Have you ever had a computer stolen?

October 7th, 2010 by Wes No comments »

 

One of Quality IP’s clients generously offer a computer for their patrons to use for free in the Business Center of their Hotel. They offer all kinds of amenities  including free access to the Microsoft Office suite, free Internet access, and even the ability to print documents. Unfortunately, a greedy hotel patron decided to take advantage of the offerings and stole the PC from the hotel.

The hotel manager then called Quality IP to request help with setting up the replacement PC. As one of our technicians was going through our system to configure the Managed Services agent on the new PC, he noticed the stolen PC was online. He notified the hotel manager and did a little research. Every PC connected to a network is assigned a unique number called an IP Address so data packets know what computer to deliver data to. Quality IP was able to obtain the stolen PC’s IP address with our Managed Services agent.

With the information gathered from the Managed Services agent, the local police issued a formal subpeona to the Internet Service Provider. The authorities could then work with the Internet Service Provider to track down the location of the stolen PC.  The ISP was able to locate the stolen PC by matching the IP Address of the perpetrator’s account with the new IP Address of the stolen PC.

The Managed Services agent is a valuable tool offered by Quality IP. Not only does the Managed Services program offer PC maintenance, Windows update installation, Anti-virus Protection, and remote support. The  Managed Service also offers several auditing and tracking tools to help keep track of serial numbers, model numbers, IP addresses, and virtually all information about your PC. These tracking and auditing tools helped bring a criminal to justice while also helping get our client’s computer back.

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Quality IP becomes a Microsoft Certified Partner

May 4th, 2010 by qualityip No comments »

Quality IP Earns Certified Partner Status
in Microsoft Partner Program

[Kent, Ohio — May 1st, 2010 Quality IP, today announced it has earned Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program, which recognizes Quality IP’s expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Certified Partner, Quality IP has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customer needs. Microsoft Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Quality IP has been providing outsourced IT solutions to local area businesses since 2004. Quality IP’s expertise with Microsoft Operating Systems and Application Software help companies get the right solution at the best price.

 “Only companies that have demonstrated high levels of customer service, proved their experience and attained advanced certification receive the designation of Microsoft Certified Partner,” said Allison Watson, corporate vice president of Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corp. “Today, Microsoft recognizes Quality IP for its skills and expertise in providing customer satisfaction with Microsoft products and technology.”

As one of the requirements for earning Certified Partner status, Quality IP has declared a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft Competencies are designed to help differentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsoft technologies to customers looking for a particular type of solution. Each competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the technology industry.

Competency: Networking Infrastructure Solutions

Microsoft partners enrolled in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency have proven their proficiency in implementing solutions based on Microsoft’s Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 Operating Systems, or Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008. These implementations may include crafting solutions that connect Windows-based servers, PC locations and the Internet; installing a server farm; or building a small-business Windows Server stand-alone solution that includes file and print capabilities.

Competency: Information Worker Solutions

The Information Worker Solutions competency is for partners that have demonstrated proficiencies in Microsoft information worker technologies. These partners are equipped to address key customer challenges by developing solutions and deploying services based on the 2007 Microsoft Office system and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. Specializations within this competency include Search, Data Visualization, Enterprise Project Management, Portals and Collaboration, Office Solutions Development, Enterprise Content Management, and Office Systems Deployment.

 “We are extremely pleased to have earned Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This allows us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers,” said Ryan Markham, President. “The benefits provided through our Certified Partner status will allow us to continue to enhance the offerings that we provide for customers.”

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October 2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes partner expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in the technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help partners’ businesses be successful.

Quality IP provides business technology services to over 300 companies throughout Northeast Ohio. Quality IP’s customer base predominately consists of businesses that have between 1 – 100 computers. These companies rely on Quality IP to install and support products that are in accordance with ‘best-practice’ recommendations.

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Windows 7: Love it or Leave it?

May 4th, 2010 by tyler No comments »

Now that the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system has been out in the open market for close to 4 months now, many PC users have had the chance to decide if they absolutely love Window 7, or would rather leave it.  Given this debate, we’ll take a look at both sides of the argument on the latest and greatest coming from Redmond, WA.

Taking a look at the side that likes Windows 7 – they have much to back their claim and the following are just a few of the reasons.

1)      MS Calulator, WordPad, and MS Paint got a complete GUI overhaul
2)      UAC or User Access Control is able to be better controlled now
3)      Faster boot time (up to 20%) than that of Windows Vista
4)      Users now have the ability to use “Aero Shake” and ‘snap’ their open windows to either side of the screen

On the other hand, some have a few issues with the new operating system.

1)      The Windows XP mode feature is only available for Windows 7: Professional and Ultimate
2)      Compatibilty issues with older programs not running correctly
3)      Backup support to a home network is not available in Home Premium Edition

All in all, many Windows users will find out that a lot of the pros will outweigh the cons that come with upgrading.  A recent review on PCworld.com said, “…whether you choose to install Windows 7 on your current systems or get it on the next new PC you buy, you’ll find that it’s the unassuming, thoroughly practical upgrade you’ve been waiting for–flaws and all”

Be sure to contact us at Quality IP if you are interested in upgrading your current PC to Windows 7, or if you would like to purchase a brand new system with the operating system already installed.

