Save Your Data from Godzilla!

Have you ever had issues with Windows Vista? Freezing, crashing, etc.? I hate to admit it, but I started experiencing such issues for the first time last week. I don’t blame this on Vista, mind you. I’ve been using this for months and months without any trouble and could never bring myself to go back to Windows XP. Thankfully, I was able to fix the issue by running some diagnostics and doing a little tweaking. However, this did underscore how happy I am to have a proper backup plan in place. You know, ‘just in case’!

Here’s a quick overview of scenarios that you could face and how to preserve your data in each situation:

• “Crap , my computer just imploded!”

You suddenly lose all of your data! Maybe your system just goes nuts, you are the victim of a crazy virus, or your hard drive bites the dust. Prevent this by backing up to a server, external hard drive, or some other device on your network.

• “Oh no, the building burned down!”

So, your home or office just got hit by a hurricane, Godzilla, or some other natural disaster. Hmmm… I guess the backup to the external hard drive isn’t much good now, is it?

Hopefully you have prepared for this travesty by using off-site backup. If you have just one or a few computers you can use one of the many online backup solutions out there. For instance, Wasatch Software partners with www.sbbackup.com. For larger networks, implement a backup strategy using Symantec Backup Exec or a similar product. Then, make sure you move that data to tape cartridges and take it off-site using a pick-up and delivery service such as Iron Mountain.

• “Stop! Thief! Someone just stole my laptop!”

Okay, you’re out on the town when a thief snatches your notebook. First, I hope you encrypted all of that data. Second, I hope you’ve been using offsite backup as previously mentioned.

• “Crap! My boss’ system just crashed. If he’s not up and running quickly I’m dead!”

This one is specifically for you I.T. guys out there. Our Symantec rep says it best. The top executives in every organization should always have Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery running on their system. This way, if their system crashes, you can easily restore all of the data and even system settings within about half an hour. What if your boss throws his system off the roof? That’s okay, too. As long as you have a backup system for him you can restore all of his data and settings to the new system, even if the new system has dissimilar hardware! This can also be used on servers that require maximum uptime.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little primer on data backup. Certainly let us know if you have any questions on the subject. Until next time!

Wasatch Software- 5 Year Anniversary Thank You!

Wow! It has already been 5 years since Wasatch Software was founded. I just wanted to thank everyone who attended our 5 year anniversary ribbon cutting ceremony on July 30, 2007. The event was a great success due to the efforts of many people. A special 'thank you' goes out to many, including the following who contributed greatly to the event's success:

• Mayor Russ Wall, City of Taylorsville
  


• President Alan Anderson, ChamberWest



• President Craig Dearing, West Jordan Chamber of Commerce



• Rebecca Dearing, West Jordan Chamber of Commerce



• Valerie Christensen, West Jordan Chamber of Commerce



• Donna Lowe, Kaspersky Labs (donation of give-away items)



• Jennifer Leek (photography, etc.)



• Sam's Club (donation of cake)

All attendees received give aways that included free Kaspersky Internet Security software and more. A drawing was held with great prized that included Windows Vista, Norton Internet Security, a Belkin Mouse, and other great prizes. Here's to 5 more great years!

Sincerely,

Spencer Ferguson
President
Wasatch Software, Inc.

Wasatch Software Celebrates 5 Years!

Thanks to you, our incredible customers, we will be celebrating its 5 year anniversary this July. We've come along way over the years, amassing millions in revenue. What's most impressive to me, however, is the compliments that we receive from our customers. They are the reason we are here, and the reason Wasatch Software will strive to improve over the next 5 years.

Business and IT professionals are invited to attend our 5 year anniversary celebration on July 30th at 2 PM, which will be held at our Salt Lake City offices. We hope you can come enjoy cake and other goodies. You might even win the all new Windows Vista, Norton Internet Security or other great prizes in our free drawing!

How can we do better over the next 5 years? Tell us in our customer survey!

Who’s to Blame for Vista Incompatibility?

