Network Services
Posted Sep 12 2011 4:00 AM by
Imagine your company is in the midst of a major overhaul on its information technology infrastructure. Technology recommendations from a local consulting firm detail the potential for some major improvements. Your company chooses to install a few new servers, a new customer relationship management platform and a new network backbone.After the implementation is complete, the project enters into the "maintenance" phase of its life cycle. In placing your first support call to your new managed services support team, you realize that the implementation vendor performed poorly on one of the final (but most crucial) aspects of implementing a new system. The system's documentation is subpar.The ability of outside consultants to support a complex system of servers, networking... Read more →
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comments (0)Posted May 25 2011 4:00 AM by
Indiana consulting firms are often faced with asking their clients tough questions. Do you have a business continuity plan? Does it involve any disaster recovery planning? What technology alignment and strategies have you implemented to mitigate loss of critical data? How will you ensure a timely restore of the technology your business relies on to operate effectively? It is at this point that most consultants are now looking at a client who is staring blankly back at them with no idea how to respond to these questions. Not all executives are properly prepared or even fully aware of the back-up systems that should be in place as safeguards. This is where we come in – as network services and information... Read more →
Posted Apr 8 2011 4:00 AM by
As an Information Technology consultant in Indiana, I have the pleasure of working with business owners and assisting them with technology alignment and strategy. A question we often face in Network Services Consulting is whether to upgrade, or to continue supporting a customer's existing infrastructure. If you are a business owner, it is important to consider the following points when facing a decision to upgrade. Technology Equipment/Software LifecycleMost technology consulting firms recommend upgrading critical server and networking hardware every 4-6 years. Most Indiana consultants face the task of recommending an upgrade to their customers at some time or another. As a business owner, it is imperative to understand that planned down time is always less expensive, less... Read more →
Posted Feb 11 2011 5:00 AM by
Network outsourcing is one of the highest growth areas in managed services support in the technology arena today. Everywhere you turn, there seems to be another network services consulting company selling their services to the masses.Two driving factors seem to be causing this market trend. First, the market is being driven by the business requirement to roll out next-generation technology. Second, the current economic conditions demand that many businesses, especially small to mid-size businesses, reduce their spending to try to remain competitive. Essentially, businesses in today’s marketplace must do more with their technology with fewer resources. With the spread of virtualized infrastructures and other increasingly complex technologies, firms with limited internal resources – such as the one-... Read more →
Posted Feb 11 2011 5:00 AM by
Email in the cloud, hosted email, Software as a Services (SaaS), or, more specifically, Hosted Microsoft Exchange is becoming a popular choice for many businesses. As an information technology consultant in Indianapolis, I get a lot of questions about the practicality of hosting email in the cloud. A Hosted Exchange solution replaces the traditional on-premise Microsoft Exchange server and moves your company’s email platform to a bank of Exchange servers hosted by a service provider. There is no clear answer to the practicality question of hosting exchange in the cloud. Every business is unique and each decision should be examined by a qualified technology consulting firm that can weigh the total cost of ownership, benefits and drawbacks to... Read more →
Posted Jan 14 2011 5:00 AM by
For many businesses, especially those in the small to mid-size sector without Managed Servcies Support, basic network maintenance and IT security strategies can have a serious impact on the overall success of the company. The outcome of gaps in these areas are not only directly time consuming and costly to rectify, but could also lead to more serious threats to your company’s confidential data. One of the most basic principles of system maintenance and IT security is to implement regular software patching.Microsoft, Adobe and Java products are operating in our technology components everywhere. Devices such as servers, desktops, laptops, and smart phones to name a few have all incorporated these products for various commonly used functions, and... Read more →
Posted Mar 31 2013 12:33 PM by
A few weeks ago, I had an experience, which was not particularly unique. I shared an elevator with a nice man in a parking garage. After an enjoyable but short discussion, we shook hands and parted ways, probably never to see each other again. Or so I thought. As part of my networking efforts, I had the pleasure of attending the Indianapolis Business Journal Power Breakfast Series on Technology, and there he was. The nice man from the parking garage – up at the podium!It turns out that the man from the elevator is Joel Book, Principal of Marketing Research & Education at ExactTarget, and he has a powerful message to share: “Serving is the New Selling.” Joel Book says that... Read more →