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Tyler Roahrig accepts full time position

January 5th, 2010 by tyler No comments »

Quality IP has recently hired Kent State University graduate Tyler Roahrig as a full time technician.  Tyler recently graduated from Kent State with a degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) with a 3.91 GPA in the CIS major coursework and was able to obtain his degree in 3.5 years.  Although he is now a full time employee, Tyler is no stranger to Quality IP, due to his Information Technology internship with the company which started in March of 2009.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoys staying physically fit by playing co-ed soccer and training for long distance runs and marathons.  He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends in his spare time.  During the winter months, you’ll see him out in the woods hunting in his hometown of Coshocton, OH.

Despite being recently graduated and just finishing school, Tyler is continuing his education by obtaining multiple Microsoft Certifications.  He has already obtained his Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) credential and is currently working towards the status of becoming a Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP) in the area of consumer support and enterprise support.

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Attack Against the Economy

December 30th, 2009 by qualityip No comments »

Quality IP

Advantageous Business Risks Have Fallen By the Wayside

Instead of taking risks and implementing new business practices to adapt to the economy, business owners have fallen into the mentality that maintaining current operations will provide a safe path through the economic downturn. Companies should devise a plan of action to maintain business growth, rather than remaining stagnant or suffering.

Attacking the Recession

When business is on the decline, it’s typical for companies to quickly eliminate marketing and research from their budgets. Instead, Quality IP hired a new agency to develop an effective integrated marketing strategy and has continued to research its industry and its clients needs. The discovery is that in times of recession, struggling companies benefit from outsourcing departments that carry large amounts of overhead. By understanding its client’s needs, and developing products and services around those needs, Quality IP has been able to expand operations.

Outsourcing Reduces Costs. Period.

Outsourcing IT is one of the easiest ways to reduce the number of full-time employees on payroll. By implementing an IT outsourcing strategy, businesses can utilize highly specialized services as needed without carrying the financial burden of multiple salaried IT specialists. “Local outsourcing can provide a better product at a lower price, and we are accountable for a fixed monthly cost,” said Quality IP’s President, Ryan Markham. “It is our goal to help businesses better spend technology dollars. We can help save in purchasing, telecom and human resources.”

Quality IP Services Improve Business Efficiency

By having the right technology in place, companies can focus on their core business. With remote access to computers and email, mobile device integration, contact management systems, sales tracking tools, and faster Internet for less money, Quality IP’s services provide greater efficiency than many of the tools companies currently use. Additionally, Quality IP implemented a helpdesk system, something many of its competitors do not have, which provides quick customer service and quality maintenance from its team of expert technicians.

According to the article “The change imperative: it’s back-to-basics time” by Phil Fersht, an acknowledged industry analyst and outsourcing advisor, there has been debate over the operational ability of companies to transition processes to a third-party supplier to manage. Fersht’s research shows that outsourcing is best utilized when companies proactively prepare management and employees for the transition. He suggests that management learns new skills, is trained to modify their roles, responsibilities, and management styles, and is taught to view outsourcing as a strategic tool. Helping management and employees adapt their daily routine to an outsourced environment will help to quickly achieve value from the new service. 

Quality IP’s customer service and state-of-the-art equipment helps its clients make a smooth transition to working with a third party. The company’s successful business model and its products and services have helped it to grow rapidly, and its goal is to help other companies do the same. Doing business in the current economy is challenging, but with the help of a company like Quality IP, other businesses are having an easier time overcoming those challenges. Getting new business has become easier said Markham, “Decision makers want to reduce costs. If you can save someone money and provide a similar or better service you stand a good chance to win the business.”

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Quality IP reaches 10,000 tickets

December 7th, 2009 by tyler No comments »

                              ConnectWise

Quality IP has been using ConnectWise IT automation software since July, 2007. Since that time, Quality IP has just entered its 10,000th support ticket into the support system. This milestone is monumental because it shows how much we’ve grown in 30 months.

President, Ryan Markham said, “When we purchased ConnectWise, we only had 3 employees and about 25 customers. We now service over 300 companies for computer support in Northeast Ohio. This growth is largely due to the information we able to manage by using ConnectWise.”

It is our motto that “If it didn’t happen in Connectwise, IT didn’t happen”. Connectwise has helped us redefine our ticket and sales processes, as well as providing the ability to track hardware and software assets.

Quality IP provides business technology consulting for local businesses. We are active members of the Greater Akron Chamber, Streetsboro Chamber, Kent Chamber, Hudson Chamber and Better Business Bureau.

