Somerbys IT news
June 2010
Somerbys IT master the Cisco Smart Business Communications System JS
Somerbys IT’s Technical Director Allan Page and Technical support specialist Matthew Widdowson have just completed a comprehensive two day training course on Cisco’s UC500 smart business communication system.
The Cisco Smart Business Communications System provides a unique, comprehensive business communications solution with tightly coupled voice, data, video, network security, wireless mobility, and system management that other vendors simply cannot provide. Its components were designed to be deployed individually or as a complete system, allowing your business communications to evolve as your needs change. The industry-leading Cisco Unified Communications applications and hardware, including the full line of Cisco Unified IP Phones and networking solutions, are now available to small businesses. With secure "anytime, anywhere" access to information, your business can communicate more effectively with customers and employees. The system is easy to deploy and use, and it scales to accommodate business growth. In addition Somerbys IT provides end-to-end service and support that can help increase the network's business value and return on investment.
Somerbys IT now has a full Cisco demonstration capability that includes wired and wireless business grade network connectivity and a UC500 Smart Business Communications System with IP phones. If you would like to find out what a Cisco solution from Somerbys IT can do for your business then please call 0845 688 8663 or click on the right for a call back or email info@somerbysIT.co.uk
Click here to see a demo of what a Cisco SBCS solution can do for you!
June 2010
Microsoft unveil Office Home and Business 2010 to make it easier than ever for you to manage things in the office, at home, or in between. JS
Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 is the essential software suite for managing small businesses. Enhanced tools and features help you run your business, connect with customers, and organise your data more efficiently. Office 2010 features new photo, video, and text effects for creating standout documents and presentations. New communication tools in Outlook 2010 help you stay in touch and organised. Office Home and Business 2010 makes it easier than ever for you to manage things in the office, at home, or in between.
10 reasons to look at Microsoft Office 2010 for your business:
1 Easily access and share your work on the go.
Create enticing documents, presentations, and spreadsheets, post them online, and use Office Web Apps to access, edit, and share from anywhere you have an Internet connection.
2 Find the tools you need when you need them.
The new Microsoft Office Backstage™ view and improved Ribbon experience help you quickly navigate the tasks and commands you rely
on, enabling you complete to your work more efficiently.
3 Enhance your presentations with photos and videos.
Take advantage of new photo and video tools that let you to embed, edit, and format photos and videos in PowerPoint 2010 presentations.
4 Get more insight from your data.
Expose trends in your business financials or your household budget with Sparklines in Excel 2010. These mini-chart representations let you easily identify changes in your data.
5 Keep your inbox clutter-free.
Improve how you track and manage e-mail with the new Conversations View in Outlook 2010.
6 Organize information for all your projects in one place.
Combine notes, media, documents, and other materials into a digital notebook with OneNote 2010.
7 Add energy and impact to your presentations.
Bring your PowerPoint 2010 slideshow to life with state-of-the-art graphics, video, animations, and transitions.
8 Navigate documents quickly and easily.
Experience how the Document Map in Word 2010 helps you search entire documents, view sections, change headings, and make modifications more efficiently.
9 Create text as powerful as your images.
Give your documents a polished and professional look with Text Effects in Word 2010.
10 Share your presentations across your desk or around the world.
Broadcast your PowerPoint slideshow to anyone via the Web and inspire your audience online as effectively as in person.
If you would like to discuss how Office 2010 might benefit your business then please click on the right to arrange a call back or email info@somerbysit.co.uk.
May 2010
What can you spend £28 on that will change the way your business uses the Internet? JS
New mouse mats for everyone?
Somerbys IT know that money isn't always available to invest in good IT solutions.
But dont worry, Somerbys IT has put together two affordable and practical solution packages based on Cisco technology and Cisco Capital Finance that let your business really harness the power of Internet communications.
By making use of a straight forward 0% financing program, solutions can start from as little £28 per month. But this offer is only available for a limited period—it only applies to orders placed before 31 July 2010.
* Start Up Office Package From £28 Per Month
Get big business connectivity for a small office. Share fast, highly secure connectivity to the Internet. Move big files in moments with high performance connections to company data. Plus easily and securely connect laptop users wirelessly in the office or even via the internet from home or an internet café.
