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One of the ways we differentiate our company is to hire professional roles in accounting, sales and marketing, rather than leaving all that in the hands of the IT experts – they have other things to worry about! As part of our accounting team, Joyce has worked across many industries, including a milk company and GTE/Verizon before joining our organization. So read more about Joyce, she’s not just about crunching numbers and processing payroll!

What is your hobby?

Reading has been a consistent hobby through the years. Give me a good FBI, CIA, or legal murder mystery and I can be lost for hours. While I have a Kindle I prefer the feel of turning real pages. When the kids were younger camping was a favorite pastime. I have also ventured to scrapbooking and sewing through the years.

 

What is the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

My jobs have all been very normal. Other than waitressing as a teen, I have done accounting related jobs for 40 years.

 

What’s the strangest request you’ve ever heard from a customer?

My customers have generally been employees. As a payroll accountant during a company strike employees were away from home for weeks on end and they put all kinds of things on their expense reports: toys/games, pet food, Band-Aids, tools unrelated to their jobs, even bullets.

 

What is your most rewarding experience?

Raising my children.

 

What inspires you?

My family; immediate and extended. I love seeing/hearing about what my children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews are doing in their lives. It is amazing how people all directly related can take many different paths in life.

 

Who was your favorite musical group in high school?

Creedence Clearwater Revival

 

What is your favorite movie of all time?

If I have to pick one it would be Gone with the Wind. Any action adventure is on the top of my list. I would watch a “Die Hard” movie over a comedy any day.

 

What is your favorite type of food?

Mexican

 

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Why pick only one - Yellowstone, Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, Australia…

If you are like me, you probably get lots of use out of screen shots. It’s a quick and easy way to share what’s on your screen, and clients often send us screen shots when entering in a help desk ticket to better describe a problem they may be experiencing.

 

Before Windows 7, taking a screen shot was a multi-step process: to copy the screenshot to the clipboard, then to paste it into an application, and one last step to save it to a hard drive. Windows 7 introduced the Snipping Tool, which didn’t reduce the number of steps, just rearranged the way you took the screen shot. There is also the good ol’ Paint application, but that still requires an extra steps of pasting and saving.

 

With Windows 8, there is now a new keyboard shortcut for capturing screenshots! (Thank you, Windows 8!) To do this, simply click the following on your keyboard: The Function Key and Windows Key + Print Screen. Windows 8 will capture the screenshot, your screen will dim for just a second letting you know the shot has been taken, and then it will save it automatically in the Pictures Library. Pretty convenient, huh?

 

What other Windows 8 tips or shortcuts do you have?

 

-Carissa Cotner, Marketing Coordinator

Mitchell Smith is our Developer and Programmer, building anything from our client ticket system to a mobile app to our web sites. He always has a positive attitude and is willing to make anything work, even if it means a little extra research on his part. Outside of the office, Mitchell is an excellent golfer. Any time we have a business outing that involves golf, Mitchell is the one to call. Here is a little more about our developer extraordinaire.

 

If you weren’t in IT, what profession would you be in?

I think I’d like to do something along the lines of coaching, or anything sports related. I currently coach my son’s baseball team and my daughter’s softball team and it’s a lot of fun.

 

What is your hobby?

Before I had kids, it was golf, hunting and fishing. Since I’ve had a family I enjoy things they are excited about, so I’m into whatever they’re into.

 

Who was your favorite musical group in high school?

I didn’t have a favorite group but I listened to a lot of rock and country. If I had to pick just one I would say George Strait.

 

What is your favorite movie of all time (or TV show?)

Any action movie. I don’t normally like to watch movies more than once. At this time, I really like The Big Bang Theory on TV.

 

What is your favorite food?

Since we don’t have a lot of it here in San Angelo, I really like Cajun food. Also Asian food, I like a good Japanese steakhouse.

 

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would want to go to a nice beach with really clear, blue water. Any place fun and relaxing where you don’t have to do anything when you get there.

 

What is your most rewarding experience?

Working a way into a position where I can really get into development. And staying on that track for my career. But more than that is my family. I have three kids now and being able to build that foundation has meant a lot to me.