By most estimates Windows Vista sales have reached well over 20 Million by now, and many of these sales were bundled as the preinstalled operating system on new computers. A large number of new Vista users have encountered issues running their favorite software programs and hardware devices, the same products they depended upon as a Windows XP user. Most industry experts accept that there is a period of maturity that must be afforded to new OS releases, one that allows software application and hardware/peripheral manufacturers to ‘catch up’. Understandably, most end users want everything to work correctly right away. With this notion in mind, who is to blame for Windows Vista compatibility issues: Microsoft or the other hardware/software companies (manufacturer partners) out there?

On one hand, manufacturer partners complain that Microsoft didn’t make the necessary tools as readily available as they could have. This is a thought that can be quickly dismissed as most major industry players (Symantec, Trend Micro, and Adobe) had no problem offering Vista compatible versions in a timely manner. In fact, the launch of Vista was delayed a number of times, affording even more time for the manufacturer partners to prepare. SDK’s and other materials were available for months and years before the big release. Those who have been caught with their pants down can be easily divided into two categories:

1- The Complacent: Simply didn’t realize the significance of the Windows Vista release, or didn’t devote enough time and effort to it.
2- The Needy: Simply didn’t have enough resources to devote to ‘hurried’ Vista compatibility. Major players have no excuse, but many smaller ones cannot be faulted.

Microsoft’s fault may lye in communication more than any other area. Perhaps they can exert more time and energy in contacting their manufacturer partners about available resources and expected release dates. They should also spend more time injecting a sense of urgency into the manufacturer partners.

One thing is for sure: most of your computer hardware and software will offer versions or drivers for Vista soon. Let’s hope we don’t face the same issue when the next big OS is released down the road!

Talking Point: What do you think? Who is to blame and how can we avoid this in the future?

When is Software Assurance a Good Idea?

How can Software Assurance save you money? It is all about timing! Software Assurance (SA) is an ‘add-on’ for Microsoft licenses that gives you 2 years of upgrades to new releases (3 years with Open Value) as well as support, training, and other benefits. Here are some products that Wasatch Software suggests you purchase Software Assurance on, and some others that you may want to pass on SA with:

Buy Software Assurance!

*** Windows Server: A new release is expected within the next year. Upgrades for Windows Server do not exist, so SA is a must for technically progressive organizations.
*** Windows Vista: Though a new release may be several years out, SA on top of your Windows Vista licenses gives you the rights to use Vista Enterprise or Ultimate. Vista Enterprise is only available to Software Assurance customers.
*** Terminal Services CALs: When a Windows Server is upgraded, the CALs have to upgraded as well.

Pass on Software Assurance!

*** SQL Server: It took Microsoft around 5 years to release a replacement for SQL 2000, and SQL 2005 has only been out about a year. You do the math!
*** MS Office: New versions were just released, making it unlikely that anything new will come out anytime soon. Please note this only applies to Office for Windows. Office Mac customers will likely benefit from an SA purchase.
*** Exchange Server: Like Office, we’ve just seen a new version.

This list is in no way a rule for all organizations, but just a general guide. Many organizations may benefit greatly by purchasing Software Assurance on all of their Microsoft licenses. Cutting edge customers can certainly appreciate the support and training options that full SA coverage can provide. Other organizations, however, do not require the latest technology or may not have systems that can even run the newest versions. If this describes you, we suggest avoiding the cost of SA all together. If you are wondering if a new release is on the horizon for a product not listed, or if still aren’t sure if Software Assurance is right for you, contact us today for a free software license consultation.

P.S.- A reseller suggesting you don't buy an add-on? Did you ever think you'd see the day???

Use Vista for Four Months, Free

You can install an evaluation copy of any Windows Vista edition and use it for a minimum of 30 days without having to activate it. But this post contains a secret technique that no one has yet published: how to automatically "rearm" the trial period at the end of each 30 day period.