- This price is based on solution value of £1000 over 36 months including initial installation, next business day hardware replacement and telephone only technical support for 3 years. Broadband connection not included.
* Professional Office Package From £69 Per Month
The complete secure solution for powerful desktop PC’s and Wi-Fi enabled laptops. Get ultra fast connection to servers and printers. Features secure high speed, high availability internet connectivity with 3G backup**. It supports secure remote connections to multiple mobile users and other offices and the power to handle next generation customer service applications.
- This price is based on solution value of £2500 over 36 months including initial installation, 4 hour same day hardware replacement and telephone support for 3 years. Broadband connection not included.
Why not consider adding one of our competitive SITremote or SITsupport+ monthly support packages? Please feel free to contact us for a personalised quotation or for an instant quote just complete our ‘Support Calculator’ on our website.
For more information, call Somerbys IT now on 0845 688 8663 or email us on info@somerbysit.co.uk or click on the 'call me back' button.
All prices exclude VAT *Terms and conditions apply and subject to credit approval, business users only. ** 3G dongle not included.
May 2010
British SMEs Come out Fighting over State of the Economy JS
Technology giant Cisco reports “DIY” attitude fuels SME optimism, but some small firms in danger of being left behind in “two-tier” SME economy
UK small businesses have adopted a “fighting spirit” over the state of the economy and their prospects for the year ahead, though some risk slipping into the lower level of a “two-tier SME economy” when it comes to using technology to offer enhanced customer service, according to new research from technology giant Cisco.
Cisco’s Customer Kings 2010 report , which questioned small firms on an array of subjects including the changing nature of the way that they engage with customers, found that 63% of the 1,000 small businesses surveyed are optimistic about 2010, with 77% expecting to see an upturn in the economy within the year.
Jonathan Appleton, MD of Leicester based IT services company Somerbys IT, was enthusiastic about the findings of the survey “It’s great to see that other small business owners share a widespread DIY attitude to success”. However he cautioned other small business owners to heed the surveys warning “The data shows that the UK’s small business landscape is in danger of being split in two and highlights the use of technology as the dividing factor” he added “Flexible and modernised firms that find new ways to put customers first are going to go head to head with those unable and unwilling to reshape their business to meet the changing needs of consumers and it’s clear who will come out on top”
While the majority (57%) surveyed said that they had taken steps to refocus their business on the customer to steer their business through the recession for instance, an alarming 43% had taken no such action and are likely to be in danger of losing out to their more customer savvy counterparts.
This developing rift between customer focused businesses and their less consumer-centric peers is made more alarming by the thought that customers are also more likely to shop around for new suppliers than they were even twelve months ago (31% agreed, compared to just 23% in 2009).
The report also identified five qualities that can be attributed to successful modern businesses (defined as “Customer Kings” in the report) which are seen as customer focus, flexibility of business model, implementation of e-commerce, adoption of technology and use of social media. Focus on these attributes is likely to drive a number of small business benefits according to the research:
• Customer focus: those who placed greater focus on customer service because of the recession were more likely to be dealing with more customers than a year ago (36%) than those who didn’t (31%)
• Business model: 59% said that flexibility to market change was key to running a successful business, and 61% said that they have introduced new measures to build customer relationships
• E-Commerce: 64% - the highest response - said that online retailers offer “good” or “excellent” customer service, defying the notion that only “face-to-face” businesses can offer great customer service, though just 25% are currently utilising e-commerce themselves
• Technology: 91% of businesses view technology as “very” or “quite” important in improving the customer experience. Of those who cite it as “very important”, 71% are optimistic about the year ahead, compared to those who rate it as “quite” (56%) or “not” (58%) important
• Social media: the report shows social media to be of tangible benefit to small businesses using it (40%) – 43% of those using it are dealing with more customers than last year (vs. 29% not), and 72% are optimistic about 2010 (vs. 60% not)
David Critchley, head of SME and Commercial for Cisco UK & Ireland, says that the results point to a progressive and innovative SME landscape: “What we see here is that rather than simply adapting to the pressures of the recession, a large number of our small businesses are taking matters into their own hands and making things better for themselves. Remodelling their business around the needs of their customers, embracing new technology, new routes to market, and innovative ways of communicating with their audiences, these customer kings are set to thrive in 2010.”
