Overpowered Offices: Computer Overkill

"Do I need the $25,000 server or the $2,000 server?  What about my network components - should I spend $15,000 for routers, firewalls, and remote access or will $1,000 suffice to meet my needs?  Do I really need to spend $2,000 for a computer?"

In today's fast-paced and technologically-advanced marketplace, most people are over-whelmed when it comes to understanding their office's technological needs.  The moment eventually comes when decision-makers must place their trust in an IT professional to provide solutions to their computer and technology needs.

The problem arises with the typical background and experience found in an IT professional: many are extremely intelligent, experienced, and dedicated when it comes to technology, BUT are very limited when it comes to evaluating business goals, needs, and objectives.  For example, Seras meets with small businesses (5-10 employees) every day that are not using any extensive software programs, do not currently need or have plans in the future to need secure remote access, and use only a small amount of data on a shared-file system.  The cost of technology found in their office is staggering: expensive multi-rack servers with layered intrusion security and terabytes of unsused storage space.  All of this with no back-up or recovery system in place!

"What do I do to ensure that I only get what I need?"

Seras recommends taking the time to familiarize yourself with exactly what is being proposed and why.  Get at least three written proposals and ask for references before spending valuable time and money on a new relationship with a computer service provider.  At a minimum, each aspect of proposed change should be questioned and evaluated based soley on the current and future needs of the organization - aside from budget, security, and culture concerns.

Click here for more information about our services or here to contact us today!

Are Your Computer Systems a part of your Business Plans?

 

It is just about two weeks into the new year. Companies are focusing on their business plans for sustaining and growing their business this new year. What are the goals that your company is trying to hit this year? Generate new sources of revenue? Increase brand awareness? Improve customer service? Reduce operational costs? What actionable steps are you taking to ensure that these goals are met? Have you reviewed your business plan lately? What can you do to help your company grow and sustain that growth? Are your computer systems an integral part of your business plans?

These are all questions that many business owners and managers think about on a frequent basis. Seras would like to encourage you to think deeply about how your business operates. Are you doing all it takes to make sure your company is running as smooth and efficient as possible? What are often overlooked operational aspects of your business that need to be performing at a high level to help your business grow?

Your computer systems are one of those operational aspects that many businesses often overlook or don't place an appropriate amount of value on it's importance to the business' growth. You understand that technology is a necessary tool that can grant your business competitive advantages and increased production. But, you don’t have the time or expertise to keep your IT investment running at top efficiency.  Are you properly evaluating the importance of your computer systems to your business?

At Seras we can help you cut and control costs and increase your confidence in your computer system, computer security and backup systems. Seras' trained experts can help you in many areas such as: hardware and software component repairs and upgrades, network configuration and support services, antivirus/malware protection, wire management and cabling, cloud services and data backup services for any sized business.

Seras offers the services you need to help grow your company in this new year. We are locally owned and operated with 24 hour access to management. We offer flexible payment and service plans and we promise to communicate with you in plain English. We want your business to not only succeed in 2016, but flourish and grow! Call us today! 803.233.9216

Customer Spotlight: Northeast Dermatology

Seras is excited to announce its one-year anniversary of partnering with Northeast Dermatology for computer and IT support services.  Northeast Dermatology is "Your Neighborhood Skincare Specialist", providing medical services, cosmetology services, and a variety of specialized products to meet your dermatology needs.  Dr. Lee Carson opened the practice 9 years ago and has continued to grow and thrive by providing the highest quality treatments and patient support available.

Dr. Carson has studied at The University of South Carolina, Clemson University, The University of South Carolina School of Medicine, and Wright State University School of Medicine where she performed her Residency.  She holds B.S., Ph.D., M.A.T., and M.D. degrees.  Dr. Carson's husband Steve is her practice manager and a joy to work with.  The two of them make a great team.  The Carsons have huge hearts, spending most of their time with their four children, along with mission trips to Nicaragua, volunteering at Columbia Free Clinic, and helping with Skin Cancer Prevention / Lecture Series.  For more information about the practice or to contact Northeast Dermatology for an appointment, check out their website: www.northeastderm.com.

Northeast Dermatology became a customer when Seras was asked to begin supporting the practice one year ago based on the need for a local computer and IT service provider that could provide fast and efficient support and communicate effectively with all departments in the practice.  Since then, the firm has a new-found confidence in their virus and malware protection, data backup and recovery, information security, and general continuity of operations.  Seras has "remodeled" their secure server room, adjusted network components for speed and accessibility, enhanced security aspects of remote access procedures, and provided "peace-of-mind" protection through on-going security monitoring.  Seras looks forward to another great year with Northeast Dermatology.

Click here for more information about how to enjoy the many benefits of working with Seras.

Document Scanning Services | Meet the Team

Seras is excited to announce the addition of six new partners to its document scanning team. Ryan Vincent joined Seras this fall and assumed the role of service manager for our document scanning services.

He was previously with The McKay Firm - Mckay, Cauthen, Settana & Stubley, PA.  Ryan was in an administrative role there that included facilities management, personnel management, and records management.  His unique skills in these areas make him a perfect fit for managing Seras' document scanning projects from start to finish.  Ryan has already started establishing value-added relationships with existing customers and has also helped the sales team with business development strategies.

