CMIT Solutions Media Highlights 2014

MEDIA

HIGHLIGHTS PREPARED FOR CONVENTION 2014

ATTRACTING MEDIA OUTLETS NATION ATTENTION

FROM

ACROSS THE

PLACEMENTS IN

The $500,000 Tax Break That's Disappearing By Year-­‐End

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120+ MEDIA OUTLETS

Congress extended bonus depreciation and more robust Section 179 expensing through year-­‐end 2013 as part of last January’s fiscal cliff deal, and now as the deadline is approaching, small business owners are looking anew at capital purchases.

If you’re on the border line of whether you’re going to make some capital asset acquisition this year or next, you might want to accelerate it into this

year.

“Especially this year if there’s a major purchase, it makes sense to do it,” says Jennifer Prosperino, a CPA and tax principal with Berdon LLP in New York City.

“With the uncertainty, why take your chances?”

Also, the additional deduction is especially valuable to those facing the new higher tax rates for 2013, including the Medicare surtax on wages and self-­‐employment income, notes Mark Nash, a Dallas-­‐based partner in PwC’s Private Company Services practice.

Under the law now, bonus depreciation ends Dec. 31, and Sec. 179 becomes way less

CMIT SOLUTIONS MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

IT-support franchise sees uptick in local business Information technology “Information technology franchise CMIT Solutions — which offers IT support to small and mediumfranchise CMIT Solutions — which offers IT support to small and medium-size size businesses — has businesses concentrated several of its newer offices in the Washington area in response — has concentrated several of its newer offices in the to an uptick in demand for tech help.

It is becoming increasingly common for small businesses to Washington area in response to an uptick in demand for tech help. outsource the IT work they previously might have done in house. Concerns about cybersecurity The national franchise has 138 offices. In the past five could also drive demand.”

months, franchise owner Tom Burtzlaff,(foreground), President, CMIT Solutions of Columbia, an IT consulting service helping small business owners set up their IT infrastructure, presents material to CMIT Solution franchisees, (L-R), Greg Stewart, Baltimore Co. West, Terry Whearley, Fairfax, VA. Iain Ronis, Dulles, VA and Tony Russell, Prince William Co. in the CMIT. the area in the next few years.

Tom Burtzlaff has opened four local offices — in Howard County, Fairfax, Dulles and Prince William County, in addition to one in Baltimore he’d opened two years ago. This month, he’ll open one in Centreville, and has plans for another 10 in

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WASHINGTON POST

Compared with other parts of the country, “we think the Washington/Maryland area [is especially stable], because of steady state revenues and governmental revenues,” CMIT president and chief executive Jeff Connally said. “As we’re coming out of the economic malaise, some parts are coming out faster than others.”

Though he declined to share more specific financial details, Burtzlaff estimated a 50 percent revenue increase over the past 18 months.

Small hosted businesses are gearing up for growth CMIT provides e-mail, backup and disaster recovery, mobile device

management, managed print, and hosting and cloud offerings, among other “Evan Stein may be one ofbetween the best divining rods out there if you are searching for insight about With the economy improving, firms getpeople, set to hire talent and invest in services.

Offices usually staff about four to six serving 50 and 500 clients.

Depending on projects, fees often range from about $300 to $3,000 a information technology. month. the likely path of the small business economy in 2014. Mr. Stein, the owner of CMIT Solutions of It is becoming increasingly common for small businesses to outsource the IT Grand Central and Wall Street, has been talking to his small business clients about their spending plans for next year.”

Evan Stein may be one of the best divining rods out there if you are searching for insight about the likely path of the small business economy in 2014. Mr. Stein, the owner of an IT sales-and-service franchise, CMIT Solutions of Grand Central and Wall Street, has been talking to his small business clients about their spending plans for next year.

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CRAIN’S NEW YORK BUSINESS

Budgets are up, and "pretty much everybody I talk to is planning to hire one or two more employees," he said.

