Insite Acquires Storyworks1

I've had the pleasure of working with Storyworks1 for the past 2 years as they have grown.  As our customer I really enjoyed our conversations because they definitely value technology as a strategic advantage in business.  As they have been acquired by Insite they will no longer be using our services.  Insite has their own internal IT.  Of course we will stay in touch with them.  As the organization evolves they may see a need to bring us back in.  I'm really excited about these 2 companies.  They are taking the evolution of data to the next level and enabling businesses to do more with tech.  I can't wait to see what their product matures into.





Insite Acquires Storyworks1

Lenovo ThinkPad P40 Yoga: Multimode Mobile Workstation With Nvidia Quadro GPU

This looks like a great value.  I've got the earlier version of this machine and I love it!  What is great is that it is durable, fast, and super flexible.  The ultimate tool for the executive on the go!





Lenovo ThinkPad P40 Yoga: Multimode Mobile Workstation With Nvidia Quadro GPU

Birthday Post

I've been trying my hand at this blog thing for several years now and I just realized that I've never written a Birthday Post.  As I move along in life I'm starting to take more time to reflect on life and experiences.  My wife is always amazed at how many different jobs I've done over the years.  I could list them out but that would be boring.  Lets just say I have not really been unemployed since I was 14.  My hope is that I would have learned something from all of those experiences.  I have.  It's hard to distill it all down but here is my best attempt

1. BE YOURSELF -  I think my biggest problem over the years with this suggestion is that I did not really know who I was.  I was searching as many people do.  I now have started to focus on the things I like about me versus the things I don't like.  If I meet with someone and they don't like me, I try not to take it personal.  It's probably about them anyway.  Even so,  when I relax and operate authentically I'm a pretty likable person.  So this is one nice part of being 47.  I like me and I think other people do too.

2. TELL THE TRUTH - Man this can be hard at times.  Especially when it's bad news.  In today's culture the truth is refreshing.  Everyone is trying to spin things to make them sound better more dramatic then they need to be.  Lets just stick with the truth.

3.STEP IN THE OTHER GUYS SHOES - This is hard too. Especially when the other guy is yelling at you.  When I do this I tend to feel compassion versus anger and frustration.  This is one I have to constantly work at.  Having Kids has really helped me to do this.

4. FIND AND PURSUE YOUR PASSION-  I think this is a multifaceted suggestion.  I mean, my passion is not only work.  I love cycling, drumming, working out, being out doors, skiing, my family, church activities and work.  I go after all of these with passion.  I've had jobs over the years that I was not passionate about.  I've been ok with that for a while but eventually I moved toward my passion.  When I started to focus on all of my passions and keep some balance each activity spurred on my passion for the other.

Well I hope that tells you a little bit more about me and what I've learned in 47 years on this planet.  

Storm warning: prepare staff and clients - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

Here is a great article for the coming season.



Storm warning: prepare staff and clients - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

Watch Modern Workplace Sink or Sell: Rethink how you connect with custom...

Microsoft Edge is already good enough for me to drop Chrome

Right now the only browser I use is Chrome.  It is lightning fast and it works with everything.  I'm hopeful that this new Edge meets the expectations that this article sets.  Having a good choice from Microsoft for a browser is something that has not been available for a while.



Microsoft Edge is already good enough for me to drop Chrome

What Microsoft flagship stores can learn from Apple retail stores - Fortune

I've been to the current Microsoft store at the Mall of America and I really like it.  I send customers and prospects there when the are trying to figure out what kid of device they would like to use.  Sometimes they need more than just a description from me over the phone and a link on a web site.  With this new flagship store it will be interesting to what changes they end up making to the MOA store.  I like the Microsoft store better than a Best Buy because it is more customer/experience focused and less sales focused.



What Microsoft flagship stores can learn from Apple retail stores - Fortune

4 ways IT can hurt your productivity - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

This is hard to communicate some times but the idea of  "flow" is so simple.  I think most people can relate to being in that state and having increased productivity.



