About a year ago we published the post, The Top IT Challenges of 2012. In the ever-changing IT environment we felt it would be beneficial to review the Top IT Challenges for 2013.

Forrester Research reviewed questions from clients during 2012 and noticed a new breed of inquiry:

• ”How can we better serve our customers?”

• “How do we evolve into an IT organization that’s fit for 2017…”

• “How do we improve IT support based on actual business needs?”

Based on the 2012 questions it seems like the IT mentality has changed, IT professionals are now trying to understand, “What IT achieves rather than what it does”.

To address this new thought process Forrester created a list of IT challenges for 2013 that included Personal Hardware (BYOD), Cloud Solutions, and Overall Compliance Issues.

The above challenges have a common theme, the solutions will not only be hardware based but will depend on logistics, integration and internal procedures. Companies should not only focus on current issues but also allocate budget and create policies with the future state of the enterprise in mind. This mentality will ensure a long-term infrastructure that will be effective for many years.

Our specialists can assist in securing the enterprise while addressing the Bring Your Own Device movement (BYOD), integrating the Cloud and overall compliance concerns IT departments will face this year. Our Mobile Device Management (MDM) teams partner with companies to preform initial MDM assessments and address any concerns through tools like MobileIron.

Contact dpi a Enterprise specialist today to find out more about how we can help and ask about our current offerings.

With all of the enterprise solutions available in the market today every enterprise should implement these cost effective solutions this year.

1. Operating System Updates

An outdated Operating System can lead to many inefficiencies including document compatibility, mobile device integration and overall security risks. When Apple released their latest Operating System, OS X Mountain Lion, it included over 200 new features including Built-In Sharing, Encrypted Backup and iCloud Document Library (See full list) which are all great for improving enterprise efficiency and a good indication of where the industry is trending.

In some cases an enterprise does not feel comfortable immediately switching to a new Operating System. In these situations a plan should be established to align the enterprise’s current processes with the new Operating System capabilities and functions. A well executed conversion plan will help employees prepare for the new System while lowering the risk of data loss.

2. Computer Repair

With the normal wear and tear of an office environment computers will physically break down over time. Some common issues may be broken fans, unresponsive USB ports, insufficient RAM or damaged motherboards.  These issues can lead to slower computer processing, usability issues and overall decrease in employee moral. In some cases, after repairs are quoted, an enterprise will forgo the computer repair process and consider new machines all together.

3. Cloud Computing

At times an enterprise’s budget may not allow for System Updates or Computer Repairs, in these situations consider incorporating Cloud Computing.

CouldTweak.com provides a great expatiation of Cloud Computing:

 What is Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is gaining popularity since last few years. It is a computing model that uses shared infrastructure to provide computing resources to companies dynamically over a cloud, such as internet. It enables companies to use data storage, software applications, and computer processing power owned and maintained by cloud service providers through the internet or proprietary network of the service provider.

A cloud is a very cost effective and innovate solution that enables enterprises to meet their  IT needs. It will lead to lower memory usage on storage devices as well as increased collaboration throughout the business.

Overall, when determining this year’s goals remember the 3 steps: Operating System Updates, Computer Repairs and the Incorporation of the Cloud. With these steps in place an enterprise can begin to lean-out inefficiencies and overall headaches.

digital partners (dpi) is an enterprise consulting, support and computer repair St. Louis business. Please contact us to see how any of the above can be incorporated into your business this year.

 St. Louis business is seeking a fulltime Apple Trainer / Systems Engineer to provide training to potential customers and end users on existing and new technologies. Additionally applicants will perform technical services and support for enterprise clients via site visits, phone, email, and remote support. 

Overview of Job Responsibilities:

• Teach/Lead Effective Training Courses- Includes Apple Certified and Custom Training courses for enterprise clients and potential customers.

• Obtain necessary Apple Certifications. Engineer will successfully complete required training courses required to obtain the ACT (Apple Certified Trainer) distinction.

• Providing technical service and support for client. Engineer will be expected to respond to enterprise service inquiries promptly via site visits, phone, email, and remote support. 

• Selling and Supporting Service Contracts. Engineer will be responsible for the sale and support of service contracts to current and new enterprise customers. 

• Growing Service Department Offerings and Billings. Engineer will provide new ideas for service offerings to grow the activities of the service department. 

• Developing Training curriculum beyond Apple offerings. Engineer will develop the curriculum for standard and customized training courses as well as training courses designed for specific software applications.

Preferred Candidates have the following Experience/Certifications:

• Training (2+ years)- Includes delivering/creating Apple or other technical training courses.

• Service/Technical (3+ years)- Apple hardware and software and related peripherals and performing computer hardware troubleshooting and repairs.

•  General (1+ years)- Mac OS X, Adobe Creative Suite, OS X Server, Final Cut Pro, SAN Knowledge, XSAN, Back-up & Tape Library.

• Certifications- Apple Certified Technician & Apple Certified Technical Coordinator

 Please submit cover letter and resume to careers@dpipro.com

Job Description: Inside Sales/Customer Service Rep

digital partners in Clayton, MO firm is seeking a fulltime candidate to perform Inside Sales and various Customer Service responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be a motivated critical thinker with willingness to embrace and learn a diverse range of activities.

 Overview of Job Responsibilities:

• Perform Inside Sales Activities to grow software and hardware business.
• Follow up on training prospects for upcoming sessions and vendor events.
• Provide basic administrative and clerical duties.
• Provide support for day-to-day procedures in completing sales orders & data entry.
• Provide cost estimates and research technology solutions for customers.
• Update online web catalog by adding, editing product listings.

 REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• 1-3 years Inside Sales in Computer industry
• 1-3 years Customer Service
• Basic Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Mac OS
• Knowledge of NetSuite a plus
• Ability to multi-task and stay organized
• Continually strives for process improvements
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Passionate about growing the business
• Bachelor’s degree required

 Preferred candidates will have knowledge of, or experience with:

• Apple hardware and Video software
• Storage solutions
• Mobile Device management

To apply, please contact careers@dpipro.com