For a full copy of the research report, including recommendations, please call James Sanderson at Somerbys IT on 0845 688 8663 or visit www.somerbysit.co.uk
Research for the Customer Kings 2010 report was conducted in January 2010. Findings are based on 1,000 online interviews with owners and senior decision makers in UK business with between 5 and 100 employees across the UK. Research was conducted by Loudhouse Research, an independent market research company
April 2010
Somerbys IT is now a Cisco Select Partner JS
Somerbys IT is pleased to announce that it has achieved ‘Select Partner’ accreditation with one of our key partners, Cisco.
To earn Select Certification Somerbys IT fulfilled the extensive training and exam requirements for the SMB Specialisation. Somerbys IT also met the personnel, training, and post-sales support requirements set forth by Cisco.
As a Cisco Select Partners we can better meet the IT needs of our customers and help them use technology to overcome their business challenges and capture new opportunities.
To use technology an efficient IT infrastructure is needed—and that’s where Cisco can help. By helping to secure business assets, work from anywhere, and be more productive Cisco routers, switches, communications, and security products help streamline your business.
If you would like to talk to us about any of your business challenges or learn more about Cisco SMB solutions please call 0845 688 8663 or email james.sanderson@somerbysit.co.uk
April 2010
Old McAfee antivirus software ‘End of Life’, are you up to date? JS
Somerbys IT was recently informed by McAfee that a number of older versions of their antivirus software have been made ‘End of Life’.
If you are running an older version of McAfee software and are not covered by a current support contract a new support contract is no longer available for it. This means you are no longer able to keep up to date and you cannot fully protect your company data against the new threats to data security that emerge every day.
We have evaluated a number of options and believe that McAfee’s Total Protection Solution, which includes a new support contract, is the most cost effective way of securing your customers business data.
You may also not be aware that under a new Ministry of Justice ruling, effective from April 6 2010, the data protection watchdog the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is now able to fine businesses and local councils up to £500,000 – 100 times more than the previous maximum fine of £5,000, for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act (DPA) So it has never been more important to keep your business continuously up to date and in line with regulatory obligations.
Spam, phishing, viruses and hackers can corrupt or steal your valuable data and disrupt your network and business. Without constant updates, your anti-virus and security software becomes obsolete.
The McAfee Total Protection solution includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, web security, desktop firewall, host intrusion prevention, and network access control and policy auditing from just £39 per user a month (ex VAT based on 25 user licence).
• One integrated management console, one set of security updates, and one point of contact for technical support
• Comprehensive integrated protection against complex threats—both known and unknown—to block attacks and prevent disruptions
This is of course combined with the installation and support expertise of Somerbys IT.
If you contact us before the 31st May 2010 we would like to offer you a 21 day free trial of the McAfee Total Protection.
If you would like to confirm the status of your McAfee antivirus, arrange the free trial or discuss your data security options in further detail please contact one of the team. We look forward to hearing from you.
Download the McAfee Total Protection data sheet here
April 2010
Somerbys IT has a new Business Development Manager JDGA
We are pleased to announce that as of 6th April James Sanderson has joined the Somerbys IT team as Business Development manager. His varied role will include finding ways to strengthen relationships with both customers and suppliers and helping to find ways to grow the business.
His background is in the telecommunications and networking infrastructure marketplace where he has worked for manufacturers, distributors and resellers and has been helping customers make sense of emerging technologies for over 10 years.
James says he hopes he can bring his broad experience to benefit Somerbys IT clients “I want to help our clients embrace new technology and understand how they can use IT to enable new routes to market and ways of communicating better with their markets”.
If you want to find out more about how emerging technologies can help your business or have a specific project you would like to discuss with James please do not hesitate to contact him at james.sanderson@somerbysIT.co.uk or 0845 456 8663.
March 2010
Budget tax card for 2010/11... JDGA
Why not download the latest Somerbys 2010/11 budget tax card? It's full of the latest tax rates, allowances etc recently announced in the March 2010 budget.
