SmartOffice makes real $ense to local companies
by Bill Dermody
Two new customers are enjoying SmartOffice, 5Nines newly expanded managed service offering delivers hardware, software and support as IT as-a-service with fixed monthly pricing freeing clients from the burden of IT ownership.
ZephRa Energy, a full-service design build construction company focused solely on utility scale renewable energy projects, recently deployed new computers, new laptops, and new Voice Over IP phone service for its employees, all provided and managed by 5Nines.
“Not having to buy IT equipment, set it up, and then be responsible for the maintenance as the technology changes just makes so much more sense to us as a new and growing business”, said Mike McGuire, VP Construction for ZephRa.
Earlier this month, Downtown Madison, Inc. left the world of slow computing and limited phone capabilities behind when they moved into their new space at 122 W. Washington Avenue. 5Nines now provides an outsourced and managed remote virtual server, with Hosted Exchange, and Hosted Voice Over IP phone service, all accessed by a 100Mb link to the 5Nines data center. The second phase of the SmartOffice deployment will convert their desktop computing to the Thin Client/ Remote Desktop Services model.
“As a nonprofit, it’s hard to budget for and afford desktop equipment and servers, so we are very happy to leverage 5nines’ offsite technology. We love eliminating the hassle of maintaining our own equipment and systems”, said Rachel Weiker, the Director of Administration for Downtown Madison Inc.
When we at 5Nines Data talk about providing Information Technology As-a-Service we mean much more than the traditional model of managed services or leasing equipment.
We mean providing state-of-the-art computing as a true utility service, outsourced to professionals.
SmartOffice clients no longer buy hardware and software licenses (Microsoft); they no longer worry about technology getting old, getting slow, or being out-of-date; they no longer worry about whether to call for help, or what it will cost. They have everything included for a simple, flat fee per month - peace of mind.
So, now IT is a budgetable expense, now the worry for IT costs and performance is someone else’s problem, and now a controller knows that IT expenses will scale up or down as the business does. That’s right – you can turn users and their costs off without penalty.
Finally, there is an answer to the IT conundrum for small and medium-sized businesses in Madison: SmartOffice from 5Nines Data. Please call us at 608.512.1027 or email us at sales@5ninesdata.com to see if we can help you reduce pain and costs.
5Nines Extends Microwave Wireless Network!
by Larry Anderson
Having reliable and secure data connections to access the Internet, or for connecting branch locations within a company is critical to most modern businesses.
Now, 5Nines has added a whole new layer of network performance and reliability for Madison area businesses, through its Commercial Microwave Network.
This expanding commercial network, currently available in the Madison area(west, south, east, and downtown), provides businesses with connectivity and local access to the 5Nines Data Center, the Internet and major telecom carriers. We are planning future expansions to outlying communities as demand increases.
Our network features circuit capacities ranging from 5Mbps to a whopping 200Mbps on secure and private circuits. And at prices that are a fraction of the cost of current land line alternatives.
Our microwave wireless circuits have been installed for over 5 years, and have better uptime than most T1 or fiber circuits. Microwave wireless is also the preferred method of attaining redundancy for land-based copper and fiber networks.
So if you are looking for higher capacity connections to the Internet or for Disaster Recovery (how does 20, 40, or 60Mbps or more sound?), contact the 5Nines sales team, by calling us at 512-1027.
Organization improvements to fuel 5Nines Growth
by Todd Streicher
As 5Nines Data continues to grow, we find ourselves continually redefining our processes and realigning our services to better meet the needs of our customers. One of the biggest changes to occur this year is our migration to a new ERP system. Our new system not only allows us to provide online billing, but also gives customers their own portal to view helpdesk tickets and see their supported devices and bandwidth usage.
Initial reports from customers have been very positive. If you haven’t been contacted yet for an introduction to the new system, you should get an invite shortly. Or give us a call if you want to get on the fast track.
In addition, 5Nines is realigning staff to better manage new customer needs, delivery and business services.
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Debra Heins will move into the role of Client Services Coordinator. Her primary focus will be helping our sales team and delivery teams to ensure customer satisfaction.
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Sandra Swenson, who joined 5Nines last fall, has been promoted to an Account Manager. Her primary role will be to ensure that new clients have all deliveries completed in a timely manner and will act as the focal point for our clients for service change orders and to help resolve any issues, problems and questions associated with our services.
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Jon Alvarez plays a key role as a Project Manager for new accounts to ensure technical aspects of project delivery occur on time and within scope.
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Erin Huebner started this week as our dedicated accounting technician. Erin comes to 5Nines with several years of accounting experience and will complete her bachelor’s degree in accounting in December.
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Rylee Wedekind will lead this new team as Vice President of Business Support Services.
I hope you can come to our next Chug and Hug on May 20 at Capital Brewery to get a personal introduction to our new Business Support Services team.
Join us for the next Chug and Hug May 20!
The warm days of summer are almost upon us. Let's get the celebration going with a Chug and Hug event in May. We are even going to move the event west of the Capitol, this time out to Middleton.
This event is a great way to meet like minded people involved in some of the best companies in the Madison area! Network with other great businesses, meet our awesome staff and enjoy a cold beer or soda on us!
The next Chug and Hug is planned for Thursday, May 20 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Capital Brewery outdoor Bier Garten in Middleton.
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