4 ways IT can hurt your productivity - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

I love my yoga

Here's how hybrid laptops are going to save the tablet market http://flip.it/kugSS

IT can help or hurt your business value - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

Over the last year at Veracity, I've been working hard to focus on business outcomes for my customers.  It's sometimes hard because people are used to tech talk.  Once the transition is made I can really start to impact the value of IT and that is fun.

IT can help or hurt your business value - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

Microsoft unveils Surface Pro 4 and its first-ever laptop, the convertible Surface Book with 13.5-inch removable touchscreen

Based on my experience with the Lonovo Yoga and the Microsoft Surface pro 3.  These new offerings from Microsoft are thoughtful and powerful.  I can't wait so see them live.  I'm glad Microsoft is setting and raising the bar for other manufacturers including Apple.  As a remote worker I really love the ability to use my Yoga in several different configurations depending on the requirements of my interaction.  Also, when I dock it back at the office it drives 2 additional monitors and has plenty of horsepower.  These new offerings from Microsoft will provide that same type of functionality.



Microsoft unveils Surface Pro 4 and its first-ever laptop, the convertible Surface Book with 13.5-inch removable touchscreen

Kids and tech.

I really  wrestle with this.  Especially  since  I work  in tech.  I feel like I should  have the answers.  This some  great  advice.  Tech is integrated  into  the  school  more  and more.  The more  we pau attention and get involved, the better  our  chances  of success.

How much time should kids spend with screens? New advice for a digital age http://flip.it/jIIsP

Check out this stuff fom Google

I'm starting  to like the  idea of Google  products  more and more. Especially  since the phones don't  come with so much  garbage  software  on them like the Samsung  I currently  have.

Here’s All the New Stuff Google Just Announced http://flip.it/cflGJ

Avoid getting hacked

Five things to know to avoid getting hacked http://flip.it/LKOZE

More on iPad Pro

I think this is helpful.   It's very  confusing for consumers  right  now.

Apple’s iPad Pro proves Microsoft was always right about the Surface http://flip.it/GcYy8

Apple iPad Pro vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 3 vs. MacBook Air - CNET

I have to share this.



Apple iPad Pro vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 3 vs. MacBook Air - CNET

Office 2016 starts rolling out on September 22

I've been working with this for a couple of months now.  I'm not a super geek so I have not had a chance to fully exploit the product.  I will say that moving on to this platform has remedied some of the issues I was having with Sharepoint and One Drive for Business.



Office 2016 starts rolling out on September 22

8 things Apple didn't tell you about the iPad Pro

Ever since I've owned my Lenovo Yoga.  I've been wondering "Why is there no pen for the IPAD?" I really enjoy using the application Microsoft Onenote to take written notes in meetings.  Sometimes my mind just flows better when I'm writing VS typing.  It looks like Mac finally figured that out.  I would love to try out one of these.



8 things Apple didn't tell you about the iPad Pro

Interesting info on Box

Box is about to get a chance to prove investors wrong after its stock lost all its IPO gains http://flip.it/3xUl6

BCP implementation challenges - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

Most companies I deal with have some kind of back up in place.  I usually find they don't have the time to understand what recovery from a disaster would look like.  What is their RTO?  (how quick do they need to be back in business?)  What is their RPO (How many revisions do they need to keep?).  It's really just about dealing with reality and knowing what the risk is.  Are you OK with it?





BCP implementation challenges - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

Takeaways from the Ashley Madison hack - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

These are some great takeaways I'll be sure to cover with my customers.



Takeaways from the Ashley Madison hack - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

Security Experts Warn Of New Mac Viruses | Cult of Mac

In the past 15 years I can only recall a few times when my customers with Mac's have had a virus.  I'm guessing with the new environment where people carry multiple devices will start to change.  Our current platform provides AV for Mac's and it works great!



