On It

In the last 90 days or so, our company has added the following IT certifications.  This is in addition to what was an already long list of accreditations.  The new certifications include; CompTIA Network +, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuration, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows 7, Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP), Apple Certified Associate – Mac Integration 10.7 (“LION”), Apple Product Professional (APP), and VMware Sales Professional (VSP).  WOW!

We’re really excited about our new relationship with FatPipe Networks.  Their solutions are very unique and really interesting.  Among other things, they have technology that allows you to bond (aggregate) Internet connections such as cable lines, DS3, T1, DSL, OCN, ISDN, wireless, etc.  You can use any combination too.  For the very technical, think of it as a BGP alternative.  Their patented technology is called Router Clustering.   

Let’s take a simple example.  Let’s say that you wanted to have 30Mbps of Internet access speed, but your cable company only offered a 15Mbps connection.  You could actually purchase two of those lines from the cable company and bond them together to reach a total of 30 Mbps using FatPipe technology. 

However, that is a VERY simplistic example of FatPipe’s technologies.  There is so much more to it.  I’m really looking forward to working with the FatPipe team to bring these extremely sophisticated bandwidth aggregation solutions to our customers in the NJ and NY area.

Yes, it’s true!  With the recent release of BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) “Express”, there comes an excellent opportunity for organizations to deploy a robust BlackBerry solution in their organization with little or NO COST.  Yes, you read correctly, the BlackBerry Enterprise Server software and the client access licenses (CALs) are 100% FREE. 

BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is the new, slightly scaled down version of BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0 (BES).  It replaces BlackBerry Professional Server (BPS) which is being phased out.  BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is a fully functional BES and supports up to (75) users when installed directly on the Microsoft Exchange Server (yes, it’s supported) and up to 2000 or more users when installed on a separate server.  VMware is supported as well and priority technical support can be purchased for a fee. 

So, it begs the question:  “if it’s all FREE, what is the trade-off?”  The answer is; for most or virtually all small organizations, there aren’t any.  Generally, the only things missing from BES Express are very advanced IT policies and the ability to install BES in a high-availability failover configuration.  Yes, there are a few other things that you should know about, so if you are not an IT professional or very technically adept, be sure to ask questions.  Also know that there may be carrier related data plan implications with your wireless vendors as well. 

Bottom line – this is great news.  If you’re currently using the “desktop redirector” method or some other zany configuration to get your e-mail on your BlackBerry PDA, fear not, there is a better way and it’s FREE!