Events

February 2011

Mark Richards – Kell Systems

“Mark is the Business Development Director for Kell Systems and will be introducing a range of Server and IT Network cabinets, designed to deploy  equipment directly into office environments. The cabinets may be used simply to silence existing office based equipment or as a cost effective alternative to dedicated air conditioned server rooms.  Now, anyone providing IT packages can wrap the equipment in a cabinet and deploy it directly into the office, keeping cable runs as short as possible and costs to a minimum.”

Mark is also planning to bring along a demonstration model so we can see their products in the flesh as it were!

Matt Barton – Ostrich IT

“I will be talking about how marketing drives your business. Working out what works and what doesn’t and how to increase the spend of those that become clients.”

Matt has the distinction of having the longest distance to travel to attend our meetings so it’s great that he’s going to be speaking this month!

January 2011

Zen Software

Telelease

December 2010

CentraStage

AMITPRO previously welcomed CentraStage to the group in the summer of 2009. Since then their remote monitoring and management platform has gone from strength to strength. Version 4 of the product is due to be launched in January so they are coming back to give us a sneak peek and get some feedback (which we’re good at doing!)

Chris Cope – UK Broadband

Chris will introduce  UK Broadband and will cover a summary of wireless evolution up to where we are today and the typical applications of wireless and how they can be sold (TCO / ROI examples etc).

November 2010

Steve Wheeler – Microsoft

Introduction to Windows Small Business Server 7 and Windows Small Business Server Code Name “Aurora”

Microsoft will provide an introduction to Windows Small Business Server 7 and Windows Small Business Server Code Name “Aurora”, primarily detailing these products from a business launch perspective. This early review does not feature technical detail but the latter will be shared with partners when available. This presentation will give you an early insight into these products including the beta.

Andy Parkes – IBIT Solutions

InfoPath overview

Having given an a brief introduction to InfoPath some 18 months previously Andy will revisit the topic explaining what InfoPath is, how it works and how it’s licensed as well as building an example form to show how it alls works!

October 2010

Mike Brooman – RTS Technology Solutions

Why IT Partners need to know about Audio Visual systems

With the increasing levels of convergence between IT and Audio/Visual systems, now is the time for IT partners to gain a deeper insight in to the Audio Visual world. As trusted advisors, clients expect IT professionals to be able to talk to an increasingly diverse range of technologies. RTS Technology Solutions will introduce you to common client scenarios as well as offering their insight in to the future of this emerging industry. Expect to be fully immersed; this isn’t going to be a straightforward PowerPoint presentation

September 2010

Keith Warburton – Technology Channels Association (TCA)

Keith Warburton is the founder and now President of the Technology Channels Association, the 17 year old trade association for the ICT marketplace. He also runs a sales and marketing consultancy, has appeared as an expert witness, and writes a regular column in the trade press.

His topic will be: Why trade associations are more necessary now than ever before

Guy Gregory – Peak Support

AMITPRO’s very own Guy Gregory from Peak Support, SBSC PAL and former group leader will be talking about BPOS Secrets – he’ll present a hands-on demo showing BPOS shortcuts for deploying, configuring and migrating to Microsoft Online Services.

August 3rd 2010

*Note this meeting is a week earlier than our regular meetings *

Dave Sobel – EvolveTech

“Cloud Computing: Friend, Foe, or Fiction?”

There is a lot of buzz about cloud computing. But what is it, and how can you use it? Is it a rehash of something from old, or is this really a new way of adding capabilities to your business? Is it safe, and what are the risks? Let’s cut through the hype and talk about how you really can use this new approach to delivering IT services to your customers, what to consider and where it makes sense – and where it doesn’t. Targeting solution providers, we’ll answer real life questions about how to cut through the marketing and understand when and how to leverage the “cloud”, and answer business concerns from your customers head on.

Susanne Dansey – Purple Cow Ideas Management

“Who cares about your business?”

What sets you apart from the competitor up the road? Susanne will take you through some ideas, suggestions, and examples that dovetail nicely into current technology topics such as the cloud and virtualisation. By the end of talk, you’ll take away actionable tasks that you can implement immediately into your business and there’ll be the chance to ask any questions around your business and the industry.

July 13th 2010

• An introduction to the SB team at Symantec
• Backup and recovery from Symantec
• Backup Exec System Recovery 2010
• Backup Exec 2010 NEW Features – de-duplication/Archiving/Virtualisation support
• Open Forum for Questions..

 
• Support revenue from Windows Mobile devices.
• Installation and license revenue from additional hardware e.g. Upgrades to Exchange 2007, BES servers and windows Mobile devices.
• Recurring revenue from a share of the mobile contract commission – they refer their customers onto us.