Many of the firms—in architecture, law and finance—are finally biting the bullet on delayed IT expenditures. Microsoft is ending support for its XP operating system in April, and a full 25% of Mr. Stein's client base still uses old XP machines. "I expect a big uptick in February and March," he said. One of his clients just spent $500,000, financed over five years, to buy 10 computers, a new server and new networking equipment.

Like CMIT and its clients, many small businesses are preparing cautiously for a year of economic growth, a slowly rising tide of consumer confidence and the tenure of a new mayor who has promised some relief from city regulations.

They'll also have to contend with the continuing rollout of the Affordable Care Act and changes in the health care market, as well as a crackdown on labor practices and a radically changing marketing landscape.

Local entrepreneur opens Daniel Island office to enhance IT services and support for small and medium-­‐sized businesses

“I couldn’t be happier,” Amy Justis, president of CMIT Solutions of Charleston adds. “My background The nation’s leading provider of information technology (IT) services to the small and have prepared me well for this career transition. Plus, with in finance and information technology medium-­‐sized business (SMB) community opened a new office on Daniel Island this fall. the support of CMIT’s home office, technology partners, and network of 140-plus offices nationwide, Local business owners and management now have an in-­‐town trusted IT service provider I’m part of an organization with remarkable resources. The IT field will continue to grow now and backed by a nationwide support system to provide flat-­‐rate, round-­‐the-­‐clock maintenance well into the future.” and monitoring solutions.

Here are six trends likely to affect small businesses in 2014, for better or worse:

“Small and medium-­‐sized businesses in Charleston that have felt the pain of productivity coming to a halt when their computers, networks, and servers fail them need look no further,” says Daniel Island resident Amy Justis, President of CMIT Solutions of Charleston.

“Whether they’re looking for help or are simply unhappy with their current or former IT service provider, they now have access to a full-­‐time IT staff they can trust at prices they can afford.”

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DANIEL ISLAND NEWS

Offering a broad spectrum of proactive computer maintenance, monitoring, and virtual technology packages, along with quick response services when unexpected crises occur, CMIT Solutions has carved out its niche as an industry innovator with a specialization in working with the SMB community. Combine this with the company’s leading technology partners, including Microsoft, Dell, and Intuit, and Charleston’s business community now has an edge in today’s increasingly challenging marketplace.

200,000,000+ MEDIA IMPRESSIONS

“When it comes to technology infrastructure, small and medium-­‐sized businesses need the same tools and support services as large enterprises — just on a smaller scale and at prices SMBs can afford,” explains Justis, who brings more than 20 years of experience in finance, management, and information technology to her new business. “They need the same reassurances that their confidential business data is being protected, that their computers will keep running without interruption, and that systems remain free from viruses, spyware, hackers, and system failures.

Furthermore, they need the same expert advice and problem-­‐solving approach that large businesses receive from high-­‐dollar consultants. CMIT Solutions is one of the

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THE

NATION AUTHORITY SMB IT NOW KNOWS

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ON

SECURED

40,000,000+ IMPRESSIONS

Can smarter machines do your jo Can smarter machinesCan dosmarter your job?

ART Liscano knows he's an endangered species in the job market: He's machines do your job?

reader in Fresno, California. knows he's an endangered species in the job market: He's a meter ART Liscano knows he's an endangered speciesART in Liscano the job market: He's a meter reader in Fresno, California. reader in Fresno, California.

For 26 years, driven from house to electricity house, checking how much elec For 26 years, he's drivenhe's from house to house, checking how much Pacific Gas & Electric customers have customers used.

Pacific Gas & Electric have used.

For 26 years, he's driven from house to house, checking how much electricity But PG&E doesn't need many people like Mr Liscano making rounds anymore.

Every day, the utility replaces 1200 old-fashioned meters with digital versions Pacific Gas & Electric customers have used.

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machines that keep getting more powerful, cheaper and easier to use.