Security Experts Warn Of New Mac Viruses | Cult of Mac

Defining Managed Services

I've gotten to the point where I almost never define Veracity as a Managed Services Provider.  In fact that is what we are.  But, who knows what that means?  This article hits the nail on the head.  In order to communicate our value to our customers I need to understand how our services can positively impact their business and their strategic plan.


http://mspmentor.net/managed-services/072715/nothing-defines-managed-services-better-meeting-your-customers-needs?NL=NL-03&Issue=NL-03_20150729_NL-03_785&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_4&utm_rid=CPTNN000000161901&utm_campaign=17917&utm_medium=email&elq2=fe1b92b4771d486ba448ab05576f8cf6

Your next phone could have USB Type-C (and that's a good thing) - CNET

I'm actually excited about this new technology.  USB-B is kind of a pain from a very practical perspective.  Your trying to move fast through your day and need to charge up.  It's just that brief delay to think "which way is up on this thing?"  I love eliminating small tasks that I do over and over.  This may seem small but I think the overall benefit will be great.  Of course I'm sure USB 3.1 will have some cool stuff too.  Right now I'm just excited about a new easier to use plug.



Your next phone could have USB Type-C (and that's a good thing) - CNET

Box Pushes Its Office 365 Integration Into Beta | TechCrunch

I'm working with a customer now who has a heavy Mac environment.  Box seems like it could be the right solution.  Especially if Microsoft and Box end up working closer together.





Box Pushes Its Office 365 Integration Into Beta | TechCrunch

Microsoft Windows 10 Preview - CNET

I have to admit I am always a bit skeptical when Microsoft releases a new Operating system.  However, I've really liked my experience with Windows 8 and I think it is a reflection of the change in the Microsoft development process.  My experience is that Microsoft is asking us to look differently at how we do our work.  Also, we are simultaneously changing how we interact with technology and they are trying to adapt.  Now that I've been working with a touch screen I miss it when I don't have one.  It's not for everything mind you but I really like it for scrolling through web pages and zooming in and out.  In reading through this review of Windows 10 and also having played with it a little bit I believe this will be a success.



Microsoft Windows 10 Preview - CNET

Microsoft takes another hit on phones, but don't count it out yet - CNET

More on the Microsoft approach to the mobile phone business.  Even though I currently own a droid, I'd like to see them succeed.



Microsoft takes another hit on phones, but don't count it out yet - CNET

What conversation are you having with your managed services provider?

Unfortunately for the consumer many times they are having the wrong conversation with their IT vendor.  I am completely blown away by how disrespectful many IT companies are toward their customers.  When  I saw the growing offering of cloud services I figured IT companies would up their game and focus on being more consultative and less salesy(made up word).  It seems to be the opposite.  In a mad grab for all the SMB customers, managed services providers seem to be focusing less on the customers and more on the sale.  I'm not complaining.  I love it.  Because our company is different and I'm enjoying having a different conversation.  What I'm talking about the customers business needs and what their goals for their business are.  How do they think IT can impact their goals?  What are the most important technologies to be investing in to impact their business and their customers?  Should they be considering the cloud?  I don't know.  Does it align with their business goals?  Who cares what tools I have in my bag or that I can monitor and patch 24x7 if that has no impact.  

Productivity 101: What to do in a power outage - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

Productivity 101: What to do in a power outage - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

Go Google.

Google Launches U.S. Wireless Service - http://huff.to/1Hmd7mM

Veracity Technologies Named a Top Managed Service Provider - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

I like this award because it is one we earned and did not pay for.  They are truly measuring performance of the company.  I'm proud of the progress we have made at Veracity.  Our success has been hard fought and we continue to strive.  Our goal is to achieve the status of World Class MSP (Managed Services Provider).  I've seen our leadership team continue to commit resources and time continuous improvement.  What an exiting place to work.





Veracity Technologies Named a Top Managed Service Provider - Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul and Twin Cities | Veracity Technologies

Purchasing IT Services

Hopefully this post will be the beginning of more consistent posts from me.  I've been at Veracity for 3 years now.   I'm lucky enough to be working with a team who is leading the way in providing a world class service to our customers.  Over the past year we've been implementing business automation and process that will allow us to provide consistently improving IT delivery to our customers.  The main reason why this is possible is that we are focused on business results rather than fixing technology problems.