 

June 8th 2010

Dell Quinn – Microsoft

As you are probably aware there have been some changes to the Microsoft Partner Program. Its evolution into the Microsoft Partner Network has had implications for all Microsoft partners, especially Small Business Specialists. Dell is here to update the group on the current situation around the Small Business Specialist Specialist designation as well the upcoming competencies. Have your questions ready!

Andy Parkes – SharePoint as a Helpdesk

AMITPRO leader Andy Parkes from IBIT Solutions speaks about a usage case for SharePoint that most IT companies can understand: the helpdesk.

By focusing on this specific area, partners who haven’t yet discovered how SharePoint can be utilised should be able get an understanding of how quickly and easily SharePoint solutions can be put together.

May 11th 2010

Dr Richard Zybert & Michael Lucas – Zybert Computing

Zybert Computing Limited is a Midlands based IT manufacturer. The company was founded by Dr Richard Zybert over ten years ago. As a nuclear physicist and former lecturer of computing at Birmingham University Richard brought to bear his experiences of data handling and data storage in government backed ventures to produce a range of products to meet the needs of SMEs.

Their server based solutions provide automatic back- up and archiving with removable media. In addition they offer a secure remote access capability. Following recent changes to the Data Protection Act both removable media and the secure remote access system use sophisticated encryption methodologies.

Richard will be discussing the importance of data protection to small businesses  both from  business continuity and compliance aspects as well as comparing the alternative options open to SMEs.

Details can be found on www.zybert.co.uk

Jeff Goddard – Diamonds Software

Diamonds Software delivers software solutions for organisations in marketplaces where management of human interaction processes or workflow is the foundation of overall business delivery and business success.

The heart of the solution, Diamonds Studio, allows organisations to keep pace with rapid industry change.  Processes, workflow and reporting can be adapted to unique needs without the need for external consultants, so response to change and ownership moves firmly in-house, saving cost and time.

Applications have included penalty and ticket infringement processes, third party funds administration, ITIL V3 processes, and recently a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution and if in services an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) configuration.  The CRM/ERP covers the spectrum of marketing, sales, services, project, employee and HR and can be adapted or extended to meet any business requirements, including delivering IT Services.

For partners we offer the ability to offer CRM/ERP hosted or on-premise solutions and bespoke application development services with the knowledge that Diamond Studio can deliver and deliver fast.  Configuring an application is a lower risk than coding in traditional methods because our code has already been tested and used in production environments many times over.  Risks are also reduced with the adaptability to change over time with the need for external consultants.

April 6th 2010

Karl Palachuk – KPEnterprises

** UPDATE 31/03/10: Karl has had to pull out of the April Meeting – more info here. **

Leigh Odell – Relationship Manager for Accredit UK

Leigh has been a member of the Accredit UK team for the past 18 months, working closely with ICT SMEs throughout the UK.

For those of you who don’t know Accredit UK, it is a government backed and government funded ‘not for profit’ initiative. Designed for SMEs by SMEs, Accredit UK has been borne out of government research that highlighted a lack of trust between ICT SMEs and ICT Purchasers. It offers small businesses the chance to benchmark themselves against industry best practice, as well as prove their commitment to quality and further reassure buyers that they are a credible, professional and trustworthy business.

Leigh will be talking you through Accredit UK’s history and development, as well as demonstrating how the certification process works. This presentation will give ICT Suppliers an overview of the benefits of becoming Accredit UK certified.

Richard Tubb

Richard Tubb of JamesCash.co.uk speaks about Business Processes for SMB IT companies, how JamesCash.co.uk use them in their business, and how they can help businesses of all sizes rapidly grow. From the one-man-band where the owner is looking to take on his first employee but can’t find the time to take that step, to the bigger business where processes can help individuals grow in responsibility and encourage rapid business growth -  Richard will speak about the tools his company uses and the benefits you can expect from systemising your SMB IT business.

March 9th 2010

DrayTek UK – Julian Hubble

Julian is the Sales and Marketing Manager for DrayTek in the UK. DrayTek provides a selection of networking devices, including the popular 2820x series of ADSL routers. The products range from high-end consumer to enterprise and includes a number of solutions aimed at SME businesses.

For those who don’t sell DrayTek, Julian will be introducing the opportunities for partnering with the company and showcasing the ‘core’ products and their various features.

If you already sell DrayTek products, it’s a great chance to learn how the company is moving into the telephony space and a chance to get hands on with the VigorIPPBX and VigorPhone devices.

LabTech Software – Mark Wilson

As UK Sales Manager for LabTech Software, Mark will demonstrate how LabTech Software can help IT Support companies manage Break Fix & Managed service clients to increase efficiency and reduce overheads associated with managing clients. LabTech Software has many functions including Remote Control, Patch Management, Scripting and Monitoring amongst others.