To better understand the impact of technology on jobs, The Associated Press analysed employment data from 20 countries; and interviewed economists, technology experts, robot manufacturers, software developers, CEOs and workers who are competing with smarter machines.

The AP found that almost all the jobs disappearing are in industries that pay middle-class wages, ranging from $US38,000 to $US68,000.

His department employed 50 full-time meter readers just six years ago has six.

His department employed 50 full-time meter readers just six years ago. Now, it has six.

From giant corporations to university libraries to start-up businesses, Jobs that form the backbone of the middle class in developed countries in Europe, North America and Asia. are using rapidly-improving technology to do tasks that humans used t From giant corporations to university libraries to start-up businesses, employers means millions of workers are in a paid competition they can't win a In the US, half of the 7.5 million jobs lost during the caught "Great Recession" middle-class wages, and the numbers are even more grim in the 17 European smarter machines do your job? and easier to use. are using rapidly-improving technology to do Can tasks that humans used to do.

That machines that keep getting more powerful, cheaper countries that use the euro as their currency. A total of 7.6 million mid-pay jobs means millions of workers are caught in a competition they can't disappeared in those countrieswin from against January 2008 through June.

To better understand the impact of last technology on jobs, The Associated ART Liscano knows he's an endangered species in the job market: He's a meter machines that keep getting more powerful, cheaper and to use. analysed employment 20 Those are easier being replaced in many data cases byfrom machines andcountries; software that canand interviewed econom reader injobs Fresno, California.

To better understand the impact of technology on jobs, The experts, Associated Press technology robot manufacturers, software developers, CEOs a 26 years, driven from house house, checking how much electricity analysed employment data from 20 countries;For and interviewed economists, who arehe's competing withtosmarter machines.

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Every day, the utility replaces 1200 old-fashioned meters with digital versions The AP found that almost all the jobs disappearing are in industries that pay that can collect information without human help, generate more accurate power middle-class wages, ranging from $US38,000bills, toJobs $US68,000. thatanform backbone even send alert ifthe the power goes out.of the middle class in developed countries Europe, North America and Asia.

"I can see why technology is taking over," says Mr Liscano, 66, who earns Jobs that form the backbone of the middle class in developed countries in $US67,000 ($63,500) a year.

Goal: The franchise Goal: Position Jeff Connally Europe, North America and Asia.

In the US, half of the 7.5 million jobs lost during the "Great Recession" "We can see the writing on the wall." middle-class wages, and the numbers are even more grim in the 17 Eur opportunity attracts talented, as a leading IT industry In the US, half of the 7.5 million jobs lost during the "Great Recession" paid that use euro as readers their just currency.

A total His countries department employed 50 the full-time meter six years ago.

Now, itof 7.6 million mid six. grim in the middle-class wages, and the numbers are evenhasmore 17 European disappeared in those countries from January 2008 through last June. transitioning corporate national expert. countries that use the euro as their currency. A total 7.6 million mid-pay jobsto start-up businesses, employers From giantofcorporations to university libraries usingthrough rapidly-improving technology to do tasks that humans do. That disappeared in those countries from January are 2008 lastbeing June.

Those jobs are replaced in many casesused bytomachines and software

THE ESSENTIAL UTENSILS HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED CAN SMARTER MACHINES TO START A FRANCHISE? DO YOUR JOB? Goal: Position CMIT Solutions and CEO as IT industry experts.

professionals.

means millions of workers are caught in a competition they can't win against machines that keep getting more powerful, cheaper and easier to use.

To machines better understand impact of technology Those jobs are being replaced in many cases by andthesoftware that canon jobs, The Associated Press

analysed employment data from 20 countries; and interviewed economists, technology experts, robot manufacturers, software developers, CEOs and workers who are competing with smarter machines.

The AP found that almost all the jobs disappearing are in industries that pay middle-class wages, ranging from $US38,000 to $US68,000.

Jobs that form the backbone of the middle class in developed countries in Europe, North America and Asia.

