The traditional boundaries of the workplace are beginning to disappear. New technologies and devices appear every month that change how, when, and where we work. Business owners and managers that are already working hard to stay on top of their traditional duties can find it nearly impossible to make informed decisions about the best choices for their systems, devices, and employees. How can businesses ensure that their data and systems are secure and regulated while still allowing efficient access for employees?

For many small and medium businesses, having an IT expert on staff can be prohibitively expensive, but their absence is felt deeply within the organization. The absence of expertise in this area can hamper implementation and deployment initiatives. Badly managed environments leave security holes that put your operations and data at risk. Administering the needs of a workforce that is constantly on the move, using new devices and applications and an ever-increasing amount of data and information presents a major resource drain.

Symantec has been a leader in the computer security field for three decades. Their new Symantec.cloud service is a management platform that helps administer, monitor, and protect business information resources more effectively. More than 11 million end users at more than 55,000 organizations, ranging from small businesses to the Fortune 500, use Symantec.cloud to secure, manage, and deliver information via email, Web, and instant messaging.

At Providence, our TechCare Protection Plan leverages the Symantec.cloud to provide essential protection while eliminating the need for hardware and software to be managed on-site. With Symantec.cloud, TechCare shifts the burden and removes complexities that can stand in the way of your success.

TechCare with Symantec.cloud offers business owners and managers a centralized, hosted approach to security and information management that is expandable as new technologies and devices are introduced. This means a secure computing environment in which it is easy to enforce acceptable use and regulatory policies for PC’s, laptops, and mobile devices, and deliver ongoing access to critical applications and data, all while driving cost efficiencies into the organization.

Providence Consulting is ready to help you learn more about Symantec.cloud and what it can do for your business. Talk to us today about signing up for a free trial!

We’re sure that by now you have heard about Windows 8, and maybe you’re wondering if an upgrade is in order for your business. While Windows 7 will continue to be supported by Microsoft until at least 2020, there are new features in Win8 that make it worth investigating.

Windows 8 focuses on collaboration and mobility more than just about any other OS on the market, but the biggest change you will notice with Windows 8 is a very different desktop layout. Gone is the familiar “start” button and file and folder system. Instead the new OS uses a touchscreen-oriented layout with “tiles” – similar to those found on the Windows Mobile OS – which replace the desktop icons that were found on Windows 7. Just “swipe” to the tile that you want and click on it, and your program will open.

These changes are intended to more closely integrate PC’s with mobile devices that use touchscreens, and indeed is a look forward to PC’s that themselves use touchscreens (which will shortly be available from companies like Samsung and Viewsonic, if you really want to be ahead of the curve). If you’re uncomfortable with change and like your desktop as-is, Win8 might not be a great choice. But if your company is looking to introduce mobile apps for your tablet or large touchscreen users, Win8 makes sense. And never fear, there is a “Desktop” tile on Win8 that will change your display to a more traditional Windows desktop.

One handy advantage of Win8 for businesses is something called “profile syncing.” This feature gives you the ability to leave your computer, log onto another, and have all of your preferences, settings, and documents travel with you. The sync can be completed either via the cloud or by USB stick. This makes the OS way more mobile, and makes it possible for a worker to easily switch to a different physical workspace just by logging in and syncing.

Another feature we like is AppLocker, which enables administrators to control employee access to files and programs, and to push out updates to all computers at once. AppLocker makes management of multiple PC’s a snap, and helps you keep a lid on your critical information.

So far the experience has been that most Windows 7 programs will run just fine on Win8, but if you use specialized or custom software, you should check with your provider before upgrading.

Have more questions about Windows 8? We’re here to help.

The last year brought its share of triumphs and challenges for Providence, and we wanted to take a moment to remember some of the important changes that occurred.

The company added several outstanding employees to our staff of IT professionals. Markief Eddins joined us at the tail end of 2011 as a Level 3 Tech. His breadth of experience and deep knowledge of IT infrastructure and server and network systems filled a much needed role, and enabled greater overall efficiency by allowing other members of the senior staff to shift their focus and concentrate on other critical tasks.

