Preferred Computer Solutions Newsletter September 2007

December 2008
In this issue

√ Economic Stimulus
Act and Section 179
√ Unified
Communications
√ Messaging Rules
√ Open-plan Office
√ For Laughs

7 Instant Messaging Rules for the Workplace
reprinted with permission from the HP Small and Medium Business Website

Because of its efficiency and speed, instant messaging, or IM for short, has become a valuable interoffice tool for employees to exchange information and collaborate in real time.

The advantages of IM are clear. But there are drawbacks too. IM can be distracting; employees can waste time using it for personal conversations; and IM technology is often not secure, leaving corporate networks more vulnerable to viruses and attacks. And because of the informal nature of IM, it can sometimes lead to embarrassing or serious mistakes.

By following these seven rules for appropriate IM use, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most out of this effective and convenient communications tool.

As another year draws to a close, we thank you for your friendship and goodwill and sincerely wish you all the happiness that a prosperous and successful
New Year can Bring.

Happy Holidays from the Preferred team.

There is still time to take advantage of the Economic Stimulus act. Call PTS today so we can assist you!!!!

Let the Economic Stimulus Act and
Section 179 Help You

With the current news that is all around us it is sometimes hard to justify opening our pocketbooks and investing in our companies. We all know that the best way to improve ourselves and our businesses is to invest time, energy and money in accomplishing our goals. As the year draws to a close take a look and see what can be done to improve your business. The decision to improve may save you money.

With the changes to the Section 179 Deduction made by the Economic Stimulus Act signed in February 2008 there are some exciting benefits for business.

Unified Communications:
Right for Your Business?
by Heather Clancy
reprinted with permission from the Microsoft Small Business Center

While most of us welcome the opportunity to stay in touch virtually anytime from anywhere, keeping up with phone calls, voicemail, e-mail and instant messaging can distract even the most disciplined person from more important concerns.

Enter the white knight of "unified communications," technology that integrates phone calls, voice mail and video conferencing - all your telephone communications - with your e-mail, documents and other applications on a personal computer. Unified communications becomes even more valuable when extended to fax and especially useful when linked with information in customer or sales-prospect databases, according to Dave Casey, president of Westron Communications, a network technology integration company in Carrolton, Texas.

Open your presents at Christmastime, but be
thankful year round for
the gifts you receive.

--Lorinda Ruth Lowen

We want to become your trusted technology partner!
If you find this information valuable, Please invest a few minutes
of your time to call us to discuss the many ways our
organizations can begin working together!

8 Tips to Survive in an Open-plan Office
reprinted with permission from the HP Small Business Center

While many workers would probably prefer a private office with a door, open-plan seating arrangements are common in businesses worldwide. And the benefits of “cubicle farms” are clear: they’re cost-efficient, improve communication and collaboration between employees, and can increase productivity.

However, the open-plan office worker may find it difficult to concentrate in this environment – with phones ringing, colleagues talking and walking around, and office equipment running, the number of distractions can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips you and your colleagues can use to help make the most of the open office and improve the environment for everyone.

1. Keep the noise level down. Don't use speaker phone or play any kind of sound on your PC without asking others whether it will bother them. In fact, it’s better to use earphones to listen to podcasts, music or videos, and if you must use speaker phone or conduct a lot of conference calls, try to find a meeting room or other enclosed space.