quarter of 2009 October 21. The OSMI Q3 2009 report is available for download at http://www.onforce.com/OSMI/Q309.

IObit is giving away full one-year licenses of Security 360 Pro anti-malware utility until November 11, 2009. To obtain a free license, go to http://db.iobit.com/license-free/win7-special-offer.php

Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoAssist.com/techpodcast.

NASBA is now offering a free 60-day trial version of security software from Kaspersky Lab for resellers throught D&H Distributing.

Microsoft released Windows 7 October 22.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

Intro to Topic 1:58
Today we're going to talk to Pat Palmer of The Computer Guy, learn about his business, hear how he took a course in business planning and find out how he created a plan for his business that helped him become more successful. Part 1 of a four part series.

Interview with Pat Palmer 15:45

Episode 38 Part 2 Teaser :25

Wrap up and Close :46

Comments, questions or suggestions? Send them in to comments@theforcefield.net. Feedback on this topic will be read by the host and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at http://www.theforcefield.net !

©2009 Savoia Computer. All rights reserved.

 

http://media.techpodcasts.com/theforcefield/media.libsyn.com/media/theforcefield/The_Force_Field_37.mp3 

FaxBack Partner Program

FaxBack offers VoIP fax solutions for business, from small offices and workgroups to the enterprise. FaxBack has solutions for real time streaming of fax communications over Internet, Wi-Fi, Cellular and Satellite connections.

FaxBack Authorized Reseller Program can help your IT service business increase profits and expand sales opportunities by offering VoIP fax solutions to your customers.

Free 30-Day VoIP Fax Server Trial.

 

Contact:

FaxBack, Inc.
7409 SW Tech Center Drive
Suite 100
Portland, Oregon 97223

Telephone: 800-329-2225
Fax: 503-597-5399

FaxBack Authorized Reseller Program

Download the Reseller and Partner Application

OnForce: OSMI for Q3 2009 Points to Cost Stabilization in IT and CE Service Work

Work order pricing in the OnForce marketplace holds steady for a second quarter; total break-fix service events declines slightly, while installs see an uptick

BOSTON – October 21, 2009 – OnForce , the trusted online services marketplace that matches solution providers with quality, local service technicians across the U.S. and Canada, today released the OnForce Services Marketplace Index (OSMI) for the third quarter of 2009. Based on tens of thousands of service events this quarter across North America, the OSMI provides a comprehensive analysis of spending trends in information technology (IT) and consumer electronic (CE) services. Key findings show that average work order pricing across the OnForce marketplace remained stable for the second consecutive quarter. Additionally, OnForce saw spending in break-fix work decrease slightly and a small increase in new equipment installations.

“While many companies continue to manage their service-related budgets tightly, the OnForce
marketplace saw signs of growth and stabilization this quarter. As we get closer to 2010 we are seeing spending on technology services even out in our marketplace as the supply and demand scale balances,” said Peter Cannone, CEO of OnForce. “We are also seeing indicators in the services industry and economy as a whole, which suggest more companies are beginning to invest in new technology as opposed to solely maintaining current infrastructure.”

Overall, prices within the OnForce marketplace stabilized for the second quarter in a row after
experiencing a period of downward pressure. Install work grew this quarter by 4 percent, offsetting the number of break-fix service events, which declined from 63 percent in the second quarter to 61 percent in the third quarter. VoIP, network, and audio saw the highest installation rates.

Other key findings include:

· The top four categories this quarter in terms of work order volume include:

o PC Desktop: 30 percent (down from 32 percent in Q2.)
o TV/Video: 16 percent (down from 19 percent in Q2.)
o Network: 15 percent (up from 13 percent in Q2.)
o Printer: Nine percent (steady compared to Q2.)

· The “Other” category accounted for nearly seven percent of all work order volume in Q3, remaining at an elevated state as enterprises continue to use OnForce for non-traditional and emergency service work.

· Hourly rates for home theater onsite service were the most expensive within the Consumer Electronics category.

· Maine, New Hampshire, and Nevada were the least expensive states for onsite services in Q3, a shift from Q2 when Kentucky, West Virginia, and Maryland were the least expensive.

· Houston, Chicago, and New York saw the most onsite service volume in Q3 for the fourth quarter in a row.

“Businesses will continue to look for ways to control IT costs throughout the end of the year and into the next,” noted Cannone. “So while we will continue to see elevated break-fix activity for some time, we expect installs to gradually increase as companies strategically invest in new IT infrastructure that will yield better long-term ROI.”

The OSMI Q3 2009 report is available for download at http://www.onforce.com/OSMI/Q309 .

About OnForce
OnForce is service made simple. The company provides access to a trusted national network of more than 13,000 onsite service technicians connecting service demand with local supply through an online marketplace — easily, efficiently, and profitably. With more than one million completed service orders, OnForce is a proven leader in helping solution providers increase profits, gain a competitive advantage, and contain service costs. The OnForce community is made up of 5,000+ IT and CE solution providers and more than 13,000 service technicians who work in a number of technology categories, including computers, printers, networking, VoIP, point of sale, and consumer electronics. For more information, visit www.onforce.com .