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CMIT SOLUTIONS MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

In the US, half of the 7.5 million jobs lost during the "Great Recession" paid middle-class wages, and the numbers are even more grim in the 17 European countries that use the euro as their currency. A total of 7.6 million mid-pay jobs disappeared in those countries from January 2008 through last June.

Those jobs are being replaced in many cases by machines and software that can

Your Business Go PC-Free?

The $500,000 Tax Break That's Disappearing

By Year-­‐End Should How to Expense Your Technology Upgrades to Sa The $500,000 Tax Break That's Disappearing B y Y ear-­‐End ur Business Should Go PC-Free?

How toTExpense Your Technology How Upgrades toTechnology Save Money Your Business Go PC-Free?

The $500,000 ax Break hat's Disappearing

By Year-­‐End to Expense Your Upgrades to Save Money Congress eTxtended b onus

Small businesses are starting to As we enter the fourth quarter, now is generally the time that many Congress extended bonus and more robust Section depreciation Small businesses Congress extended bonus are starting to As we enter the fourth quarter, now is generally the time that many small depreciation and more robust Section with tablets employee PCs replace employee PCs with tablets replace businesses begin theirwith profit businesses begin evaluating theirevaluating profit and loss statements an eye and to tax loss statements with a Small businesses are starting to 179 expensing through year-­‐end 2013 179 expensing through year-­‐end 2013 now is generally smartphones — and Sthey're depreciation and a nd m ore r obust ection As we enter the fourth quarter, the time that many small planning. as p art o f l ast J anuary’s f iscal c liff d eal, and smartphones — and they're saving time and money, while planning. replace employee PCs tablets as np f businesses last and ow art as the o deadline is January’s fiscal cliff deal, helping employees be more 179 expensing through ywith ear-­‐end 2013 begin evaluating their profit and loss statements with an eye to tax These days, year end tax planning has become a tricky undertaking so it might small band usiness owners saving approaching, time money, while customer-responsive. be in your best interest to bring in an accountant and tax professional to project and now at cs apital the deadline is andas smartphones — fand they're are looking anew aplanning. purchases. part of last January’s iscal cliff deal, year-end well as the underlying liability.

Theseprofitability days,as year end taxtaxplanning has become a tricky undertakin If you’re oemployees n the border line of whether helping be more In the spring of 2010, when the Apple approaching, s mall b usiness o wners saving time and money, while you’re going to make some capital and now a s the eadline s overwhelming iPad dwas released iwith be can in never your best to bring in inan and tax professio One be sure whatinterest changes Congress may institute the accountant final asset acquisition this year or next, you customer-responsive. fanfare, analysts and pundits across the are looking anew at capital purchases. countdown of the year. Most new laws passed toward the end of the year helping employees be more

might want to accelerate it into days, this These year end tax planning has become a trickyprofitability undertaking sowell it might

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179 is one provisionbe put into law more than 30 years ago that Congress impacts Jennifer Prosperino, a CPA and tax principal with Berdon Las LP in N ew York City. the underlyingSection If you’re on the border line of whether One can never sure what changes may institute in th small businesses and continues today although it’s tweaked every year with “With the uncertainty, why take your chances?” iPad was released with The newer story is that smaller companies with high percentages of mobile employees asset acquisition this overwhelming year or next, you different requirements. expensing of purchases capital assets Apple you’re going to 2010, make swhen ome conapital

countdown ofSection the 179 year.

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become retroactive to the sun-setting laws

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For example: vehicles, machinery and equipment are usually written off over five Jan. 1 to $25,000 with a $200,000 investment ceiling (from $500,000 today, with a interest in business tablets. deployed thousands of the devices among their workforces. years; furniture fixtures seven years.