Technology problems are really just a symptom of the larger issue.  Our prospects often come to us facing a variety of technology challenges.  They may have very serious painful issues like lost data or down time or they may have a strategic problem like which technology to purchase next to impact their business.  Technology problems can be addressed proactively and the reactive issues in a given environment can be reduced over time.  This allows for strategic proactive planning to implement technology in a way that will impact the business results and ultimately the bottom line.

So when you are looking for an IT service provider, be looking for a company that is focused on understanding and impacting your business.  If they are only focused on fixing technology problems then they may not be the right fit for you.

HoloLens, Surface Hub, a smarter Cortana and more Windows 10 details: Everything Microsoft just announced - CNET

Check out the first video in this link.  If all of these features come true in Windows 10 this could be another game changer.  They are moving towards Windows as a service and I like it.



HoloLens, Surface Hub, a smarter Cortana and more Windows 10 details: Everything Microsoft just announced - CNET

Office Lens -- Great for users of white boards

Check out this very helpful application from Microsoft.

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2015/04/microsoft-office-lens-iphone-app.html

Working remote

The Huge Benefits Of Letting Your Employees Work From Home - http://huff.to/1GXrCcK

Windows 10 to let you get updates 'from multiple sources' - CNET

More news on Windows 10 info.  Office 2016 is just around the corner too.  We are seeing great beta's and previews at Veracity.



Windows 10 to let you get updates 'from multiple sources' - CNET

Microsoft Excel is a basic requirement

Knowing Excel -- Yes, Microsoft Excel -- Is Crucial To Making More Money - http://huff.to/1KyevER

Which wireless carrier is king? One testing firm weighs in - CNET

With my customers relying more and more on remote connection to their resources, I'm always curious which network is actually the best.  Turns out Verizons advertising might just actually be true.  Even so,  I've been on T-Mobile for the last 10 years.  It is supposedly the weakest but it works great for me.

Which wireless carrier is king? One testing firm weighs in - CNET

Net Fix: FCC chief on solving the Open Internet puzzle (Q

This is something that could potentially have a big impact on my customers in the future.  Will the internet be open to all at fair prices in the future?  How will it be controlled?  It's funny how we take things for granted and just figure they will always be there.



Net Fix: FCC chief on solving the Open Internet puzzle (Q

The next chapter of Office on Windows - Office Blogs

I always wonder to myself if Microsoft can keep coming up with cool new stuff.  It looks like they can.  I think I might be more excited about this than any other release.  They are optimizing for touch which should make my Lenovo Yoga experience even more enjoyable.



The next chapter of Office on Windows - Office Blogs

Microsoft's Nadella is on a mission to make Windows matter again - CNET

This article gives some great information on where Microsoft is headed.  Right now I'm really enjoying the frequent product releases for my customers.



Microsoft's Nadella is on a mission to make Windows matter again - CNET

A Well-Trained IT Team: Your Company's Secret Weapon (Infographic)

This info graphic is aimed more at the internal IT team of a company VS the outsourced model which we provide at Veracity.  The principals are the same.  A well trained IT team helps your company be more profitable.



A Well-Trained IT Team: Your Company's Secret Weapon (Infographic)

Cool Video about Aston Martin Cars and Microsoft Office 365

I love cars.  It would definitely  be on my bucket list just to drive an Aston Martin some day.  


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWrYArYYiuU

Windows 7 mainstream support ends - CNET

At Veracity Technologies www.veracitytech.com we recently had a look at the new Windows10.  We also have some beta version running on our environment.  It looks like the Windows 7 lovers will be happy with the new version coming out.  Darn, just when I was getting used to no start menu.  I actually like it quite a bit....oh well.





Windows 7 mainstream support ends - CNET

Microsoft opens up Office apps for Android tablets - CNET

I've recently installed Office for my android phone and I love it.  I'm impressed and excited about how Microsoft is approaching rolling out their applications to non-Microsoft devices.  The one area I'd like to see better products is with Apple devices.  I am hopeful for their forth coming release of the new Office for Mac.  Supposed to be due out 4th Quarter.



Microsoft opens up Office apps for Android tablets - CNET