Julie Sheldon, Marketing & Events Manager for Applied Tech, has been nominated to participate in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2012 Man & Woman of the Year campaign. The campaign is a 10-week fundraising competition that includes hundreds of exceptional male and female leaders from across 44 cities in the United States. Beginning on March 22, 2012, candidates will compete by raising money to help in the organization’s fight against blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. Participants were chosen based on their dynamic leadership abilities and desire to make a difference in their communities.  Candidates compete in honor of local children who are blood cancer survivors, the Boy & Girl of the Year.

Every dollar raised counts as a “vote” in this year’s competition. The male and female candidates who raise the most money and receive the greatest number of votes will be named as this year’s Capital City Man & Woman of the Year. Local winners with the highest money totals will then be considered in the naming of national titlists at the end of year. Ms. Sheldon’s goal is to surpass her $20k goal for the society.

Since 2009, The Wisconsin Chapter has raised over $254,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Mission.  Funds raised allow the LLS to fund three Translation Research Programs for five years.  This research program encourages and provides support for new and novel clinical research. The program’s purpose is to fund research that shows high promise for translating basic biomedical knowledge to prevention on new treatments and, ultimately, to prolong and enhance life.

 “I’m glad to be a part of this exceptional campaign,” said Sheldon.  “While my campaign is in honor of local children who are blood cancer survivors, I am also honoring the employees of Applied Tech and their families whose lives have been affected by various blood cancers.”

This year’s Grand Finale Gala will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012.  Nominees for the 2012 Man & Woman of the Year will be honored and the winner will be announced.  The evening also includes auctions, food and an inspiriting presentation.

“With your tax-deductible donation, LLS can continue funding critical research in the fight against blood cancers as well as provide outstanding patient services. Please make your check made payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and please make sure that you write my name, “Julie Sheldon,” on the memo line of the check so that LLS will be able to process it more easily. You also may make an online donation after March 22, 2012. Silent and live auction items also being accepted.”

For more information about this year’s event, contact Kim Kokott, Campaign Manager, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, at 608.826.0711 x201 or visit http://www.mwoy.org/wi/localchapter/cc/ or www.facebook.com/TeamSheldon2012. Donations and inquiries: Julie Sheldon  – sheldon@appliedtech.us, 608.577.4388.  Checks payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – 1201 N. Windsor Ave, Cottage Grove, WI  53527

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Applied Tech is a full-service outsourced Information & Communications Technology (ICT) and Business Solutions provider, specializing in infrastructure, Microsoft CRM, VoIP, and SharePoint Services. Offices in Madison, Stevens Point, and Waukesha, WI.  Toll-Free: 855.729.1300 | appliedtech.us

Applied Tech and its employees are always on the move and we wanted our readers to know what we’ve been up to!  Help us give some props to the following employees in their recent accomplishments. 

Michael Meyer (Madison office) passed the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®) exam.  A CCNA validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot routers and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.

Bo Bracey (Madison office) and Ahren Groshek (Stevens Point office) have been promoted to Level 3 Network Operations Center Technicians within their respective teams. 

Applied Tech Employees wrapped up a successful Employee Retreat earlier this month.  Staff members came together to discuss the strategic direction of the company, explore ways to increase positive company culture, and partake in product-specific training.

Applied Tech and its employees are always on the move and we wanted our readers to know what we’ve been up to!  Help us give some props to the following employees in their recent accomplishments. 

Michael Meyer (Madison office) passed the CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) exam.

Ahren Groshek (Stevens Point office) passed the Microsoft 70-640 (Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring) exam.

Joe Van Maldegiam (Madison office) passed the iPhone and iPad Technical Training for Enterprise certification.  This exam is part of the new Apple Mobility Certification that Joe is pursuing.

Kris Cears (Madison office) and Susan welcomed a baby boy on November 28, 2011.  Camden Robert Cears was born at 5:24am weighing in at 4 lbs, 9 oz and 17 inches long.  Mom, Dad and baby are doing great and this little guy has made a great addition to their family of 3 children.  Congratulations Kris & Susan!!

Kevin White (Stevens Point office) passed the 70-452 exam: Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008.  This exam is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and skills in designing a business intelligence solution by using SQL Server with SSIS, SSRS and SSAS.

Applied Tech and its employees are always on the move and we wanted our readers to know what we’ve been up to!  Help us give some props to the following employees in their recent accomplishments. 

Bo Bracey (Madison office) recently passed the Microsoft 70-648 exam, which is the upgrade from MCSA to MCITP: Server Administrator. He just has one more test to pass to achieve that certification. Exam 70-648 validates skills related to the core technology features and functionality of Windows Server 2008 R2, from the existing knowledge base of a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003.

Ahren Groshek (Stevens Point office) passed the Microsoft 70-642 exam, which is one of three needed for the direct path to the MCITP: Server Administrator. He has two more tests to go to achieve that certification as well. Exam 70-642 focuses on configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure.