So rather thantoday taking a little bit $2.5 million investment Jennifer Prosperino, CPA LLP in and New Yover ork City. small businesses and continues although it’s tweaked every “Especially his year if and there’s a major it makes sceiling). ense to ad o it,” asnd ays tax principal with Berdon mpanies such as Roche, United Airlines, tMedtronic Sears havepurchase, year, by implementing Section 179, you are allowed to write off the entire

Businesses transition to tablets Doug Grabowski used to be a "big Windows PC guy" Section 179tax is one provision put into law moreeach than 30 requirements. years ago that impacts amount and thereby save a load in taxes. Section 179 expensing of purchases of ca So y ou’re l ooking a t a

k nown $ 500,000 b reak f or 2 013 v ersus a n u nknown 2 014 “With t he u ncertainty, w hy t ake y our c hances?” different but is their now a tablet devotee.

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Jennifer P rosperino, a

PA a nd t ax p rincipal w ith B erdon L LP i n N ew Y ork C ity.

tax b reak. tech services company he founded, use iPads and smartphones heavily during the small businesses and continues today although it’s tweaked every year with

sets the rules for writing off technology upgrades.

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workday.

“With the uncertainty, why take your chances?”

How applied to Expense Your Technology Upgrades toassets Saveupgrades.

Money to software purchases other technology That’s the sales pitch Jeff Connally, requirements. chief executive of IT service pSection rovider CMIT 179 expensing different of purchases ofand capital and an affinity for cloud apps can feasibly run their entirestays businesses on tablets and Also, he dditional is esspecially his a franchise partners ad re eduction using in their year-­‐end ales pitches to valuable to those facing the new higher In fact, he's ditched his beloved laptop altogether. He uses a Bluetooth keyboard and Solutions, that smaller companies with high percentages of mobile employees to Jeff Connally, the CEO of CMIT Solutions, an IT As we According enter the fourth quarter, now is generally theand time president that many small small businesses. Isets t coincides with rules another reason mall businesses might need to the for swriting off technology upgrades.

Pages on his iPad for light word processing, such as writing and editing proposals. He In plain language, this means iftaxyou phones. tax r ates f or 2 013, i ncluding t he M edicare s urtax o n w ages a nd s elf-­‐employment businesses begin evaluating their profit and loss statements with an eye to service provider for the small business community, a recent onlinebuy survey a new computer or a new upgrade their tco omputer systems—Microsoft MSFT -­‐ew 0.94% h has announced it will still needed his PC, Also, however, t for managing financials and To solve he additional dQuickBooks. eduction is ethat specially valuable those facing tsystem he nnext igher planning. cloud apps can feasibly run their entire businesses on tablets and The $s500,000 Tax B reak T B179 y ofYofthe ear-­‐End revealed that 45% to medium-sized business owners are not familiar end support for its Windows XP operating And hat's off-­‐the-­‐shelf Disappearing problem, he loaded an old PC with QuickBooks and Office and uses PocketCloud manufacturing equipment or any other item that has a useful life o income, nages otes M ark Nash, a Dspring. allas-­‐based partner in P wC’s Private Csmall ompany Sallows ervices with Section tax code, which companies to write off up toto computer oftware is specifically included in the definition of property that counts cheap: reasons need Remote Desktop to tax dial in r and view f company financialsincluding using his iPad. He’ll also ates or 2013, the Mbeedicare s urtax o n w a nd s elf-­‐employment TheseDon't days, year endbe tax planning has become a tricky undertaking soyou it might In plain language, this means if you buy a new computer or a new desk or for the enhanced deduction through 2013.

“Forward thinking clients are miPad aking the Get the Most from Your for Your Small Business moving his company to the Web-based version of QuickBooks soon, he says. be in your best interest to bring in an be accountant and tax professional to project off the entire purchase price imm year, you will allowed to write practice. transition now; why not apps cP apture a know nown tax advantage?” Connally says. year-end profitability asin well as the underlying tax liability. Internet What's made this viable isark theNlarge of business tools and available for income, notes M ash, anumber Dallas-­‐based partner i n P wC’s rivate C ompany S ervices invest high-speed manufacturing equipment or any other item that has a useful life of more than a Congress extended bonus Business than depreciate the expense over the item’s useful life.