Earlier this year we posted a blog that previewed the new Windows 8. Now that the new operating system has officially been released, businesses may be thinking about whether or not to make the switch, and we’re going to tell you a few reasons why you should, and how it can benefit your company.

 

Business is Mobile

The way companies do business is changing, and if your business wants to be ahead of the curve (or at least keep up) you need the best technology to adapt to these changes. So what does Windows 8 offer for mobile businesses?

 

• -DirectAccess allows remote users to connect to their corporate network without launching a separate connection
• -Windows To Go allows Windows 8 enterprise to run from a USB flash drive or external hard disk drive to replicate the corporate desktop

 

Better Virus Protection & Security

Most businesses rely heavily on technology which creates the need to prioritize security. Here are a few ways that Windows 8 helps do just that.

 

• -Stronger and better anti-malware package
• -BitLocker Drive Encryption helps safeguard data theft
• -AppLocker allows IT admins to control the apps that users can run

 

Enhanced Functioning

Technological improvements mean enhanced functioning. Enhanced functioning means happy employees. Happy employees mean better business. What do we mean exactly?

 

 

• -Faster boot up-time
• -Interface for the traditional desktop and touch screens
• -File History feature saves a timeline of all file making backing up an automated process
• -Refresh feature restores OS to factory settings while maintaining settings, document libraries, and any customizations

 

 

If you want more information on making the switch, click here.

 

 

We all know Courtney around here as the Marketing Director, but more than that she is the go to girl for all things Consuro. As the fearless leader of the marketing department, she is responsible for leading many company-wide initiatives, no matter how big or small. The company as a whole benefits from her can-do attitude, her nurturing demeanor, and her ability to take on any task with a smile on her face. A leader on and off the clock, Courtney is a major player (Vice Chair!) in Fort Worth's Lena Pope Home - Young Professional Advocates organization, in addition to juggling her life with family and friends. Talk about a girl with many hats! Here are a few things you might not know about the queen of the excel spread sheets…

 

What was your favorite band in high school?

REM and Counting Crows. When I was 15 my sister took a friend and me to a Counting Crows concert on a Sunday night…which was a HUGE deal. As we were leaving, the band was hanging around outside smoking cigarettes. I walked up with a band poster I had just bought and asked them to sign it. We hung around for about 20 minutes chatting. It was the highlight of my high school career.

 

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was little I wanted to be a professional horse trainer. In high school, I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. I went to USD originally studying marine biology. Then I realized it would be more than just swimming with dolphins and actually involved science.

 

What is your favorite food?

Anything Mexican, more specifically, Tex Mex. To me, heaven is dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s with a margarita. I am also addicted to frozen yogurt and French fries.

 

What is your favorite movie?

I have always had an unhealthy obsession with Top Gun.

 

What are you hobbies outside of work?

I competed in three-day eventing (equestrian) since I was in kindergarten and continued the sport throughout college. If I still had time, I would love to get back into that hobby. Today I am into anything that keeps my child entertained. I also love spending time at the lake. That is my happy place.

 

What is your ideal vacation?

Greece, Bora Bora, St. Tropez, or Monte Carlo. Basically, any over-the-top, exotic beach location. My ideal vacation would be doing nothing on the water.

 

What has been your most rewarding experience?

Starting and building a family. I am also glad that I had the opportunity to go away for college in San Diego, then return to Fort Worth which has always been my home.

You may have read our last blog post introducing the new line of Dell products along with the launch of Windows 8. Now that we've seen what the XPS 12 can do for business,  let's take a look at another recent release, the Dell Latitude 10.

 

Dell's most popular laptop now has a tablet version for all those people working on the go. Dell’s Latitude 10 is built for business and mobility. Beautifully designed, the tablet gives users the ability to take it to work, home, and on the road for business traveling. Like the other convertibles in Dell’s new line, the Latitude 10 is multi-touch and runs on Windows 8 software. This tablet comes with a swappable battery, or you have the option to use the micro-USB charging port. You can also purchase the productivity dock to give you a desktop setup allowing you to take your office wherever you go. The Latitude 10 can easily be integrated with your organization like any other PC using existing remote systems management solutions or Dell KACE appliances. For your business, you never have to worry about security as your data is protected by the new Windows 8 software and Intel Platform Trust technology.

