K.C. Courtnier will enlighten us about QuickBooks. Computer consultants encounter QuickBooks in two ways: Many of us use it ourselves to manage our business, and we frequently deal with it on our clients’ computers. K.C. will give us advice on how to make better use of QuickBooks, and also provide practical advice for supporting QuickBooks installations.
Topics likely to be discussed:

• What features of QuickBooks would a computer consultant or contractor be most interested in? (Tracking time? Billing for time? Inventory? Invoicing etc.)
• Common QuickBooks problems and solutions
• Issues that may arise in multi-user installations
• … and more!

Most computers sold in the last few years have the ability to boot from a USB-connected device such a flash drive or an external hard drive. Why would you want to do that? Because you can do cool and useful things, like rescue files, run virus scans, and boot other operating systems, even if the operating system on the computer is damaged. We will show you how to do those, and lots more, useful things at our February meeting.

OCCA member George Shubin will review the new technology presented at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The show is the world's largest convention of suppliers of all types of electronics products for home and business. George will be reporting on a wide variety of electronic goodies.

So, join us and let's kick off the new year with a fun and informative meeting--having a look at some cool tools and toys that are scheduled to come our way soon.

A fast moving moderated discussion on data safety, involving everyone. Times approximate.

Topics to cover:

File Encryption (10 Minutes)

• Encrypting Any file: Axcrypt, Aescrypt, etc.
• Using PDF to encrypt documents

Email Encryption (5 Minutes)

Folder or Multifile Encryption (10 minutes)

• Truecrypt Files / Mounted drives
• Other proprietary

Full Disk Encryption (10 minutes)

• TrueCrypt
• Microsoft BitLocker (Windows 7 Ultimate or Enterprise)
• Hardware from Manufacturer / Bios

Backup encryption (15 minutes)

• Online backups

1. Encrypted with THEIR Key
2. Encrypted with YOUR key

• Local Backups
• Image Backups

Factors to consider (10 minutes)

• Passwords
• Hash technology
• Salt
• Iterations
• Problems created by Password resetting or bypassing because of lost passwords.
• Multiple algorithms

Apple's iOS devices have become a revolution. Whether you use a Windows, Unix or Apple server platform, these devices are becoming the industry standard for such jobs as POS and CRM. They have even managed to overtake the long standing leadership position from Blackberry devices. Apple's MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac product lines are also gaining traction among business professionals. You see the easily recognized Apple logo consistently in TV shows and movies.

I will discuss the role of Apple products in the modern business landscape focusing on how they and their uses of the iCloud technology have 'changed the game' concerning daily computing. I will provide a series of examples of how iOS mobile devices are currently being used in the small business sector and how big business is beginning to get on board and why. Then I will outline the challenges facing IT support professionals concerning this rapid adoption of relatively new technology into long standing corporate environments and systems. These challenges include integration, security, deployment, app development/distribution and keeping up with Apple's constant flow of new products and software updates.
 

The essentials that every business owner must know. Failure to understand these principles will probably cost you money. This will be presented both from the perspective of a business owner, and also from a consultant's perspective who must advise businesses.

• Organic Search including Google, Bing, and Yahoo. The big picture: where they've been, where they're going and the impact of social media.
• Paid placement advertising: including Google, Bing, Facebook. and some efficiency tools.
• Social Media: Facebook and Linked-In. When and how to use them efficiently.
• Twitter: when is it useful and important.
• Local Search will get time too, for both brick and mortar businesses and onsite service types.

Even though this will largely be big picture stuff, there will be plenty of actionable ideas and takeaways.
 

Bruce will be presenting the value and business case for Windows 8. He will describe and demonstrate the new Windows user experience, running on devices you can purchase today with 11-inch to 23-inch screens. The devices will be available during and after the presentation for a hands-on experience by the OCCA audience. He will also provide tips for developers and IT consultants that will allow them to convey the Windows 8 advantage to their customers, who may be wondering whether they should upgrade.

Corey T. Morris is an Intel Enterprise Technical Specialist located in Beaverton. He will cover, at least the following topics:

• Networking: the transition from 1G to 10G, Thunderbolt technology, Wireless technologies, MyWiFi
• SSD Drives
• New developments in Server Technology
• New developments in Desktop Technology
• Ivy Bridge
• Hardware as a service
• Questions and answers

1. As computer consultants what should we do for ourselves to reduce the strain on our bodies as we spend a lot of time working with computers?
2. As computer consultants, what can we do to help our clients reduce their strain?

• Managed Services – What it is and why you would choose to offer it.
• Monthly recurring revenue vs. managed services.
• What is "Managed Services” when it comes to helping small businesses with computer and network management?
• What is the business reason for a small business owner to sign up for manages services?
• What is the business reason for a service provider to offer managed services?
  • Stabilize cash flow
  • Retain clients longer
  • More to be added during discussion

• How Managed Services model affects your business valuation.
  • Do you have a business or a job?
  • The Managed Service Agreement
  • "The key to maximizing the value of an organization is in maximizing consistent earnings over time”, Erick Simpson

• Deciding what services to offer (deliverables)
  • One program, "you are on the plan or not”.
  • Tiered program; none, Bronze, Silver, Gold
  • Do you want to offer "all-you-can-eat”.
  • A La Carte "pick from a list with each item priced separately”
  • Monitoring Only

• Tools you can use – hosted or in-house
  • Kaseya, Level Platforms, N-able, Continuum (formerly Zenith)
  • What to monitor

• Pricing Managed Services.

• How do you start?
  • Sell to an existing client
  • Market to all new clients

• Q & A