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In plainamount language, this means if youthereby buy a new computer new or mall business owners and adesk load in family's taxes. uilt-in keyboard, hit stores in late October, promising further igrow The iPad is indeed asgreat for However, if your day-­‐to-­‐ business? manufacturing equipment or any other item that has a useful life of more than a looking books and movies while traveling for are keeping in toucheach with people and by implementing Section 179, you day routine relies heavily on year, are to off the entire $2.5 m illion i nvestment c eiling). year, you will beallowed allowed to write off thewrite entire purchase price immediately rather a new a t c apital p urchases. tablets. entertaining yourself. But you can also use it to attract new clients, provide Internet use, being financially-­‐ depreciate the expense over the item’s useful life. yto ou’re aeven t laine increase known 500,000 tax inbreak for than 2013 versus an unknown 2014 business? excellent customer service, and your$ productivity work. and thereby save taxes. savvy mdo ight nnot ot be wrealize orth it. transition to tablets Doug GrabowskiIf used Businesses aooking "big Windows PC guy" a atload ySo ou’re obe n amount tlhe border of w hether Many small owners that Section 179 expen For example: vehicles, machinerybusiness and equipment are usually off over five written

tax arebfgiPad reak. years; furniture and fixtures over seven years. So rather than taking a little bit The indeed great toolyour for ou’re devotee. looking at a kand nown ax employees break or 2 013 vcanersus aan iPad uacnknown 2014 but is nowSo ay tablet He the$500,000 handful tof attiso Ubiquitour, managed "High speed internet or broadband Here five tasks you do on your to help grow small you’re oing m ake some apital applied to software purchases and other technology upgrades. each year, by implementing Section 179, you are allowed to write off the entire tion to tablets Doug Grabowski used to be a "big Windows PC guy" business: opens u p a

w orld o f p ossibilities, a nd i t m akes o ur q uality o f l ife b etter," s ays D avid amount and thereby save a load in taxes.

Many small business Section 179 expensing can be keeping in touch and do not realize that tech services company he founded, use for iPads and smartphones heavily tax iPad break. asset acquisition this ywith ear oduring r people next, owners ythe ou The is indeed a great tool Keyes, community technology program manager for the City of Seattle's Department devotee. He and the handful of employees at Ubiquitour, a managed small business owners do not realize that Section 179 expensing canube of T echnology.

"High-­‐speed internet also gives s the ability to do applied to software and otherittechnology upgrades.

That’s the sales pproduct itch Jiinformation. eff Connally, ccarry hief executive oto f Many IT sInformation ervice p rovider C MIT 1.

Download catalogs and Do youcan catalogs to entertaining yourself.

But you also use attract new clients, provide workday. applied to software purchases and other technology might want to accelerate t into tpurchases his According to Jeff Connally, in touch with people andthe things better and faster without interruptions." client meetings or look up product information once you get back to your upgrades. the CEO and president of CMIT Solutio pany he founded, use iPadskeeping and smartphones heavily during

Solutions, ays hnew is franchise pMIT artners aSolutions re uincrease sing in their year-­‐end sales itches to desk?

Kevin Baker,s managing partner of tech services firm CMIT of According to Jeff Connally, the CEO andp president ofwork.

CMIT Solutions, an IT excellent customer service, and even your productivity at the year. service provider for small business community, a recent online That’s the sales pitch Jeff Connally, chief executive o f I T s ervice p rovider C entertaining yourself.