Seras wouldn't be able to provide the highest quality service to all of our customers without our excellent service team.  Ryan coordinates staffing for all of our projects - working with Debbie Hurt, Cameron Bowers, Brianna Lockaby, Amanda Sippel, and Pam Younts.  Debbie has extensive experience in administrative organization and brings great energy to the team.  Cameron, Brianna, and Amanda are students at USC and are very proficient with the various processes within the office.  Pam's attention to detail, based on a career in accounting and tax management services, provides great value to our quality department.

Seras is growing fast and always looking for professional, pro-active individuals that appreciate an organized work environment that promotes professional development.  Click here for more information about our document scanning services.

Customer Spotlight: Clarkson Law Firm

Seras is excited to announce a new relationship with Clarkson Law Firm.  Clarkson Law Firm, LLC, located in Columbia, SC, focuses on consumer debt collections in South Carolina.  It is a highly-trained debt collection law firm employing skilled and quality employees.  The firm handles files from the pre-suit status, throughout litigation, and during post-judgement activities.  Clarkson Law Firm covers secured and unsecured credit transactions, including revolving credit accounts, installment loans, student loans, lease agreements, medical bills, first and second notes and mortgages, replevins or claim and delivery, and commercial collection accounts.  They are a member of American Lawyers Quarterly (ALQ) and the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys (NARCA). Their friendly staff offers personal service to all clients and consumers in an effort to reach the most amicable of resolutions. Clarkson Law Firm focuses on ensuring satisfaction and creating and maintaining long-lasting relationships with their clients. They also strive to treat all consumers honestly, fairly, and respectfully. Clarkson Law Firm is also very strict on compliance with state and federal laws including the FDCPA and information security requirements.

Wylie W. Clarkson received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina in 2006, and a Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law in 2009. While in law school, he was a member of the Charleston Law Review, and his Law Review article was published by the journal. He also interned for Judge Robert Carr, U.S. Magistrate Court, while in law school. He is a member of the South Carolina Bar and the Richland County Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in the South Carolina Courts and the U.S. District Court of South Carolina as well as U.S. Bankruptcy courts in South Carolina.

Seras helps to keep Clarkson Law Firm up and running securely by providing fast, professional solutions to any computer and IT problems that arise within the firm.  Recently, the firm decided to enhance efficiency and security through our document scanning services, converting their hard-copy records into a digital format - not to mention the huge savings in paying for storage space for the many boxes of files that were kept on site.  Seras is handling all aspects of the project including transport and delivery, prepping and organization, scanning, and quality control.

For more information about Clarkson Law Firm, contact Wylie Clarkson or visit www.clarksonlawllc.com.  If you'd like to see if Seras can provide similar benefits to your organization, complete our contact form here or call us at 803-233-9216.

Emailed link from a friend... open it?

How do you know when an emailed link or attachment is safe to open?  What are the potential damages to your IT systems and infrastructure?  What about the damage to your company's image and reputation if the link is a virus? There are articles and advice all over the web that focus on protecting your data, software, and hardware; but what about the image of your firm when an emailed virus is sent to clients, associates, vendors, and others that are in your address book?

What if you received an emailed virus from your mortgage lender, accountant, payroll service, or other associate or vendor that caused downtime and infected your IT systems?  Would you lose confidence in that organization to protect the integrity of your data?

Seras was recently called to help with one of these malicious emails.  A partner at a downtown Columbia Law Firm with about 35 employees received an email from a good friend with the subject line "Response to your Statement", and text reading "Hello, We would like to apologize for the delay in responding to your demand. Please find a response letter from our manager attached" -  common terminology in the law industry.  As soon as he opened the email and clicked on the attachment, his email account received a virus that infected his computer and emailed the virus to everyone in his address list (hundreds of people).   The expert technicians at Seras were able to quickly isolate the virus and clean infected areas of the entire infrastructure, but from an image standpoint the damage had been done.

Unfortunately, malware continues to evolve, making it difficult for current filers or safeguards to block malicious emails. Human error is the biggest threat for spreading infections across the world. Here are some basic rules everyone should follow to prevent further infections in your organization:

1.   If the email comes from a business - are they a vendor or customer?

2.  Do you personally know the sender?

3.  Is there a valid reason for the email or were you expecting it?

The general consensus is not to open any emailed attachments or click on any links that could be considered questionable.  Opening the email itself should not cause any problems, but clicking a link or opening an attachment will start the infection process.  Call, email, or text the sender before opening any attachments or clicking on any links.

Damage control takes place on two fronts.  First and most important is to have your PC and network components scanned for viruses and cleaned accordingly.  Furthermore, all staff members should be informed and instructed not to open the email if they received it.  Secondly, an email should be sent to your recipients outlining the situation and reassuring them that data protection and management is taken seriously and that additional steps are being taken to secure all client, employee, and proprietary data within your organization.

Seras provides computer and IT support to small and medium sized businesses throughout the Greater Columbia, SC area.  We strive to put ourselves in your shoes - not just focusing on your computer, but your business goals as a whole.  Call us today to schedule a free evaluation of your IT infrastructure or to discuss your information technology goals.