February 9th 2010

Bright Fox Solutions

Bright Fox Solutions is an exciting and fresh web development agency specialising in simple, yet eye-catching brochure web sites. With projects starting from as little as £399 and a very simple pricing structure, it’s rare to see such well-designed affordable web sites. Clare Kingham will be talking us through Bright Fox’s approach to web development, and sharing examples of past projects.

Datawreck

Datawreck are the leading data recovery company in North Staffordshire, and we’re delighted to have both founding partners Rick Shingler and Leigh Trojanowski to present to the group. Rick will be explaining the various types of media that Datawreck can recover data from, and what partner opportunities exist, while Leigh will be providing a live demonstration of their work.

January 12th 2010

Technology Management and Consultancy – Paul Maloney

Technology Management and Consultancy was founded in April 2005 by Paul Maloney. Also known as TMC the company specialises in independent advice on Information Systems to the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) market in the UK.

Paul works as both Managing Director and Senior Consultant with TMC. In 2006 he became a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Specialist of the Business Continuity Institute (SBCI). In 2008 Paul, after a review by his peers, was accepted as a Member of the Business Continuity Institute (MBCI). Paul is also a Prince2 Practitioner.

His presentation will include a discussion of key security topics: asset management, patch management and best practices for administrator passwords.

MXSweep – Lee Clark

The MXSweep portfolio of managed services is a complete enterprise-level email security solution, which makes sure that clean and acceptable email always reaches the people who need it. MSSweep are committed to working with SaaS Distributors, VARs and MSPs giving them a streamlined route to market and leaving them free to concentrate on providing partners with the very best service. MXSweep’s offering is made up of three complementary services:

• E-mail protection
• Content control
• Recovery and continuity

The presentation will be delivered by Lee Clark, who is the UK Sales Channel Director for MXSweep.

December 8th 2009

Trend Micro – Tracey Hill (Distribution Account Manager) and Mark Younger (Pre-sales Engineer)

• Trend Micro – company introduction
• The changing threat landscape
• Why Trend Micro products are different
• Selling additional services
• The Worry Free Products – including product demonstrations
• The opportunity for our Resellers
• Reseller Promotions / Affinity Partner programme

DBAM Systems – Lorna Riddle

Founded in the UK in 2003, DBAM Systems is a leading provider of consolidated network traffic optimisation reporting and management solutions with its Exbander Precision (EP) and Exbander MAS ranges of products.

November 10th 2009

Alan Jones – Getting the most from HP

Alan’s main responsibilities at Bell Micro include helping HP partners increase margins, product and sales training and channel development. He provides Partners with the tools and knowledge both from a technical and commercial perspective to sell on real business value. Alan’s title of ‘Reseller Manager’ belies the depth of his technical understanding of the entire HP stack, and his presentation is bound to provide real value to any existing (or future) HP resellers. His talk will include information about the ProLiant G6 Server range, free HP training courses, and will touch on Partnering with HP and improving sales. Quite simply, if you sell HP, you can’t afford to miss it.

Dominic Gill -  Microsoft Apprenticeship Programme (BritainWorks)

Given the issue of rising unemployment in the UK, Microsoft is dedicating itself over the next three years to helping get Britain back to work. Part of this commitment includes an apprenticeship scheme designed to give opportunities to those currently out of work, but with a real passion to get into the IT industry. Microsoft Partners can be a part of this by taking on one or more apprentices to work in a technical support or technical sales role. In return, the BritainWorks scheme will fund the training of the apprentice to MCDST, MCITP, A+, Network+ level and beyond.

October 13th 2009

Cécile Cathala – StorageCraft Europe

StorageCraft Technology Corporation is focused on providing innovative disk-based backup, disaster recovery, data protection, migration and security solutions for servers, desktops and laptops. Our main objective is to provide products that can reduce downtime, improve business continuity and lower the total cost of ownership for systems in your environment.

Zoe Russell – ZHR Marketing

“Smart Marketing for Small Businesses.”

At ZHR Marketing we believe that good marketing enables business and financial objectives to be achieved.
Use marketing to help your small business increase sales and generate more income.
Your knowledge, experience and expertise led you to set up your business.
At ZHR Marketing we’ve got the knowledge, experience and expertise to help you market that business.
Smaller businesses don’t usually have the resources to employ a full time Marketing Expert. That’s where ZHR Marketing can help.Whether you need help with just one project, or you’d like a permanent marketing resource that suits your budget, talk to ZHR Marketing.
Let us help your business succeed.

September 8th 2009

Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) and Windows 7.

Dell Quinn is a Partner Network Manager and recently took over management of the Small Business Specialist Community. At this event, she will outline what the Microsoft Partner Network changes mean for Small Business Specialists as well as describe her plans for supporting the Community.

Jamie Burgess is a Partner Technology Specialist and will provide an overview of Windows 7 discussing it’s features and functionality as well as providing advice on how best to sell Windows 7 to your SMB customers. Jamie will also discuss techniques and technologies for deploying Windows 7.