Posted Feb 19 2013 5:00 AM by
KSM Consulting recently hosted a networking event at Scotty's Brewhouse and invited owner Scott Wise to speak about building business using social media. Scott Wise is indeed “wise” when it comes to social media. His charismatic and comfortable speaking style resounded with our attendees, and most left energized and ready to conquer the social media world. Scott began his presentation by raising a glass to offer a toast, encouraging those in attendance to take a photo of the toast and post it to the social network of their choice. He offered a free drink to anyone who earned 100 “likes.” Within minutes, the Scotty’s brand had been blasted to the thousands of contacts that existed in our collective... Read more →
Posted Nov 27 2012 5:00 AM by
Cyber-attacks have become a significant threat to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). According to Symantec’s Internet Security Threat Report, the number of malicious attacks in 2011 increased by a staggering 81 percent in comparison to 2010. Historically, the majority of information security targets have been high profile public institutions or large corporations, but the threat landscape is beginning to shift to include smaller organizations. More than half of the attacks in 2011 were targeted at companies with fewer than 2,500 employees, with 18 percent targeting companies with fewer than 250 employees.While these statistics serve as cause for concern for SMBs, the best defense is to adopt a proactive stance toward security. Steps toward building a... Read more →
Posted Nov 7 2012 5:00 AM by
Just what is cloud computing, why is there such buzz around it, and how can it be used by construction and real estate professionals?Cloud computing is a conceptual term used to describe the act of providing information technology (IT) solutions to organizations through the Internet. Cloud computing allows organizations to implement IT solutions without having to purchase hardware and software and then hiring IT staff to maintain it.The term “cloud” is used as a metaphor for the Internet, and it is represented by the cloud drawing in computer network diagrams as an abstraction of the underlying technology infrastructure. Another way to think about it might be an externally sourced (and theoretically limitless) seamless extension of an internal IT... Read more →
Posted Nov 7 2012 5:00 AM by
The ability to accept and make online payments and maintain databases with detailed constituent profiles offers obvious benefits to nonprofits under constant time and money pressures but may also make the nonprofit more susceptible to certain fraud attempts that can dodge traditional internal controls. Fortunately, measures are available to combat these risks.Making Online DisbursementsMany nonprofits are now paying bills online, rather than mailing payments. Of course, the ability to make online payments essentially provides an employee the potential to make unauthorized payments. Similarly, the employee who oversees direct deposit payroll transactions could create and pay “ghost” employees, give unauthorized raises or otherwise divert funds.If a nonprofit makes these types of online disbursements, management should ensure that all payments... Read more →
Posted Jul 31 2012 6:34 PM by
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 31, 2012) – Locally-based NPower Indiana, a nonprofit organization providing technology assistance to other nonprofit groups in the central Indiana community, today announced that it will be transitioning its technology service offerings to KSM Consulting LLC (KSMC) effective Aug. 1, 2012.After conducting a thorough market assessment and engaging in discussions with a variety of key stakeholders, the NPower board has placed its confidence in KSMC to offer the best service to NPower’s clients. Kim Graham Lee, NPower Interim CEO and former board member, said “Before starting this process, I could not have envisioned a better outcome for our nonprofit clients. KSMC is such an impressive organization in terms of the depth and breadth of its... Read more →
Posted Jul 31 2012 11:04 AM by
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 31, 2012) – Locally-based NPower Indiana, a nonprofit organization providing technology assistance to other nonprofit groups in the central Indiana community, today announced that it will be transitioning its technology service offerings to KSM Consulting LLC (KSMC) effective Aug. 1, 2012.
After conducting a thorough market assessment and engaging in discussions with a variety of key stakeholders, the NPower board has placed its confidence in KSMC to offer the best service to NPower’s clients. Kim Graham Lee, NPower Interim CEO and former board member, said “Before starting this process, I could not have envisioned a better outcome for our nonprofit clients. KSMC is such an impressive organization in terms of the depth and breadth of its technology resources, but also, more importantly, in the heart they have for helping build a vibrant nonprofit sector.”
Indianapolis-based KSMC, an affiliate of Katz Sapper & Miller LLP, provides management, technology and advisory consulting services across a variety of industries, including nonprofits.
