Make It Work Abruptly Closes

A few years ago when the economy was stronger and investment capital more readily available I remember hearing advertisements on the radio from a company called “Make It Work.” They were advertising IT services that appeared to be targeted at SOHOs (small offices and home offices) and individuals. The advertisements were good and they talked about little red Mini Coopers the techs traveled in. I even saw a few.

Make It Work Abruptly Closes2023-08-10T22:53:20-07:00

“3900 Saturdays” Is One Of My Favorite Short Stories

I am not sure from where I first got it, but years ago someone e-mailed me a story titled "3900 Saturdays." I read it from time to time and I thougth I would share it with you. I don't know who the author is or I would provide attribution. I hope you find as impactful as I did.

“3900 Saturdays” Is One Of My Favorite Short Stories2012-03-20T03:53:00-07:00

The Hard Lessons Learned In Information Technology In 2011

What do you cite as the top IT lessons you learned 2011? I am talking about the hard lessons learned in IT management, administration, budgeting, buying, planning architecting and deployment last year? Based on those lessons what will you carry through 2012 and perhaps longer?

The Hard Lessons Learned In Information Technology In 20112012-01-24T04:49:00-08:00

When Our Next One Hits Are You Prepared?

The 7.2 earthquake two weeks ago in Turkey got me thinking again about disaster preparedness and IT. It reminded me of the 5.9 earthquake that occurred on the U.S. east coast, a region that is not supposed to get earthquakes. I just did a couple of walk-throughs at two different client facilities. One had server racking very well secured at the top and bottom that looked like it would withstand a pretty severe shaking while the other site did not have any fasteners at either the top or the bottom of the server racks. I could have pushed the racks over myself by leaning on them.

When Our Next One Hits Are You Prepared?2023-08-10T23:20:26-07:00

Gartner Held Their ITxpo In Orlando…

Gartner is making some dire warnings including one of another recession. Gene Hall, Gartner's CEO says IT managers are facing a period of "unprecedented uncertainty." While Alvaka Networks is having a robust year with surging revenues, I have to agree. The cautious footing, one of being prepared for a new recession is a smart posture to take right now.

Gartner Held Their ITxpo In Orlando…2023-08-10T23:20:57-07:00

Are You Properly Licensed To Use Ethernet Technology?

Some may call them legitimate patent enforcers protecting an inventor's rights under US patent law, others call them patent trolls. I write this column to draw your attention to disturbing patent enforcement activity that may unsuspecting come haunt you and your firm.

I have been very disturbed by recent e-mails I have gotten from peers across the country. Some are getting informed that their clients who use Ethernet technology are getting sued by the new entity that holds the 3Com patents for Ethernet. One such peer writes, “One of my clients has been pulled into this. Basically the assertion is that every non 3-Com Ethernet device is illegal due to patent infringement. They are not only going after manufacturers, but also end users as well.“
It seems some of the largest Ethernet vendors in the industry are girding for a fight with this outfit. In the meantime, end-user companies such as yours are getting caught up in the fight.
Here are a couple of links. This first one is pleasant sounding enough because it comes from U.S. Ethernet Innovations, LLC (“USEI”), the owner of the fundamental Ethernet technology developed by 3Com Corporation in the 1990s. The underlying message is ominous.

Here is a good slide deck from law firm Dorsey and Whitney who is fighting this sort of patent infringement case:
http://www.dorsey.com/files/upload/MP_CCS2010_Complete_Patent_Trolls.pdf

So I have now made you aware of a possible lawsuit against your firm, so now what do you do? I don’t have any specific recommendations at this time. I personally plan to keep tabs on this situation and see how it proceeds.

Are You Properly Licensed To Use Ethernet Technology?2017-12-08T06:17:56-08:00

Why Do Enterprise Companies Choose To Work With MSPs?

Enterprise Management Associates recently concluded a study asking why enterprise companies choose to work with MSPs. Jim Frey, Managing Research Director and EMA headed that study. Jim’s research uncovered a few interesting items. I will share a few of those here with you.

Why Do Enterprise Companies Choose To Work With MSPs?2017-09-18T02:07:49-07:00

What Are Your RTO And RPO?

I just had a meeting with one of Alvaka's IT consultants regarding the development of a disaster recovery and business continuity plan for a financial services client of hers. A year ago the client had a very nearly disastrous weather related IT event that could have slammed the whole company beyond imagination. During a heavy downpour a major leak opened up on the roof and dumped significant amounts of water right onto the client’s primary server rack. The servers were so flooded that during the recovery process the techs actually had to de-rack the servers and tilt them over in order to pour out the water. Full disaster was averted when

What Are Your RTO And RPO?2018-05-07T08:51:30-07:00