Anthony Latunski joined the team in January as our new Business Development Manager, and has very quickly made himself an indispensable part of the team, as well as become a familiar face to most of our clients. His successful efforts have boosted nearly every facet of our business, and provided a greater level of communication with our clients.

Tim Johnson is at once one of our oldest and newest employees. Tim worked with Providence from 2007 until late in 2011, when he left to pursue another opportunity. We gladly welcomed him back to the team in November, where his skills and experience as a Level 3 Tech are helping to guide the company into next year.

Providence moved our headquarters in April, after a long search for the right location. While we loved being located in downtown Lansing, the move to Lansing’s west side has provided many benefits. We’re still working out the final details for the remodeling of the space that will be our future offices, but we’re happy in the cozy temporary space that we now call home. Best of all, being able to park right outside the front door means no long walks to the office in the rain, snow, or stifling heat, and no more feeding parking meters when our colleagues or clients come to visit. And since we’re located right off the freeway, our techs can be on location in many of our clients’ offices in mere minutes.

2012 will forever live in our memories as the year we lost Scott Zingery. Scott had been with Providence since nearly the beginning, and he shared work and life with Jeff, Tim, and Rick going back even before Providence was founded by Jeff in 2004. We’re still struggling to fill the gap that his absence has left in the company, and in our hearts. Please remember Scott and his family in your thoughts and prayers as you celebrate the holidays with your loved ones.

We can’t forget the most important part of our business – You! Our clients are the reason we are here, and we appreciate each and every one of you and look forward to continuing our relationship with you in years to come. Things are looking bright for 2013, and we expect to have great news to share with you in the coming months.

Thank you once again for the relationship we have with you and for allowing us to be your trusted IT professionals. We hope you enjoy the holidays and wish you a happy and prosperous new year.

Sincerely,

Jeff Dettloff

Jeff Dettloff is the President and Chief Problem Solver for Providence Consulting, Lansing’s leading provider of advanced computer services and innovative technology solutions.

Tim Johnson is at once Providence’s newest employee and a familiar, friendly face to our clients. Tim started with Providence in 2007 and was with the company for over four years, long enough to earn himself the title IT Guy, short for “Incredibly Talented.” But in late 2011 Tim left the company to pursue a different opportunity.

Tim says, “I soon realized that I was much happier with the type of work that I was doing at Providence, and the day-to-day interactions with clients and staff. Providence welcomed me back to the team in November 2012, and I’m extremely happy to be back in the family!”
We’re thrilled to have him back on board, and excited about what his presence means for our company and clients.

“Providence is the most family-oriented workplace that I’ve ever been in,” he says. “The people here are amazing, and not just because of their technical abilities. This group cares about each other, watches out for each other, and is truly a family.”

As a Level 3 Tech, Tim describes his role as “a consultant, a network guy, and a computer tech all rolled into one. It might sound like I’m repeating the company motto,” he continues, “but I enjoy helping people use technology to make their jobs and lives easier. I’ve had a knack with computers since college, but I don’t really work with computers…I work with people!”

When asked about his approach to consulting and working with clients, Tim uses his mom as an example.

“If I can help her use and understand her computer, smartphone, or Internet service,” he says, “then I know I can Make Tech Easy for ANYONE!!”

Tim has a long resume of experience in the IT industry, starting with work as a senior support technician for a company that sold hardware and software to the casino industry. In that job Tim gained lots of experience installing and configuring servers and networks, as well as working with end users and IT staffers, training them on the products the company sold.

“Before I came to Providence in 2007, I knew a lot about computers,” Tim says, “but I never had to put that knowledge into practical use as a consultant. Since working with Providence for four plus years, I now have the confidence to make recommendations which are in the best interest of a client, and know that I’m helping them really use technology wisely.”

