Nashville Technology Council

SOCIAL NETWORKS CAN BE ANTI-SOCIAL FOR YOUR COMPUTER
Don’t let bad apps or bad people into your life by sharing too much

One of the biggest growth areas for Facebook in the past year is with the baby boomers that have found that the social network site allows old friends back into their lives. A Nashville company wants you to think about whom Facebook is allowing into your computer that may negatively impact your life. iNet Strategy has been providing IT solutions to businesses for the past decade but founder and CEO Robert Morris has become alarmed lately at what he has seen on Facebook that can cause people problems. “I saw an old acquaintance on Facebook and among his pictures was a copy of his driver’s license that had been scanned” Morris commented recently. “That’s an extreme instance of opening yourself up, but there are many ways that Facebook opens up your computer to intruders. People are also unsure about the privacy/security settings on Facebook.” The IT solutions firm for businesses figured that they had the expertise to help with the problem.

iNet Strategy has now made its Live Support service available to the public. The support service was formerly just to aid their many business clients, but now the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner is helping people figure out what in the world wide web has gotten into their lives. With Facebook being a “social” network people are tempted to be open and sociable with information that they share but there will always be those waiting to take advantage. Morris says that some of the fun and games that people enjoy can be anything but fun and games if the wrong person is on the other side of the connection. “Some of the fan applications for sports teams or enhancements to games that are played on the platform are nothing but ways for people with bad intentions to get into your computer” says Morris. Through the iNet Strategy website the company has live support representatives available to help. “If your shortcut to get your barn built has made your whole computer run slower, then you might need our help to fix the problem,” says the CEO. Experienced computer technicians are available on line to remotely fix any of your computer problems from spyware, viruses, security issues or just helping you figure out how to make your Facebook account more secure from leaking your personal data and information. You will only pay for the time that techs are actually working on your machine. The service can be reached at www.inetstrategy.com and clicking on the “chat with a live agent” icon or you can leave a message and arrange for a representative to get back to you at a convenient time.

Your computer and the various on-line services can open up a world of possibilities for you. Don’t let those same services open up your computer to the world of bad guys out there. Safeguard your personal information with help from the IT experts at iNet Strategy,

About iNet Strategy:
iNet Strategy is a privately owned Information Technology Professional and Master Managed Services firm headquartered in the Middle Tennessee market since 1996. Additionally, thru nationwide service partners iNet delivers onsite IT solutions to customers throughout the nation.

iNet Strategy focuses on gaining a solid understanding of your business challenges, and is committed to your organization’s success. iNet Strategy provides solutions for companies of varying sizes and needs at very competitive rates and their vast experience covers a broad range of eCommerce and network solutions across a variety of industries.

In the past 10 years iNet Strategy has deployed over $100 million in IT projects and in the past 5 years applications developed for clients have processed 234 million patient prescription refills!

For more information go to www.inetstrategy.com or contact Robert Morris, CEO at 615-835-4305

Dustin Maske, Tennessee Sales Manager

How long have you been in business in Nashville?
Insight Global, Inc was founded in Atlanta, GA in 2001. The company has grown to be recognized as one of the premier staffing firms in the United States and has office locations in 21 major markets nationwide, as well as a presence in Canada. We opened our Nashville office in December of 2007.

What does your company or organization do best?
Insight Global is one of the fastest growing providers of information technology (IT) staffing solutions in North America. The company has fueled its exceptional growth and market share gains with a proven model built upon superior execution and a relentless focus on client acquisition and service. Insight Global fills nearly 10,000 IT staffing placements each year for a diverse range of Fortune 1000 corporations. We focus on creating long-term partnerships with our clients and do whatever it takes to meet their needs. The company was recognized in 2006 and 2007 as the fastest growing IT Staffing Company in the United States by the “Staffing Industry Analysts”. Insight Global was ranked in 2009 as the 4th fastest growing IT Staffing firm, the 57th largest Staffing firm across all staffing sectors, and the 14th largest IT Staffing firm in the United States.

What is one interesting fact about your company?
We are proud of the fact that since our inception, all of our growth has been organic and all promotions have come from within the organization. Each branch of Insight Global operates exactly like the corporate headquarters in Atlanta, however they are not franchised locations. This business model has played an integral role in developing a culture that fosters hard work, superior customer service, effective responsiveness, a deep care for our clients, our employees and the overall welfare of the company. It also allows for full company collaboration regardless of the original location of the request.

What new technology product or service are you the most excited about?
As a technical staffing firm, we are constantly staying on top of and working with new products for client needs across North America. We work hand in hand with consultants who are at the top of their game and are trained in the latest technologies. It is exciting to be a part of an ever-changing and growing industry, and we enjoy working with the people at the forefront of the industry. Part of our job is adapting to whatever the “next big thing” is, whether that be R&D, implementation, design or support.

Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?
I was able to spend some time with one of my heroes, Arnold Palmer. To speak with someone known for his outstanding character, generosity, and for making an incredibly successful career doing something he loved was inspiring. It was a pleasure to meet someone who has found so much success and still remains a man of great humility.

Nashville Tech Story (3/29/10)

NASHVILLE TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL TO HOST 2nd ANNUAL TECHNET EVENT
Networking for Job Seekers, Entrepreneurs and Future Graduate Students

The Nashville Technology Council will host its second annual TechNet event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 17th at the Nashville Convention Center.

TechNet is a special event hosted by the Nashville Technology Council to provide technology job seekers, employers, and higher education institutions with the opportunity to network together.  It is designed to help unemployed technology workers find new jobs, provide a direction to help them further their education, and provide networking opportunities.

Attendance at TechNet is free. Exhibits will feature technology companies looking for new talent, staffing agencies looking for the perfect person to place, and Universities offering higher education options. Companies will have the opportunity to exhibit for only $150.

In addition to an exhibitor showcase, the event will feature three breakout sessions including a Resume Building Workshop, a Business Plan Workshop for Entrepreneurs, and a College Workshop on Advanced Degrees. Fifteen area academic institutions will be participating, as well as local area staffing and placement firms.

“This event is designed to connect technology talent from Middle Tennessee and the surrounding states with potential employers,” said J. Tod Fetherling, President/CEO of the Nashville Technology Council. “TechNet is an effort to not only stimulate job growth in technology community, but to encourage workers to continue their education and promote Nashville’s entrepreneurial spirit.”  

Last year, this event attracted over 250 unemployed technology workers as well as future college graduates, who were looking for employment or additional information on higher education. This year, we expect an even higher attendance.  If you are interested in attending this event or exhibiting, visit http://www.technologycouncil.com/2010/02/22/april-17-technet/.

Nashville Technology Blog (3/26/2010)

Please take a few minutes and fill out your Census 2010 forms.  These need to be returned as soon as possible.  It is very important that everyone complete the form.  It is our time to be counted.

Nashville Tech Story (3/24/10)

By now we have all heard about the Health Insurance Reform package passed late Sunday evening.  We have been looking for a good summary.  Deloitte sent us the following link to help us keep up with the progress of the bill as the Senate reconciles its version to the House Bill that was passed.  We didn’t think you wanted to read all 2,400 pages of the bill.  The market responded positively yesterday, but there are many tanning salons looking for new revenue streams this morning.

http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_US/us/Insights/Browse-by-Content-Type/Newsletters/health-care-reform-memo/315a3bd377587210VgnVCM100000ba42f00aRCRD.htm

The cost of the House reconciliation bill is $940 billion over 10 years. Major expenses are:

• $434 billion for expansion of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Plans enrollment
• $466 billion for subsidies to fund insurance for individuals and families up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level
• $40 billion for small employer tax credits

Among the proposed sources of funding from the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) preliminary analysis combining HR3590 and HR4872 are:

• $60 billion penalties paid by individuals and employers that do not buy insurance*
• $196 billion in reduced Medicare scheduled payments
• $36 billion in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid Disproportionate Share (DSH) payments
• $70 billion from premiums for long-term care insurance (CLASS Act)
• $132 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage Plans
• $32 billion from taxes on Cadillac health plans*
• $103 billion Medicare payroll tax increases*
• $57 billion excise taxes on insurance companies (2014-2018), plus $14.3 billion per year plus adjustment thereafter*
• $31 billion excise taxes on brand name pharmaceutical companies (2010-2019), plus $2.8 billion per year thereafter*
• 2.3 percent sales tax on medical devices*
• $58 billion Pell Grant privatization (unrelated to health reform)

Source: CBO Preliminary Analysis, March 20, 2010

Nashville Tech Story (3/23/10)

NASHVILLE: NOW HIRING

The Nashville Technology Council today announced the release of its Q1 2010 Technology Hiring Trends Report.  After extensive research, the report reveals over 420 technical jobs available in the Middle Tennessee area.  The report was generated from public job postings from large job portals (i.e. CareerBuilder, Monster, etc.), specialty technology sites (i.e. Dice) and local employer sites.

The highest number of openings came from enterprise health care technology companies: Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), Health Care Management Systems (HMS), and Community Health Systems (CHS).   In addition, other local industry heavyweights like music, publishing, manufacturing, and transactions continue to post job openings in technology.

The most prevalent technology positions are in Management.  Management is followed by Analyst, Developers, and Network Engineers.  In addition to job openings, the report also illustrates programming languages that are most needed in the today’s technology industry.  .Net, and Java are in highest demand for potential employees, as well as SQL database positions.