But you can also use it to attract clients, provide service provider thedsmall business community, a recentInternet, online survey So, before for you ecide to skimp on high-­‐speed consider these reasons why Pleasanton, Calif., says the iPad can make these tasks far more efficient. For According Jeff Connally, theofCEO and spresident of CMIT Solutions, IT revealed that 45% of small to medium-sized business owners are familiar small byour usinesses. oincides with reason mall businesses m45% ight need tan o having a slow Internet speed could actually hurt you not in the long run. example, recommended thatIt one client upload bookshelves He revealed that of small to business owners are Solutions, shis ays beloved his franchise partners are u sing in the heir yBluetooth ear-­‐end scto ales pitches to another excellent service, and even increase productivity at three work. with Section 179 of the tax code, which allows companies to write off up medium-sized to In fact, he's ditchedcustomer laptop altogether. uses aservice keyboard industrial-equipment catalogs and other materials ontoand the sales

provider for the small business community, a recent online survey upgrade heir ctasks omputer ystems—Microsoft MmSFT as t will representatives’ computers. of having to go p to the officeit You Stream asnd Movies with Section 179 of ithe tax code, which allows companies to write “Especially tttablet his yediting ear if t“Instead here’s acan mnajor urchase, akes shelp ense tho dTV o aShows innounced t,” ays businesses. t coincides with another reason sare mall businesses msight eed tback o Here five you do your iPad to-­‐0.94% grow your small Pages on small his iPad for light Iword processing, such as writing and proposals.

He to look up part numbers, sales representatives can now workon with the

revealed that 45% of small to medium-sized business owners are not familiar d his beloved laptop altogether.

He uses a Bluetooth keyboard and end support for its indows Xit P p orincipal perating stoystem next And o ff-­‐the-­‐shelf customer to the right and without having to go back Jennifer P-­‐get rosperino, aa W C PA aparts nd tax with Berdon LLP in nN Yfor ork C(because ity. you're being financially-­‐savvy, right?), and If sypring. ou're ot ew paying cable upgrade tfive heir computer M SFT 0.94% hequipment as nnounced w ill still needed his PC, however, forsystems—Microsoft managing financials and QuickBooks.

To solve that business: the office,” says.

Here tasks you can do onHe your iPad to Baker help grow your small you're streaming TV shows ovies off with Section of ythe code, iwhich companies toand write upthen toskimping on your Internet for light word processing, such as sare writing and editing proposals. computer oftware is hy so179 pecifically icncluded n the dallows efinition of property tmhat cinstead, ounts the uncertainty, w take our tax hances?” speed could really leave you frustrated. end upport an for old its W indows P operating s“With ystem next ssand pring.

And ff-­‐the-­‐shelf problem,business: he loaded PC with XQuickBooks and Office uses PocketCloud

2.

Collect client feedback.

Surveys are a great way to solicit customer , however, for managing financials and QuickBooks.

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Do you carry catalogs people to actually complete your questionnaires.

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After just a few mto inutes, you realize it will transition now; he w hy not ahand cre apture aproduct ktnown t(Tip: ax advantage?”

Connally sstream ays. tDownload he additional eduction ithe s eaking specially aluable to those the nto ew haigher the enhanced eduction through “Also, Forward thinking cdpersonally lients m he vinformation moving hisfor company to the dWeb-based version2013. of QuickBooks soon, says. surveys to your iPad and then device to customers. be impossible to view with all the pauses and poor sound. client or look up product once you get back to your o dial in and view company financials using catalogs his iPad. He’ll be To taking survey even more enticing, consider entering and self-­‐employment 1.transition Download and also product Do you catalogs anyone tax ates fmeetings or the2013, including the M edicare sto urtax on wages now; why not capture a known tinformation. ax armake dvantage?” onnally scarry ays. who completes it into aC drawing for a prize.)

"You'll k eep g etting t hat m essage o n t he s creen s aying t hat desk?nonce Kevin Baker, managing partner ofin tech services CMIT Solutions ofit's buffering. Anything y to the Web-based version ofclient soon, says. income, otes Myou ark Nget ash, back a Dallas-­‐based partner PwC’s Pthat rivate Cfirm ompany Services meetings orhe look up product information to your is a streaming event -­‐ movie, video, or music -­‐ requires a certain amount of “I’ve built QuickBooks bandwidth to cfar ome cheap: through quickly without pauses," sFor ays tech eyou xpert Mike need to my own dashboard the tabletpartner so I canof see all services status updates on my clients 3.