“KSMC is very excited to be expanding its work with central Indiana’s nonprofit community and providing them with the best possible service,” said Charlie Brandt, KSMC Managing Director and NPower board member. “We share NPower’s passion to deliver valuable and affordable solutions to help nonprofits focus time and effort on their individual missions.”
NPower plans to restructure and rebrand its organization to better serve the nonprofit community by leveraging the strong corporate partnerships it has developed including the organization’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council, Byte Night, and TechnologyWorks. NPower’s CIO Council provides advice, expertise and support to benefit nonprofit technology needs. Byte Night, launched in 2010, is NPower’s annual event celebrating the spirit of philanthropy in the technology community. NPower also successfully piloted TechnologyWorks, an immersive IT training program providing underserved young adults with marketable skills.
Transition efforts for current NPower clients to KSMC, which are underway, will provide them with access to even greater technology expertise and resources for the same level of investment that they are currently making with NPower. Additionally, several NPower employees will be joining the KSMC team.
Added Graham Lee, “This transition of service delivery to KSMC really opens the door for us to consider other exciting ways the nonprofit community can be served by technology and technology professionals. Stay tuned.”
# # #
About KSM Consulting:
KSM Consulting LLC provides management consulting, technology and advisory services across a variety of industries and functions. The team is comprised of seasoned business leaders and world-class professionals whose varied talents span multiple disciplines. For more information, visit ksmconsulting.com.
About NPower Indiana:
NPower Indiana is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2002. Its mission is to inspire and enable Indiana nonprofits to better serve their communities through improved use of technology. NPower is driven to help create a thriving nonprofit sector in which organizations have access to the most appropriate technology resources at affordable prices and are applying them to achieve their missions more effectively. More information is available at www.NPowerIN.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Graham Lee, kim@npowerin.org, 317.418.3753
MEDIA CONTACT: Natalie Litera Jones, njones@ksmconsulting.com, 317.452.1780
Posted Feb 7 2012 3:57 PM by
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – KSM Consulting, LLC (KSMC) is pleased to announce the addition of five new hires to the organization: John Roach, Dan Moyers, Justin Kruse, William Maki and Scott Schoenherr.
John Roach, Project Manager, has joined KSMC’s Organizational Improvement practice. John will focus on solving clients’ strategy, structure and process challenges by breaking down highly complex technical problems to their fundamental level. John began his career in technical engineering and software development roles. He has since held various project management, finance, investment evaluation, business valuation and strategic consulting roles in both highly regulated, mature industries as well as fast-paced entrepreneurial companies. His diverse background provides him a unique view on business and allows him to translate a vision to both technical and non-technical audiences. John has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Oklahoma State University, in addition to a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University. He is involved in community mentorship through the Kelley School of Business Alumni Association and donates time to local causes such as Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
Dan Moyers, Business Applications Group Manager, has joined KSMC’s Business Technology practice. Dan will focus on working with companies to improve performance, effectiveness and efficiency through the proper alignment of business applications. Prior to his hire at KSMC, Dan co-founded and led a software start-up, allowing him to bring firsthand perspective to his clients on business processes and their interaction with business applications. Dan's expertise is in strategy and planning, project management, and implementation. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in sports marketing and management as well as a Certificate in Business from Indiana University. Dan is certified by the Association for the Advancement of Relationship Management as a Customer Relationship Management Professional. He is also a Microsoft Certified Professional and member of the Project Management Institute.
Justin Kruse, Senior Consultant, has joined KSMC’s Business Technology practice. Justin’s primary focus will be on integrating key applications with a company’s existing infrastructure to increase efficiency and productivity. Justin has project management and execution experience across a variety of industries and functional areas, along with a strong background in designing and delivering customized Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions. He has substantial experience in the identification, design and implementation of project management standards and business process workflows. Justin has helped manage and support numerous project initiatives that involve reporting strategies, system development standards, and end-user training. Justin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in computer science as well as history from DePauw University. He is part of a leadership team for his local church and has served as a volunteer leader for a local high school ministry.
Bill Maki, Security Auditor, has joined KSMC’s Security & Compliance practice. Bill will deliver security-related assessments, such as penetration testing, social engineering, physical security, and vulnerability. Throughout his career, Bill has worked for clients in a variety of industries, including retail, financial, education, medical and defense. Prior to his hire at KSMC, Bill was employed in the Software-as-a-Service industry. Bill received a Master of Science degree in information assurance from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems from Wesleyan University. He holds various industry certifications within the information security and technology fields, including Certified Information Security Systems Professional, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, Certified Ethical Hacker, Offensive Security Certified Professional and Offensive Security Wireless Professional. Bill is involved with his local church leadership and serves as a volunteer for the Salvation Army.