“Technology is revolutionizing industries in healthcare, digital content, publishing, and transactions,” said J. Tod Fetherling, President/CEO of Nashville Technology Council. “Nashville’s creative and educational communities are being relied on to assist in transforming music, healthcare, and transactional industries.  This will create exciting new opportunities for employment for the foreseeable future.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “there were 2.7 million job openings on the last business day of January 2010 nationwide. The job openings rate rose over the month to 2.1 percent, the highest the rate has been since February 2009.”

To view the full report, click here.

Donita Brown, MBA
Mediator
iMediateIT.com

How long have you been in business in Nashville?

Mediate IT has been in business a year.  I became Rule 31 Listed General Civil to mediate civil cases in May 2009 and have focused my practice in resolving information technology disputes.  In February 2010, I received my Rule 31 Listing, making me listed in both Family & Civil.  In addition to the Rule 31 listing, I have received training in elder mediation, have an accounting degree from Austin Peay State University, Masters in Business Administration from Belmont University, and have received a special accommodation from Belmont University for Negotiation & Mediation.

What does your company or organization do best?

Mediate IT helps companies settle their information technology disputes.   I have experience with multiple facets of the IT field and has led large system implementations and integrations as a Project Director, as well as participated as a team member. Having worked within Telecommunication Integrators for the Federal and State Governments and Telecommunication Departments of Fortune 500 companies, I understand the complexity of the information technology.

With a Masters of Business Administration from Belmont University in Nashville, TN a B.B.A in Accounting from Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, TN) I fully understand the business affects of technology decision and disputes.

What is one interesting fact about your company?

Mediate IT is one of only four mediation practices in the country that specializes in mediating information technology disputes.

What new technology product or service are you the most excited about?

I am excited to be among an elite group of mediation professionals and to offer this service to Tennessee.

Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?

I’m an avid hiker and had the opportunity to meet Doug McFalls, who was the winter caretaker of the Lodge at Mt. LeConte in the Smoky Mountains this past summer.  Mt. Leconte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky National Park and the Lodge is open from March through October.  Doug stayed at the Lodge during the winter months and blogged about his experience being the winter caretaker through the use of an air card and solar panel powered laptop.  It was amazing to see the pictures of my favorite place on Earth covered in 3-4 feet of snow.

Gordon Bennett
Enterprise Mobile Solutions Strategist
Microsoft Corporation

Gordon is a 17+ year veteran at Microsoft and currently is responsible for evangelizing Microsoft’s Windows Mobile strategy for enterprise customers which now includes the upcoming release of Windows Phone 7 Series.

Previous to his current role, Gordon has held numerous roles at Microsoft including: Windows Server Security & Management Team Manager, Business Productivity Team Manager, Application Platform Team Manager, Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) Practice Manager, MCS Managing Consultant, Account Executive and Messaging Specialist.    Gordon began his career at Microsoft in May of 1992.

Gordon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University with a Major in Marketing Management and Minor in Information Systems.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Gordon worked for Software Solutions Unlimited, Inc. as a Product/Program manager in Albuquerque, NM and Houston, TX; Wang Laboratories, Inc. as a Marketing Representative in Salt Lake City, UT; and with Automation Services Company as a Networking Consultant in Cape Girardeau, MO.

Gordon and his family currently reside in the Nashville, TN area.

Don Enfinger
Managing Director/ Production Services – Technology Services Group, BNYMellon

Don Enfinger is the Managing Director of Production Services. In this role, Don has about 500 people in his organization worldwide, who are responsible for monitoring and customer satisfaction of IT systems. His group includes the Command Centers, the Processing Centers, the Print and Mail Operations, and the Automation Team. Don was appointed to the Tennessee Governor’s Information Systems Council, where he partners with State Government to assist in their IT processes. He was also appointed to the Nashville Mayor’s Technical Advisory Board and works closely with the City of Nashville and Davidson County, reviewing and participating in their IT project reviews. He actively represents the Firm with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to BNYMellon, Don served in IT Senior Management Roles with Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati, and Checkfree Corporation in Atlanta. Don has over 30 years of solid IT experience from PC to Mainframe. Don has led and been a part of numerous Leadership Workshops, learning and helping to mentor others in his love for Excellence in Technology Leadership.

Nashville Tech Story (3/22/10)

Twitter’s @anywhere service and Facebook’s rumored GPS-based status updates proves the mobile user’s interest in community.  Apple’s application not only allows the user to discuss tell where they are and why they are there, but allows group interaction with others at the same event, further revolutionizing location-based technology.

Group collaboration is not the only new thing coming to the smartphone. This weekend’s Tennessean Article stated, “Analysts say they believe mobile commerce will continue to grow in the future. Dawn Iacobucci, senior associate dean of Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, said there are opportunities for businesses to take on a new type of impulse buying through the cell phone. For example, stores could use GPS technology on customers’ cell phones to recognize if the customers are near one of their stores and send mobile coupons to attract them inside, she added.”

View Apple’s full patent application here: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20100070758&OS=20100070758&RS=20100070758