When not hard at work, Tim devotes his time to his wife and two young children. “I love spending time with them; travelling, camping, biking, and being outdoors. I also love playing around with my camera and taking pictures, especially of my kids. I have always loved aviation, and I’ve been a flight instructor and commercial pilot…I’m not actively flying anymore, but my friends know not to get me started talking about airplanes, because they know I won’t stop!”

While Rick Thering has been employed at Providence for only 4 years, he has roots with the company that span nearly two decades. As a long-time friend of Providence President (and Chief Problem Solver) Jeff Dettloff, Rick can claim 18 years of working closely with the Providence founder.

As the company’s Senior Engineer, Rick tackles many of the most difficult tasks we face, and teams with other staff members to help untangle vexing tech problems. During Rick’s tenure, the company has experienced tremendous growth.

“Since I joined the team,” says Rick, “we have increased our client base by a factor of ten.”

Rick’s specialties are Network Design and Troubleshooting, but he is a jack of all trades that can be found working in nearly any facet of the business at any given time.

“I love working with our clients, learning about what they do and helping them to make their jobs easier,” Rick explains. “It is really fulfilling to watch our clients succeed, and I help organizations do just that by showing them how to use the technology that is available to them to expand the business that they do!”

When he’s not busy troubleshooting network problems, Rick is devoted to his family.

“My wife and I spent the last 20 years raising three wonderful children,” he says. “Now that we have two of them off to college, we are starting to travel more. We did a trip this spring to Costa Rica where we toured the coastal region, and spent a couple of nights viewing a live Volcano. We also started a project this year to restore a classic car.”

How Rick Thering and Providence Consulting help Make Tech Easier for you?

Jeff Dettloff is the President and Chief Problem Solver for Providence Consulting, Lansing’s leading provider of advanced computer services and innovative technology solutions.

Anthony Latunski joined Providence in January of 2012 and soon found that he had very big shoes to fill. Despite the challenge, Anthony dug deep and put in the time and effort required to find success and now, nine months later, his effect on the company has been profound.

“My role at Providence,” says Anthony, “is to help businesses learn how to maximize their technology investments. Done correctly, this means improved efficiencies and lower operating costs.”

“I’m also working to consistently expand Providence Consulting into new fields of technology,” he continues. “For instance, we recently launched a pilot Social Media Management program to help make social media easy for our clients.”

Anthony’s amazingly diverse background makes him a near perfect candidate for this task. In his younger days he traveled extensively, including a summer traveling Europe and studying German.

“I am an adrenaline junkie,” he says. “I like anything that gets my heart racing. Skydiving, rock climbing, hang-gliding, rappelling, white water rafting. I even ran with the bulls in Pamplona.”

Professionally, he brings to the table an extensive background in outside sales, in a variety of industries. But his secret weapon might just be the three years he spent as a professional haberdasher.

Anthony explains, “I helped executives dress well.”

Clearly, the skills gained during this exposure to and experience with high-level businesspeople has transferred over to his work in business development. Anthony knows how executives think, and what makes them tick.

“Most business people are not technology people,” he says. “While they might not like to admit it, many don’t know what a gigabyte, megabyte, or megahertz is, nor do they care. All they know is they have a problem and they want a solution. My experience in sales has taught me how to uncover the real needs of the client and then look for technology to solve that problem.”

At Providence, our mission statement is “Making Tech Easy.” Anthony’s approach to serving our clients may be the ultimate expression of this mission.

“To me, ‘Making Tech Easy’ means I don’t have to know how something works, just that it does,” he says. “For example, I don’t care how Providence gets my voicemails to show up in my emails, and then gets my emails to show up on my phone. All I know is that I can be away from my desk all day and not miss a single email or important phone call.”

Anthony shares this approach with clients, to enable them to focus on doing what they do best – running their business.

“What I like most about working for Providence is how much everyone cares about doing what is right for the client,” he says. “We are always asking ourselves “Is what I am doing going to solve problems? Is this going to make technology easier?”