Download your Somerbys Budget Tax Card [click here]
March 2010
Microsoft Offer Browser Choice TW
Recently Microsoft have released an update available through ‘Windows Automatic Updates’ that is intended to present users with a choice of which web browser they would like to use. This update will be available to users of Windows XP, Vista and 7. Most users will be familiar with ‘Internet Explorer’, Microsoft’s own web browser and the likelihood is that they use it regularly for viewing websites. Many users are unaware that there are alternative web browsers available, and have been for many years.
Microsoft have released this update in light of their agreement with the European Commission. The agreement resolves a long-running case in which Microsoft was accused of abusing its market position.
The update will only be available if Windows Automatic Updates is enabled so you may not even see the update, in which case it requires no more action on your part. After the update has been installed, a pop-up window will prompt users to choose and install one of 12 different browsers or let them continue to use Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
Somerbys IT suggests that wherever possible, users continue to use Internet Explorer. This will allow for maximum compatibility and security for your system and aid in expediting our break-fix response to you as a customer. If installing a different browser, unfortunately we cannot guarantee that it will not cause problems with your system, but of course we are still here to help! Of course, the choice of browser is ultimately a personal one, and the whole point of this update.
If you have any concerns or are not sure which browser to choose, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Official Microsoft Article [click here]
February 2010
Craig hits 21... JDGA
Congratulations to Craig one of our IT Consultants who became 21 this week, we wish him all the best.
January 2010
Microsoft Releases Critical Update for Internet Explorer... TW
A recent hacker attack on Google earlier this month revealed a major security vulnerability in all versions of Internet Explorer from IE5 to IE8 Microsoft have subsequently released an out-of-band patch to fix this and several other privately reported vulnerabilities. We urge all of our customers to download and install this patch as soon as possible using Windows Update.
Read the Microsoft security bulletin here
January 2010
Kilworth House Theatre tickets go on sale, January 2010... JDGA
Kilworth House Theatre goes from strength to strength and will be opening its box office in January 2010 for the start of it’s fourth season. This spectacular outdoor theatre will no doubt again provide a visual feast for us all, we wish them every success.
December 2009
Sharon says farewell after 12 happy months... JDGA
Sharon has finally come to the end of her maternity cover after 12 months working in the admin team and tells us she loved every minute. She obviously enjoyed working with Somerbys IT so much that she couldn’t bear to be away from us, so has decided to join one of our clients, Kilworth House Hotel. We wish her all the best in her new role and will see her very soon.
December 2009
Yew’d have to say they had a good time... JDGA
The team made merry at the Somerbys IT Christmas ‘knees up’ this year, but unfortunately for some it was more of a busman’s holiday! Forever trying to support our clients, Somerbys IT chose Yew Lodge Hotel as the venue for this year’s Christmas Extravaganza.
September 2009
Somerbys IT, the ’Small Business Specialist’... AEP
Somerbys IT is delighted to have achieved the Microsoft Small Business Specialist competency. They have always been small business experts but now have the badge to prove it.
September 2009
Somerbys IT achieve GOLD, AGAIN... AEP
For the second year running Somerbys IT has achieved the highest standard in the Microsoft Partner Program, maintaining their Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, an achievement that puts Somerbys IT streets ahead of their competition.
September 2009
Michelle returns to work... JDGA
After 7 months on maternity leave, Michelle thought she’d enjoy an easier life and return to Somerbys IT, we are glad to have her back and hope she doesn’t miss changing those nappies!
August 2009
Matthew excels ... AEP
Matthew has achieved his Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist as well as gaining the Microsoft Enterprise Support Technician certification. Well done Matt.
April 2009
Craig joins the team... JDGA
Ever growing, Somerbys IT is extending its technical team yet again. I hope you will all join us in welcoming Craig, who has started as an IT consultant this month. Good luck.
March 2009
Michelle finally delivers... JDGA
We are delighted to announce that Michelle has finally given birth to a baby girl at Leicester City General Maternity. Danielle arrived on Sunday 15th March 2009 at 5.08pm, a healthy 8lb 13.5 oz. We wish Michelle, John and Danielle all the best.