 

Additionally, the Latitude 10 gives you the ability to keep employees working in sync in the office or virtually anywhere using Bluetooth and WiFi.

 

With the launch of Windows 8, Dell rolled out a new line of devices to maximize and complement the new operating system. We already have a few of these products in house and were able to see the full suite last month at Dell World. Not sure which one is right for your business? Let's start with one of the more eye-catching releases, the XPS 12 Convertible Touch Screen Ultrabook.

 

Dell XPS for Business - The Best of Both Worlds

Since we are living in a connected world with so many personal devices, it’s no wonder that companies like Dell and Microsoft are creating new multipurpose technology for the market. Not only do people have desktops and laptops, but we also have smart phones and tablets too. Whether you use your technology for business or the home, it is simply too many devices to carry around. As a solution to this, Dell has introduced its newest line of tablets and convertibles. The featured XPS 12 convertible touch screen Ultrabook functions as both a laptop and tablet. The XPS 12 is great for business professionals who are looking for a convertible with superior performance and productivity without compromising design. CRN even named it as one of the top “Coolest Laptops of 2012”.

 

Why the XPS 12 for Business?

• Convertible and multi-touch


• 12.5 inch display for easy viewing


• USB 3.0 ports


• 170 degree viewing angle for showing presentations


• Fast boot up time


• Supports Adobe Flash


• Good for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) organizations


• Uses the new Windows 8 software optimized for businesses


• Webcam and microphone for video conferencing software


• Intel Smart Connect Technology automatically updates email, contacts, and apps


• Full-size backlit keyboard


• Long lasting battery life

 

It’s almost as if you’re getting a two for one deal! You can use the notebook mode for typing documents and answering emails; then quickly switch to the tablet mode to browse your favorite blogs or watch videos. Interested in learning more? Watch this video to see the Ultrabook at work.

It’s no secret that 2012 was a busy year for Consuro. New hires, new offices, new partnerships, new awards. It was a year of growth, leading us into 2013 with great enthusiasm and anticipation for the next chapter.

 

If you were to dissect the average MSP, you’d probably be hard-pressed to find a marketing department. Marketing duties are usually split between the sales guy, owner and the receptionist and are often not taken seriously as a business initiative. But we don’t do things like other MSPs. We’ve chosen a different path, to create an MSP that runs like… a business.

 

Part of our growth plan involved adding a pipeline of talent to the Consuro marketing team. After weeks of recruiting this past fall which even involved speaking engagements in TCU Strategic Communications classes, we found our interns. Our goal of the internship program was to create a mutually beneficial relationship where we could get the extra help we need and students could gain real world experience, responsibility and insight into their area of interest.

 

Personally, throughout the interview process it felt like an out of body experience. It seemed like only yesterday I was a TCU senior seeking employment. I felt like I could personally relate to students and was able to communicate what attracted me to Consuro and why I feel so at home here.

 

We knew our interns, whoever they were, would be able to see and even manage projects from start to finish. We wanted more than expert filers or errand runners, we wanted marketing gurus in training. After our interviews, it was evident that we had not only found one but two rock stars to join our team. They were able to train with us just before the winter break and will be working with Consuro for the Spring 2013 semester.

 

One of their first projects was to write a blog introducing who they were, what attracted them to Consuro, how they see technology used in both school and in the business world and their perspectives on upcoming graduation leading into the workforce.

 

We are pleased to introduce the new faces of our marketing department!

 

-Carissa Cotner, Marketing Coordinator

 

Allie Payne
Year: Senior

Major: Strategic Communication

 

My name is Allie Payne and I am a marketing intern at Consuro. I am a senior at Texas Christian University majoring in strategic communication and minoring in political science and English. In the past I have worked for the Mayoral Campaign for Richard J. Berry, worked at the Mayor’s Office in Albuquerque, NM for two summers and interned with the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. I am also the president of the Doug Newsom Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter at TCU.

 

With a public relations emphasis I have always been a person who prepares for the worst and tries to prevent the problem before it occurs. I found comfort in knowing that Consuro strives to be “problem preventers.” I know what it is when things go awry and you have no control over the outcome, the word helpless comes to mind. Consuro works to prevent those problems from even occurring so that their clients can go about their busy day and if issues do arise people are always there to help.