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Saving Money On IT: Top 10 Reasons To Outsource

November 30th, 2009 by qualityip No comments »

QIP250x60

With the current state of the economy, businesses are trying harder than ever to cut costs and save much-needed resources. Overhead costs aren’t recovered by billable hours, so it only makes sense that they be as low as possible. Outsourcing your IT employees or IT department is one of the best ways to reduce overhead costs for almost any business. Strategic outsourcing doesn’t carry the negative connotation that foreign outsourcing once did, and the potential benefits of outsourcing are well documented.

Here are ten reasons that outsourcing your IT department should be at the top of your company’s to-do list:

1. You don’t pay for benefits. Any type of outsourcing will save money on healthcare, 401K etc. Simply put, the less employees whose insurance and retirement you are contributing to, the more money you save.

2. You don’t pay for continuing education. In the rapidly advancing field of Internet Technology, continuing education is a must for employees to remain effective. Many companies offer to pay for employees to continue their education or match tuition, which is expensive. With outsourced IT, there are no extra expenses.

3. Wholesale prices. IT companies come with buying power, which means they secure better deals for your business because of the volume they buy in software, hardware and services. Organizations that lack strategic relationships with technology vendors and wholesalers can benefit from outsourcing IT.

4. Improved company focus. Outsourced IT companies focus on IT so you can focus on your business. Businesses that focus on their core competencies tend to be more successful. For example, if you run an accounting firm, your time would probably be better spent doing something besides cleaning your windows and scrubbing your toilets. So, what do you do? You hire a cleaning agency—outsourcing in its most common form.

5. Specialized experts vs. one generalist. Each employee of an IT outsource provider has extensive knowledge of one or two areas of IT, making him or her an expert in that specific IT subcategory. IT outsourcers have multiple employees, meaning there are multiple experts working for you. For a fixed monthly cost, you get a CIO, Telecom Manager and Helpdesk. Typically, that fixed monthly cost is significantly less than one IT employee’s monthly wages.

6. Services are utilized as needed. With outsource providers, organizations pay only for the services they actually used. Month to month, those needs may change, but IT outsource providers offer an array of services to choose from. With an IT employee, a salary or hourly wages are paid even when there is significant down time.

7. No turnover or new hires. There are significant expenses associated with turnover and finding and training new employees. Outsourced IT management eliminates these costs. IT companies absorb these costs and make sure you have the best resources in reach at all times.

8. Reduce risk. When you outsource IT, you share risk such as demand variability and capital investments.

9. Outsourced IT can grow with your business. With customizable IT solutions and services, IT outsource providers can easily and quickly adapt to changing business needs. Also, if there are specific business quarters or months that require more IT assistance, an IT outsource provider can assimilate to your needs and scale back to a maintenance level afterward.

10. Lower operating costs. Reducing and controlling general operating costs is the single most important tactical reason for outsourcing your Information Technology Management.

When times are tough, yet you know you can’t pull back on critical IT elements including security, redundancy, and business communications, IT outsourcing can help you stretch your operating dollars further. You get the highest level of expertise for a fraction of employment costs.

Quality IP is a leading provider of Managed IT and telecom services. Since its founding in 2003, Quality IP has worked tirelessly to keep its promise to customers: Technology made simple, 24/7, 365. For more information about Quality IP, visit www.qualityip.com

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QualityIP attends Kent Chamber Event

November 20th, 2009 by tyler No comments »

Kent Chamber

Members of the Quality IP team were in attendance last night at Kent Chamber’s 99th Annual Tree City Awards & Dinner.

Quality IP would like to extend a congratulations to last nights IMMY awards winners: Go2Go Taxi, Looking Glass Learning Center, Kent Displays, and Phoenix Properties.  Quality IP would also like to congratulate Dr. Emilio Ferrara on receiving the Kent Medal for Public Business and to Jack Crews of the KRBA on receiving the Small Business Person of the Year award.

It was a wonderful experience for Qualtiy IP to be a part of last nights ceremonies and is looking forward to future Kent Chamber events.

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Quality IP has moved

November 16th, 2009 by qualityip No comments »

QIP250x60300dpi

Quality IP of Kent, Ohio has moved to its new location at 145 S. River Street, previously the city’s historic Silk Mill. Contrary to most businesses that are moving now because the economy hit rock bottom, Quality IP moved to accommodate rapidly expanding operations.

The new location offers Quality IP a comfortable 3,000 square foot spread with 16 individual offices, space that will accommodate new hires and plans for expansion.

Started in 2003 as a one-man show, Quality IP has since grown into a team of eight with the last four hired just after May 2009. Of the four new, full-time employees, two are recent information technology graduates of Kent State University. They have joined the technical consulting team at Quality IP, which has seen the bulk of growth within the company.

With more technicians, Quality IP will now be able to provide its customers with quicker customer service and offsite hosting from the new, larger facility. “Outsourcing has become a popular trend for us,” said Ryan Markham, President of Quality IP, when asked about the future of his company and the information technology industry. Quality IP works with over 300 companies and an average of ten new accounts a month. “We build long lasting relationships with our clients by installing best practice equipment and offering real-time customer support,” said Markham.

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