Tom Stowell (Madison office) has been busy with his CompTia certifications!  Tom recently passed the following: A+, Advanced Security Practitioner CE, Network+, Project+ and Security+.

Kevin White (Stevens Point office) recently passed the Microsoft MCITP Database Administrator 2008 certification.   To achieve this certification, candidates must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of SQL Server 2008. Candidates demonstrate their knowledge of how to create, manage, back up, and restore individual databases, transfer and replicate data, configure for high availability, and plan disaster recovery.

Kevin also passed the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Installation and Deployment. This certification exam measures your ability to understand and articulate how to install and deploy Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 including planning the installation, installing Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Server, installing and deploying the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Email Router, installing and deploying the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Client for Microsoft Office Outlook, configuring Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011, and upgrading to and redeploying Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.

Kris Cears (Madison office) became the 106^th person in the world to pass the Kaseya certification Program.  The Kaseya Certification Program is formal recognition of a level of proficiency in the knowledge and practice of the Kaseya platform. The certificate holder makes the company eligible for immediate Priority Support.

Michael Meyer (Madison office) passed the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) exam.  Being CCENT certified validates the ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. 

Julie Sheldon (Madison office) was recently appointed as the Adopt-a-Family Coordinator for the Autism Society of Greater Madison.  This volunteer position will match low-income families affected with autism with groups/families willing to provide holiday assistance to those families.  To get involved with the Adopt-a-Family program for the Autism Society of Greater Madison, email: adoptafamilyASGM@gmail.com for more information.

Do you have an IT question or concern that you’ve been hung up on? Now’s your chance to “Ask Sparky”! Sparky is what we loving call our company logo. Sparky is our fearless leader who encompasses all that is IT. Applied Tech works hard at keeping IT as pain-free as possible and Sparky is with us every step of the way! Send your IT questions to Sparky at sparky@appliedtech.us.

Phillip asks: “I’ve always been a PC guy and used shortcut keys to navigate but now I’m starting to use Macs more often and wondering what are some of the best shortcut keys?”

Phillip,

Most shortcuts you use on your PC will work on a Mac if you use the Apple (Command) button instead of control. You can find the command button on either side of the space bar on an Apple keyboard.

Some of the most common shortcuts include:

Got a question for Sparky? Ask away at sparky@appliedtech.us.
Look for Q&A’s in next month’s BrainBank!

Synopsis

ICANN has designated ICM Registry, LLC (“ICM”) as the sole Registry Operator for the .xxx domain. As the Registry Operator, ICM is responsible for establishing and implementing .xxx policies and procedures, and for providing ICANN accredited registrars with the ability to offer this domain to their customers. A list of registrats presently authorized to offer the .xxx domain appears on ICM’s website.

Trademark Registrants Have a Window of Opportunity

Information for Trademark Owners

•  
  • The trademark owner must hold a trade or service mark registration of national effect that issued before September 1, 2011.
  • US Supplemental Register registrations are not eligible.
  • The holders of common law trademark rights are not eligible.
  • Sunrise B eligibility requirements appear in full, here

Google Users, let your voice be heard! 

Sound off on Applied Tech’s Google places page.  Start with rating us using a 5-star ranking and then click “Write a Review”.  When done, click Publish and your all set.  

Get started here!

Tips for Writing Great Reviews (obtained from Google):

Great reviews come in different shapes and sizes. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Be informative and insightful
  Your review should be specific and relevant to the place you are reviewing and describe what other patrons are likely to experience. Describe why you liked or disliked the place. Highlight what makes the place special and try to share something novel. From favorite dishes to secret sale racks, reviews can describe unique experiences about a business. 
• Keep it real
  People read reviews to learn about real experiences from real people, so be authentic. Keep your reviews to your own, direct experience with a place. Try to describe your experience as accurately as possible, including both positive and negative aspects.
• Be respectful
  We don’t expect that every interaction you have with a place or business will be perfect. Sometimes, you’ll want to share negative feedback. Even if you’re frustrated, be sure your criticism is constructive. Business owners can use feedback to improve their business, but remember — they’re people too.
• Write in style
  People will pay more attention to what you say when you write your review thoughtfully. Keep it readable and don’t use excessive capitalization or punctuation. Use good grammar, check your spelling, and don’t use excessive profanity. Choose the right length: People aren’t necessarily looking for formal write-ups, they want to know what’s notable about a particular place. Whether it takes an essay or a haiku — share your thoughts and be creative.

One last thing; thank you in advance!

Do you have an IT question or concern that you’ve been hung up on? Now’s your chance to “Ask Sparky”! Sparky is what we loving call our company logo. Sparky is our fearless leader who encompasses all that is IT. Applied Tech works hard at keeping IT as pain-free as possible and Sparky is with us every step of the way! Send your IT questions to Sparky at sparky@appliedtech.us.