Read More

Your School IT Budget: Predict and Save

As a school administrator or IT professional you are often thrust into a classic paradox:

“How can I give our students the latest technology without annihilating our IT budget?”

Thankfully, you do have options. Following are a few popular choices that Wasatch Software can help you with:

1- Microsoft School Agreement: This simple program allows you pay annually for Microsoft software that can be used throughout your school or district at one low cost. What is the benefit? First and foremost is price. Savings for most software titles, including Windows Vista, Office 2007, and even Windows Server are at a savings of greater than 50% off of Academic Open License. Each license automatically includes Software Assurance, so you can upgrade to new releases. Additionally, a Microsoft School Agreement allows you to predict your future expenses, and even gives you the ability to lock your pricing for 3 years. There are some requirements to keep in mind for this program, such as a 300 point minimum (most products are worth 1 point). Also, you are required to license all of the systems in your school for most of the products that you select.

2- Lease Computer Systems, Hardware, and Software: Using the Wasatch Software lease program you can make monthly payments for all of your IT needs. Some of these items include computers, servers, routers, software, and even services performed by a consultant of your choice. Qualifying is simple and rates are extremely competitive. Once again, the predictability of paying monthly for your IT needs makes budgeting easy.

These are just a few programs that we feel can benefit your school. You may also want to ask us about the Adobe Academic TLP program, antivirus software, and other programs. Don’t hesitate to contact our experts today!

Opinion: Apple vs. Microsoft

A battle that has raged on for decades appears to be stronger than ever! This rivalry between technology giants has been rekindled with new commercials from Apple, and the release of Windows Vista by Microsoft. Sure, Macintosh systems offer a high level of reliability and are surely a 'best bet' for users with an artistic flair. On the other hand, Microsoft Windows systems are best known for their user-friendly nature and also for a versatility which allows users to select different hardware and software configurations that meet their own computing needs.

Surprisingly, this ongoing battle may be less about the quality of products and more about business models. Macintosh has opted to do just about everything for their systems in house. This rigid business model inhibits consultants, resellers, and others from promoting a very quality product.

Microsoft, on the other hand, has opted to offer its products through channel partners (like Wasatch Software), retailers, and distributors on a very wide scale. What is the result? Huge computer manufacturers like Dell, HP and Gateway ultimately prop up Microsoft and even indirectly market Microsoft's products. The same can be said for the thousands of other smaller system builders, resellers and consultants that exist (in whole or in part) simply because of Microsoft.

When these methods of delivery and marketing are compared, it is no wonder that Microsoft has clearly come out on top over the years, an should continue to dominate for many more.

Opinion: Microsoft Software Assurance

Yes, Software Assurance is great! When kept current it provides a simple way for Microsoft volume license customers to make sure they always have the rights to the latest versions and new releases. Additionally, Microsoft has come a long way in offering additional benefits to Software Assurance customers, including eLearning, support, and even the rights to products they otherwise couldn't use (Windows Vista Enterprise). With this said, should Microsoft commit to a few things for its loyal SA customers?

• New versions in a timely manner: Customers are paying around 25% of the license cost per year for Software Assurance. If a new version would surely be released every 3 to 4 years the math would work out in the customer's favor. However, in the case of some recent products (like SQL Server and even Windows Pro) there were 4 or 5 years between new releases. This makes SA all about timing. Should an Open License or Select Agreement customer buy coverage just after a new version has been released? Probably not, unless you highly value the training and support benefits that become available to you.


• Additional benefits or lower cost: In actuality, most Software Assurance benefits will go unused by the customer. Perhaps Microsoft should consider lowering the cost of SA, or begin offering highly useful benefits like 100% free phone support without limitations. Currently, Open License customers must purchase $20K+ to earn a single phone support incident. If MS would consider lowering the cost, resellers like Wasatch Software would certainly sell more SA, and total sales for Microsoft would surely rise.

No matter how you look at it, Microsoft makes the mose user friendly and productive software. Hopefully their volume licensing programs continue to improve... in the customer's favor!