Scott Schoenherr, Technical Support Specialist, has joined KSMC’s Business Technology practice. Scott's expertise is providing customized technology advisory services to support business initiatives and solve business challenges. Scott's previous experience includes working extensively with information systems in both the legal and healthcare sectors. He received an Associate of Science degree in computer science and network service technology from Tallahassee Community College. Scott is a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician and is certified in Information Technology Infrastructure Library Foundations.
About KSM Consulting
KSM Consulting, an affiliate of Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP, provides management consulting, technology and advisory services across a variety of industries and functions.
Posted Feb 1 2012 7:36 PM by
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – KSM Consulting, LLC (KSMC) is pleased to announce the addition of five new hires to the organization: John Roach, Dan Moyers, Justin Kruse, William Maki and Scott Schoenherr.John Roach, Project Manager, has joined KSMC’s Organizational Improvement practice. John will focus on solving clients’ strategy, structure and process challenges by breaking down highly complex technical problems to their fundamental level. John began his career in technical engineering and software development roles. He has since held various project management, finance, investment evaluation, business valuation and strategic consulting roles in both highly regulated, mature industries as well as fast-paced entrepreneurial companies. His diverse background provides him a unique view on business and allows him to translate a vision... Read more →
Posted Jul 6 2011 4:00 AM by
KSM Consulting hosts educational seminars on issues related to key aspects of running your business – information technology, financial and operational performance, and risk management.Our next seminar is Tuesday, July 26, 2011, and the topic is, "Maximizing Functionality: Optimizing Your Financial and Business Applications."Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) has evolved into something more significant than just the implementation of new financial and business application software. In today's economy, companies are looking for their existing software to provide them with comprehensive business solutions, rather than investing in an entirely new system.How can you improve the functionality of your current system? Join us on July 26 to discover the solution: ERP system optimization. Understand the benefits of utilizing your financial... Read more →
Posted Jun 28 2011 4:00 AM by
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) finally introduced the SSAE 16 SOC 1 audit guide last week and it looks like it was worth the wait. While planning and fieldwork may have already started since the new standard went live on June 15, this audit guide does include several items that should ease the transition from the SAS 70 report format to the Service Organization Control Reports (SOC) format. The guide highlights the differences between the two formats and provides information to help determine the types of services appropriate for SOC 1 attestations. Primary components of SOC 1 attestation and information on how to test the operating effectiveness of controls at the service organization are also included. Additionally,... Read more →
Posted Jun 6 2011 4:00 AM by
As a follow-up to prior posts regarding the new Service Organization Control (SOC) Reports, the implementation guide called Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization Relevant to Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality or Privacy is now available. This guide provides guidance to CPAs engaged to prepare a SOC 2 report.Additionally, the AICPA is currently in the process of preparing the highly anticipated guide for CPAs engaged to prepare a SOC 1 report, Service Organizations: Applying SSAE No. 16, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization.As implementation of the new standard draws near, you may find additional information on the AICPA’s website under the SOC section. Informational videos on the new reports are also available.To learn... Read more →
Posted Feb 22 2011 5:00 AM by
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) recently released the 2011 Top Technology Initiatives Survey. The results are a culmination of responses from nearly 1,400 CPAs that specialize in information technology.While the survey respondents have backgrounds ranging from business and industry to public accounting firms, the combined results show that control and use of mobile devices will be the technology issue of greatest importance in the coming months.The top 10 initiatives as provided by the survey are as follows (in order of importance): Control and Use of Mobile Devices Information Security Data Retention Policies and Structure Remote Access Staff and Management Training Process Documentation and Improvements Saving and Making Money w/Technology Technology Cost Controls Budget... Read more →
Posted Jan 11 2011 5:00 AM by
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) “Red Flags” Rule finally took effect on December 31, 2010, after delaying numerous times over a two-year period. Congress has passed legislation clarifying the scope of businesses covered by the rule.The Red Flag Clarification Act of 2010 amends Section 615 (e) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which results in an exemption of many small businesses from the rule. This new exemption may apply to various professional services firms, physicians and pharmacies. Companies must evaluate their specific situations to be sure that they are exempt from complying with the rules. In certain cases, simply honoring a customer’s request for a payment plan - coupled with running a standard credit check on... Read more →