Tracy asks: “How can I change the speed and appearance of my mouse pointer?”

Tracy,

In Windows, there are various options for configuring the speed, look, and behavior of your mouse pointer to exactly the way you want it.

To do so, click the Start button, and then click Control Panel. Click Hardware and Sound, and then under Devices and Printers, click Mouse. (If you are using Windows 7, simply go to Control Panel/mouse/).

In the Mouse Properties box, click on the Pointers and Pointer Options tab, and adjust the options to change the shape and size of your cursor by changing the “scheme”. In the “Pointer Options” tab, you can change the speed, visibility, and other characteristics of your pointer. You can add pointer trails; automatically snap the pointer to buttons and dialog boxes, and so on.

These settings are especially handy when using small screens such as on laptops or netbooks.

Got a question for Sparky? Ask away at sparky@appliedtech.us.
Look for Q&A’s in next month’s BrainBank!

School’s in session!  Get the school supply that will help your child succeed this year!

Microsoft Office 2010 helps make your assignments shine. It brings together our top-of-the-line tools to help you create professional-looking documents and presentations, and stay organized and connected.

Word 2010 – Produce professional-looking reports and research papers effortlessly

PowerPoint 2010 – Turn your ideas into great-looking presentations

Excel 2010 – Create a budget and keep your expenses on track

OneNote 2010 – Collect all your information in one easy-to-find place

Outlook 2010 – Stay connected to your world with powerful email and calendar tools

Publisher 2010 – Create professional-quality newsletters and brochures

Access 2010 – Organize and report on your most important information with easy-to-use database tools

Office 2010 can be purchased from most office supply stores and most “big box” stores (Target, Best Buy, WalMart).

Applied Tech, Dane County’s largest, independently-owned IT firm is seeking a Mid-level NOC Tech to join our team in our Madison office.  This is a full-time position.

Job Description
Applied Tech, located on the near East side of Madison in open, spacious, non-corporate offices, is looking for a mid-level NOC Technician to provide proactive and reactive remote support to clients for technical issues, including identification and execution of specific upgrades to customer systems. Candidates must have in depth knowledge of Microsoft desktop operating systems as well as Windows Server 2003/2008. MCPs required and MCSA/MCSE/MCITP preferred.

 The following job breakdowns will apply:

- Remote NOC Support: 90%

- Onsite Break/Fix: 5%

- Miscellaneous/other: 5%

Responsibilities:

- Network Operations Center support: Review assigned and unassigned service requests daily, work the service requests to successful resolution following Applied Tech standards, escalate to higher level support professionals when needed, follow up and provide status updates to clients and ensure data pertaining to the status of service requests are entered into our CRM system.

- Perform planned network and system changes and upgrades.

- Provide technology support: Install switches, firewalls, routers, PCs, and wireless devices. Perform proactive maintenance on these devices and troubleshoot hardware/software problems.

- Continuously strive to meet and exceed SLAs as set by Applied Tech

- Commitment to outstanding customer service: Continuously strive to provide the highest possible customer service and make recommendations for improving our service and efficiencies.

Desired Skills & Experience
Qualifications:

- 3-5 years of experience as an administrator in a complex networking environment (at least 1 year in a lead/senior role), ideally in a Managed Services environment.

-Recent experience planning, organizing and implementing assigned projects.

- Post Secondary College education (Certificate/Diploma) in IT, Computer Science or equivalent.

-Microsoft certified (MCSA, MCSE, or MCITP obtained or updated in the last 5 years)

- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Infrastructure (current versions of SQL, Exchange, IIS, Active Directory) implementation and maintenance

- Advanced knowledge of server and storage hardware, Internet protocols and technologies, including network hardware concepts (firewalls, routers, load balancers, etc)

-Ability to work under extreme pressures in a team environment.

-Strong interpersonal skills for effective interaction with clients and third parties.

-Superior communication skills. (written and oral)

-Ability to create and interpret technical documents and reports.

- Must possess good problem solving and decision making skills.

-Ability to adapt to ongoing changes in processes, priorities, tasks and workload .

-Ability to organize your own work and work under minimal supervision.  

- Other duties as assigned

Practical experience of the following technologies is required:

• Server virtualization (VMWare ESXi and Hyper-V)
• Microsoft Exchange
•  Microsoft SQL

Experience with the following technologies would be considered an asset:

• Microsoft Office SharePoint Server
• Macs, desktop and/or server

Apply
Please DO NOT apply if you don’t have a solid background in server support. It is a firm requirement for this position. You will be tested on this during the interview process.

To be considered, please email your resume along with a cover letter and your salary requirements to jobs@appliedtech.us. Resumes received without salary requirements will not be considered. Please include “L3 NOC Tech” in the subject header of the message.