As Microsoft’s new operating system, Vista, grows closer to shipping we are changing the configuration of our PC’s. We are now building PC’s which Microsoft terms “Vista Ready”. This simply means that if you buy a Vista Ready PC you can be assured that PC will have the horsepower to run Vista- whenever it finally ships. Keep in mind, however, if you want to upgrade to Vista later you will still need to buy Vista. Microsoft is not giving away free upgrades from XP to Vista.
After weeks of planning theforcefield.net is now online! What began as an idea for a simple blog for a podcast became something more – much more. This is the beta of what will become the official web site for The Force Field, a podcast originally created and produced for the Service Providers of OnForce, a web based IT service company that bills itself as a marketplace for service professionals and buyers.
The show covers the “news, views, reviews and interviews for and about the IT industry and the OnForce community”. The web site was launched to showcase The Force Field and add value to the show. However, the topic of each episode can only be summarized in a 30 minute podcast. The purpose of theforcefield.net is to cover each topic in greater detail and offer viable concepts, ideas and solutions to make the podcast much more dynamic and enjoyable.
If you are one of over ten thousand Service Providers who are members of OnForce this is your home away from home, a portal to news and information of all things related to running a small IT service company.
If you are not a member of OnForce and are either an IT professional who is an independent contractor or you want start your own business in the IT service industry, this is for you. If you are a vendor attempting to reach IT companies to market, sell and maintain your products and services with affiiate, associate or partner programs either directly or indirectly through the channel, you’ve come to the right place. Feel free to look around, listen to The Force Field, and join in.
Membership to theforcefield.net is not required, but it has advantages. As a member you can submit ideas for upcoming shows and participate in the call-in segments. You can enter contests and giveways, get inside information on vendor programs and shows, subscribe to other IT related podcasts and network with other professionals in your field. Where the The Force Field ends, theforcefield.net begins.
Dare to enter The Force Field. Once inside you will experience more than a podcast. You will experience the world of the IT professional.
Welcome to The Force Field!
Rick Savoia
This is the website of THEFORCEFIELD.NET and Savoia Media.
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Charlotte, NC 28277
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If you have any questions, suggestions, or remarks regarding this website, you can send us a letter. Mail it to: 10235 Creek Dale Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277. We can also be reached via e-mail at webmaster@theforcefield.net, or by telephone at (321) 244-0705.
Today we will talk with two IT service professionals and learn how the over abundance of middlemen in the business have affected profitability for the field service tech who actually do the job.
Intro 1:21
Billboard 2:23
News and Comment segment 6:08
A new web browser has just been launched that promises to allow users to surf the web with complete privacy.
Microsoft has named Toshiba as the manufacturer of its new iPod-like line of products known as Zune.
Stopbadware.org has issued a preliminary report that includes AOL 9.0 on its list as badware.
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 calls 1:16
There is a trend in the marketplace to outsource IT services to third party vendors. Some of these subcontractors have subcontracted to other companies themselves, who in turn sub it out to someone else. This multi-level format has now evolved to a point that makes it difficult for the technician on the end to actually perform the work and still remain profitable. At what point does the service channel become too multi-tiered to even work? Steve and Dave will weigh in and tell us what they think.
Steve Call 5:42
Dave Call 9:50
Wrap up and Close :51
©2006 Savoia Computer. All rights reserved.
http://media.techpodcasts.com/theforcefield/media.libsyn.com/media/theforcefield/The_Force_Field_4.mp3
This week we talk with Dave Hendrickson and learn what it is like to be an IT tech in Alaska.
Intro 1:20
News and Comment segment 4:21
Apple plans to integrate it popular iPod in cars within the next year. SCO stock hit a low this week, so low that some market watchers find the future of the software company in doubt.
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
Arctictech Interview 19:51
Intro to Interview. Dave Hendrickson talks about his experiences as an IT tech and OnForce Provider living and working in the great state of Alaska.
Wrap up and Close :51
©2006 Savoia Computer. All rights reserved.
http://media.techpodcasts.com/theforcefield/media.libsyn.com/media/theforcefield/The_Force_Field_3.mp3
This week we talk with Jamie Begin and learn about the opportunities available to Providers who are interested in selling VoIP.
Intro 1:20
Billboard :56
News and Comment segment 6:56
Intel and AMD are getting ready to duke it out again and this time it looks like Intel is going to throw the first punch.
Microsoft announces software giveaway to partners The catch? Install it, evaluate it and fill out a survey.
Hear the sad story of a man in Malaysia who didn't have VoIP.
Commercial Break 1:00
Savoia Computer.
Provider Interview 15:10
Interview with an OnForce Provider, Jamie Begin from Bright Idea VoIP, who entered the VoIP market, how it works for him and what opportunities are available for other Providers who are thinking about getting into an area of technology that could be the next big thing.
Wrap up and Close :52
©2006 Savoia Computer. All rights reserved.
This is the premiere episode in which we discuss remote support programs and the difficulties of being a MacGyver when serving customers.
Intro 1:05
News and Comment segment 8:30
Bill Gates III is stepping down as Chief Software Architect at Microsoft. What, if anything, does it really mean?
HP announces it will work with two retailers to resolve patent infringements with its ink and vows to continue weeding out offenses by third party ink suppliers. Are they trying to control quality or the market?
Kevin Gilroy is named CEO and board member of OnForce. Is it a sign of better things to come?
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
Provider call-in discussion 9:00
How to call the show using Skype. Randy of Randy's PC Repair discusses remote support programs such as Logmein. Steve of Minuteman Tech discusses the difficulties and risks of acting as MacGyver for Clients and customers, a trap that many Providers fall into.
Wrap up and Close :51
©2006 Savoia Computer. All rights reserved.
http://media.techpodcasts.com/theforcefield/media.libsyn.com/media/theforcefield/The_Force_Field_1.mp3
If you have questions about the site or membership to theforcefield.net please read this FAQ first. If you do not find an answer to your question here you may contact us at info@theforcefield.net.
This is a basic FAQ about The Force Field. If you have any questions that are not answered here please E-mail info@theforcefield.net .