 

Technology is always evolving and it is fun to work with a team who is enthusiastic about their work. I like working with a company that is on the cutting edge of technology. They are always looking the latest and greatest new thing.

 

I am very excited to be working for one of Texas Monthly’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in Texas!”

 

Victoria Igbojionu
Year: Senior
Major: Strategic Communications

 

My name is Victoria Igbojionu and I am one of Consuro’s new marketing interns. I am a senior at Texas Christian University majoring in strategic communication with an emphasis in advertising and minoring in communication studies. In the past I have done marketing for real estate offices, worked for TCU’s student media as a marketing manager, but more recently before coming to Consuro I was operating my own maid service business.

 

What attracted me to this internship was that Consuro is a technology company which gives me a new experience while still being able to work in marketing. Consuro has a strong brand identity and I am able to apply what I’ve learned in school to further contribute to it. Like Consuro, as a strategic communication major we are taught to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. It’s rewarding to be a part of a company that other businesses depend on to keep their offices running. I am fortunate to be working for a company that is recognized for its outstanding performance and company culture. Consuro is everything that I thought it would be and more. Everyone is friendly and I am learning valuable hands-on experience in both marketing and technology.

Keep up with the happenings at Consuro with our quarterly newsletter. Here you will find technology tips, company updates, awards and initiatives in addition to an employee spotlight.

Read the full newsletter here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Courtney Summers, Marketing Director

 

• Mobile device battles: Mobile experiences eclipse the desktop experience. Consumerization drives tablets into the enterprise. Cloud and mobile are mutually reinforcing trends. Bring your own device trend accelerates. In 2013, mobile devices will pass PCs to be most common Web access tools. By 2015, over 80% of handsets in mature markets will be smart phones. 20% of those will be Windows phones. By 2015, tablet shipments will be 50% of laptop shipments, with Windows 8 in third place behind Apple and Android. Microsoft‘s share of overall client platform will fall to 60%, and could drop below 50%. In smartphones, Windows could pass RIM to be #3 player, and could be same size as Apple in units by 2015. Windows 8 will be “relatively niche,” with mostly appealing to enterprise buyers.

• Mobile applications & HTML 5: Through 2014, JavaScript performance will push HTML5 and the browser as a mainstream application developer environment. There will be long shift to HTML5 from native apps as HTML5 becomes more capable. But native apps won’t disappear, and will always offer best experiences.

• Personal Cloud: Cloud will be center of digital lives, for apps, content and preferences. Sync across devices. Services become more important; devices become less important.

• Internet of Things: Internet of things is already here. Over 50% of Internet connections are things. In 2011, over 15 billion things on the Web, with 50 billion+ intermittent connections. By 2020, over 30 billion connected things, with over 200 billion with intermittent connections. Key technologies here include embedded sensors, image recognition and NFC. By 2015, in more than 70% of enterprises, a single exec will oversee all Internet connected things. Becomes the Internet of Everything.

• Hybrid IT and Cloud Computing: Changes role of IT. IT departments must play more roles in coordinating IT related activities.

• Strategic Big Data: Organizations need to focus on non-traditional data types and external data sources. Hadoop and NoSQL gain momentum. Big data will meet social. Five richest big data sources on the Web include social graph, intent graph, consumption graph, interest graph and mobile graph. Concept of single corporate data warehouse is dead. Multiple systems need to be tied together.

• Actionable Analytics: Cloud, packaged analytics and big data accelerates in 2013, 2014. Can now perform analytics and simulation on every action taken in business. Mobile devices will have access to the data, supporting business decision making.

• Mainstream In-Memory Computing: Changes expectations, designs and architectures. Can boost performance and response times. Enables real-time self service business intelligence. SAP and others will accelerate delivery of applications in 2012/2013 to leverage in memory capability.

• Integrated Ecosystems: More packaging of software and services to address infrastructure or application workload. There will be more shipment of “appliances,” with software delivered as hardware. New trend: virtual appliances, which Gartner sees gaining in popularity over the next five years.

• Enterprise App Stores: By 2014, there will be more than 70 billion mobile app downloads from app stores every year. Also by 2014, most organizations will deliver mobile apps to workers via private application stores.