Posted Jan 5 2011 5:00 AM by
Just what is cloud computing, why is there such buzz around it, and how can it be used in manufacturing?Cloud computing is a conceptual term used to describe the act of providing information technology (IT) solutions to organizations from the Internet. It allows organizations to implement IT solutions without having to purchase hardware and software and then hiring IT staff to maintain it.The term “cloud” is used as a metaphor for the Internet, and it is represented by the cloud drawing in computer network diagrams as an abstraction of the underlying technology infrastructure. Another way to think about it might be an externally sourced (and theoretically limitless) seamless extension of an internal IT systems infrastructure that delivers information... Read more →
Posted Dec 13 2010 5:00 AM by
In this season of giving, I thought I would provide a list of action items to make your holiday a little more relaxing and allow you to bring in the new year with a little less stress.Yes, It’s Always About Cash FlowAs a business owner, you know it’s always about cash flow. I'm guessing it's one of the primary items on your financial dashboard. As year-end approaches, the balance between ending the year with too much cash in the bank and not having enough to pay all the bills is a delicate one. The issue is compounded with the fact that your customers and your vendors are trying to do the same. Regardless of... Read more →
Posted Dec 2 2010 5:00 AM by
As mentioned in previous postings, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) delayed enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule until December 31, 2010.The regulation, as written, requires certain entities, regardless of industry or size, to create written policies and procedures to address the issue of identity theft. The Red Flag Rule, as this regulation is commonly known, sets forth guidelines as to how an entity should develop, implement and administer an identity theft program.The delay was due to pending legislation that would limit the scope of businesses covered by the rule. On November 30, 2010, the Senate passed S. 3987, the Red Flag Clarification Act of 2010. The bill amends Section 615 (e) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which... Read more →
Posted Dec 1 2010 5:00 AM by
Professional services consultants, especially those in the technology consulting arena, often run into pitfalls when it comes to providing value through a written reporting mechanism. As consultants, we naturally lean toward providing value through hands-on work, designing solutions, guiding implementations, or by conferring directly with the client and their team on high-level processes or needs. But oftentimes there is a written component to the deliverable such as a formal report or simple documentation.In some cases, the report may be the primary component without the added opportunity to include traditional consulting or implementation services. In these cases, the resulting experience for both the vendor and the client is often somewhat of a letdown, because without the opportunity to... Read more →
Posted Nov 29 2010 5:00 AM by
As you may already be aware, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Auditing Standards Board’s efforts to revise, clarify and converge current standards with those of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), resulted in changes to SAS 70 requirements. The changes were finalized by the AICPA in January 2010. These changes will affect the service organization and the service auditors completing the SAS 70, and will have an effective date of June 15, 2011.The changes resulted in two separate standards, one for the service auditor (Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) 16, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization) and a clarified Statement on Auditing Standards, Audit Considerations Relating to an Entity Using... Read more →
Posted Nov 21 2010 5:00 AM by
As a consultant to small- and mid-sized Business owners and CFOs, you can imagine that I spend a great deal of time helping companies manage cash flow. From managing A/R to extending A/P and streamling payroll, my clients and I spend a great deal of time together maximizing the effectiveness of all processes focused on cash. One of my clients who provides services to Fortune 1000-sized companies told me he recently attended one of his customer's national sales meetings. The company’s sales force was focused on one thing: maximizing cash flow. He found it somewhat comforting that even the largest companies in the world worry about cash. Furthermore, even though they are big, they... Read more →
Posted Jun 14 2010 4:00 AM by
At an additional request made by several members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is once again delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule until December 31, 2010. The commission had previously delayed the enforcement of the regulation until June 1, 2010.The regulation, as written, requires certain entities, regardless of industry or size, to create written policies and procedures to address the issue of identity theft. The Red Flag Rule, as this regulation is commonly known, sets forth guidelines as to how an entity should develop, implement and administer an identity theft program.The delay is due to pending legislation that would limit the scope of businesses covered by the rule. Additionally, on October 30, 2009, the U.... Read more →
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