CPR e.news - April 2011



Embracing the Cloud for today and tomorrow

What does your technology provider do all day?

Considering Microsoft's Cloud Offerings? Earn up to a $1500 Reward

CPR Learning Center Specials

Upcoming Events:
•	Hands Free I.T. Cloud Services Webinar
•	Microsoft Cloud Services Webinar featuring Office 365
•	ITMA April monthly meeting
•	West MI Cyber Security meeting

Phone Numbers: Grand Rapids: 616.575.8500 Kalamazoo: 269.375.9094 www.cprgr.com Follow us on these social media sites:

Embracing the Cloud for today and tomorrow IT Strategies and Solutions - Seminar coming in May When it comes to the cloud, there are some surprising statistics out there:
-	“20% of businesses worldwide will own no IT assets by 2012.” - Gartner
-	“According to a recent Microsoft study, within three years 39% of SMBs worldwide will be paying for cloud services.” – TalkinCloud.com
There’s no question, “the cloud” is more than just a buzz word. It is rapidly changing the IT landscape. You hear about SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, and hybrid cloud appliances. How is your organization leveraging the benefits of the cloud? CPR and our partners are planning an informative cloud discussion where we will explore the latest cloud and hybrid cloud solutions. We'd like to gather input from you, our customers, as to what cloud topics you'd most like to hear about. Please take a minute to complete a brief survey and give us your cloud suggestions.

This will be a cloud event you won't want to miss. Watch for more details to be posted on our website soon.

What does your technology provider do? "They fix our computers, keep our network running, and beyond that we are really not sure," is the response we hear from most businesses. Is your provider spending hours researching issues that may be resolved quickly by a company with a deeper skill set? There is often no way to really measure the value you are receiving from your technology provider unless you can ask the right questions. Don’t be intimidated by technical speak and jargon. Understanding and measuring what your IT provider is doing is as important as understanding what your controller or your sales staff is doing. Measuring your P&L, products sold and revenue earned are essential metrics that your business relies on, but applying metrics to technology often falls by the wayside for most business owners. Our Technology Advantage clients have monthly and quarterly reviews for budget and planning purposes and have access to a customer portal that includes:
•	Customer invoices
•	List of help desk tickets and time spent on resolution
•	Complete inventory of hardware and software licenses
•	Hardware alerts and problem resolution
Technology changes rapidly, it is impossible for one person to maintain the skill set required to keep your infrastructure functioning to its’ fullest potential. There are tools and automated processes that can manage functions required to maintain a healthy network environment. Consider having an audit and network assessment performed for your environment. Simple changes may save your company time and money. Ask us how we can help.

Microsoft’s Cloud Service Promo extended thru April 18th
Earn up to a $1500 Reward – Sign up for BPOS Prior to April 18th!
Now when you sign up for a qualifying Microsoft Business Productivity Online Service from February 1, 2011 through April 18, 2011, you can receive up to a $1,500 reward! Use your reward check to purchase software, hardware and/or services from any Microsoft Partner Network registered partner of your choice.

Proof of Concept Special and Free Trial!
Interested in learning more about BPOS but not sure if it’s a right fit for your organization? Now through April 18, 2011, ask for our Proof of Concept and Free Trial offer for $500. Proof of Concepts lead to quality solutions and peace of mind!

Contact Jason Sines at (616)464-9751 for more information on either of these promotions.

Special Training Offers

For the most up to date list of upcoming events, seminars and webinars, visit our Events page on our website at http://www.gocorptech.com/IT-consultants-seminars.php

Hands Free I.T. - Cloud Services Webinar
Wednesday, April 20, 201112:00pm – 12:30pm Eastern Time

Corporate Technologies has been delivering services in the cloud before the word "cloud" was a buzz word.

Learn how many functions of technology can be securely and affordably managed remotely. This 30-minute webinar will demystify the cloud and provide a clear vision how lean businesses are managing and maintaining their technology while focusing on growing their businesses.

Microsoft Cloud Services Webinar - Sneak Peak at Office 365 Thursday, April 21, 2011 11:00am – 12:00pm We've been talking a lot about Microsoft's Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS). Soon, BPOS will be evolving to Office 365.
Office 365 brings together SharePoint, Exchange, Lync, and Office in an always-up-to-date cloud service. Please join us for our Cloud Services webinar on April 21st, and let us give you a preview of Office 365 and the benefits it offers

ITMA April Meeting - Social Networking in the Enterprise
Thursday, April 14, 20118:00am – 12:00pm
Location: CPR's offices, Grand Rapids, MI

ITMA’s April Meeting will highlight Social Networking in the Enterprise. Key aspects will be addressed by Industry, Marketing and Legal Experts from Gartner Group, Amway, and Warner Norcross & Judd. Join your peers for an informative and interactive session that will feature a presentation by Gartner on security and privacy concerns. Marketing experts from Amway will cover the value of social networking tools, strategic uses, reputation and brand management. Our legal experts from Warner Norcross and Judd will highlight legal risks and considerations. We will conclude the session with a panel from our industry experts and members.

If you'd like to receive email invitations to upcoming meetings, contact Melissa Engle or call (616)464-9720.

West Michigan Cyber Security meeting Wedesday, April 27, 20118:30am – 10:30am Location: CPR's offices, Grand Rapids, MI
1st Speaker:	Julie A. Bulson MPA, BSN, RN, Director, Emergency Preparedness SHHG for Spectrum Health Topic: Emergency Response
2nd Speaker:	Kori Youngblood, Data Center Manager for Gordon Food Services Topic: Enacting Your Data Center Disaster Recovery Plan
Tour	Gordon Foods Alternate Data Center

	For questions, please call Melissa Ponstein at (616)632-6258

CPR Contact Information