Anthony is driven by the desire to be the best at whatever he does, and to be a positive role model for his children.

“I am inspired by people who don’t let limitations hold them back from living,” he says. “My friend is in a wheelchair yet he drives, hunts, goes fishing, and even downhill skis! He has never let the fact that he can’t walk prevent him from doing anything that he wanted.”

How can Anthony Latunski and Providence Consulting help Make Tech Easy for you?

Jeff Dettloff is the President and Chief Problem Solver for Providence Consulting, Lansing’s leading provider of advanced computer services and innovative technology solutions.

Markief Eddins is one of the newest faces at Providence, but as a Level 3 Tech his great responsibility makes him a very important part of our staff. As one of the senior techs, Markief gets called in to do a lot of heavy lifting, including advanced server and network support, design, and break/fix work.

Before joining Providence in November of 2011, Markief worked with Michigan National Bank, Republic Bank, Citizens Bank, and Capitol Bancorp, and gained years of progressive IT experience in many areas of IT infrastructure services.

Of his time in banking, Markief says, “It exposed me to a wide variety of technology solutions and different ways of implementing technology, based on the size and scope of the organization.” This experience translates directly into the way Markief helps Providence clients.

“I do my best to help our clients understand the benefits of technology and how it meets their needs,” Markief says. “I’m challenged each day to learn and improve on my weaknesses as well as my strengths.”

“I have a desire to do my best, and to improve in areas where I’m not the best that I can be,” he continues. “Providence has a great work environment with a family type atmosphere, which allows me to grow, learn, and hopefully be a better man than I was the year before.”

When not hard at work behind a computer monitor, Markief can be found working out, playing basketball or golf, and spending time with his daughter, family, and friends.

Jeff Dettloff is the President and Chief Problem Solver for Providence Consulting, Lansing’s leading provider of advanced computer services and innovative technology solutions.

Wishing everyone a happy 4th of July. Enjoy the holiday safely.

The staff at Providence Consulting.

Providence President Jeff Dettloff was profiled in the Lansing State Journal on Sunday July 1, for the Take5 segment within the paper’s business section.

As outgoing President of the Capital Area IT Council, Jeff has a bird’s eye view of the challenges facing the IT industry in the capital city. Check out the article to get Jeff’s viewpoints on the state of the industry, how to attract and retain talented workers for the Lansing area, and what the future holds.

While Jason Hill has only just reached his one year anniversary at Providence, he has already made himself an indispensable part of our team.

A glowing example of success in these tough times, Jason made the decision to earn a college degree and find a new field of work after being laid off in 2008. Looking to maximize his employment opportunities, Jason sought out the assistance of the Central Area Michigan Works! Consortium and took advantage of Michigan’s “No Worker Left Behind” program. Beginning classes at Lansing Community College in the summer of 2009, he graduated in May of 2011 with an Associate Degree in Business as a Computer Support Specialist.

Jason searched for employment and found that although he had a degree, he now needed on-the-job training. Michigan Works! was able to assist again, collaborating with his new employer (that’s us!) to make On the Job Training/National Emergency Grant funds available.

The interest and enthusiasm Jason demonstrated while in school and during the On the Job training period proved his commitment to bettering himself. He provides a great example of why these programs are essential to our state’s employers and workforce.

“Jason has been a wonderful addition to the Providence team,” says Jeff Dettloff, Providence president and Chief Problem Solver. “His passion for technology and for helping people shows in the positive feedback we get from both customers and from other team members. Jason’s service attitude is excellent, and his fun personality blends well with the rest of our staff.”

“I can’t overstate how grateful I am to be a part of the Providence Team,” he says. “The atmosphere is happy and helpful. Everyone is willing to go the extra mile for their clients and co-workers alike. I am very happy and proud to call myself an employee of Providence Consulting, where we Make Technology Easier.”

Jeff Dettloff is the President and Chief Problem Solver for Providence Consulting, Lansing’s leading provider of advanced computer services and innovative technology solutions.