Prepare and deliver invoices. Visiting clients?

Instead of hand-writing Pleasanton, Calif., says the iPad can make these tasks more efficient.

Don't be reasons practice. desk?

Kevin Baker, on managing tech firm CMIT Solutions of the office to generate invoices, use your Celayeta. bills or waiting until you’re back at and I can remote into D their environment to help out with a problem needed," heonadds. iPad. You can go over details with customers the spot and then email example, hetheifrecommended that one client upload three bookshelves of Posted osee n Tallue, ec.

1 8, 2on 012 Pleasanton, Calif., says the iPad can make tasks far more For ashboard on the tablet so I can status updates my clients invest in high-speed Internet themthese the invoice.

This allows you to save timeefficient. and paper and gives the customer an opportunity to discuss any issues that they have then and there. materials onto the sales industrial-equipment other Under the law now, bbookshelves onus dcatalogs epreciation ends D ec. 31, and Sec. 179 becomes way less

example, he recommended that one client upload three of and to help out problem if needed," he (Tip: Many small-business owners find that an external keyboard for their , toDtheir ec. environment 18, 2012 Don’t be with a satranger: M any padds. refer face-­‐to-­‐face m eetings

tablet can beavery invoices or lother tasks thatS require representatives’ tablet computers.

“Instead ofLearn having to go back toothe office could make a big Posted on Tue, Dindustrial-equipment ec. 18, 2012 s ohelpful f onto Jan. when 1the . Tdoing he dollar imits for ec.

179 expenses is why scheduled to rop n Internet catalogs and otherpowerful materials sales upgrading todhigh-speed Don’t be a stranger: Many prefer face-­‐to-­‐face meetings to1look up part numbers, sales representatives can now work with the difference in your day-to-day Jan. tof o $having 25,000 w ith a is$back 200,000 iSolutions nvestment ceiling (from $500,000 today, wWindows ith routine. a anger: Many By pBy Crefer fGace-­‐to-­‐face m CKINDY KRISCHER Geetings OODMAN balancegal@gmail.com INDY RISCHER OODMAN balancegal@gmail.com representatives’ tablet computers. “Instead to go office John Beach the owner ofto CMITthe of North Houston, Microsoft to drop XP home support If you're running Windows XP or at your business Wednesday, Ap

where he servicesright the small and medium-sized business and parts without having to go backat customer to get the equipment to $2.5 million investment cITeiling). look up part numbers, sales representatives can now work with the communities’ needs.

Here he discusses his engineering and If you're cApril utting back on your If you're running Windows at home or atnecessarily your business Wednesday, 9, is an

important day –XPand not a positive one.money, SCHER GOODMAN bto alancegal@gmail.com information technology experience.

the office,” Baker says.

Internet speed

importantor dayat – and not necessarily a positive one.

If you're running Windows XP at home your business Wednesday, April 9,to issave an customer to get the right equipment and parts without having to go back to Holiday time can bring you very financially-­‐savvy of you. program did you study? in contact with customers or So you’re looking What at adegree known $500,000 t–ax break for 2013 vThat's ersus aMicrosoft n uone. nknown 2014 support forthat's

important day and not necessarily a positive because on Tuesday discontinued the operating system, the office,” Baker says.

clients you may not see the That's Microsoft on Tuesday support for the operatin “I received an undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science, at meaning nobecause security fixes, vulnerability patches or software updates,discontinued according to David rest of the year. But if you’re tax However, if your family's day-­‐to-­‐ the University of Texas at Austin. After Surveys seven years, I returned to Usher, who is to opening the office ofcustomer CMIT Solutions Wilmington on Friday. CMIT will 2.break.

Collect client feedback. are a great way meaning nosolicit security fixes, vulnerability patches or software updates, accor expecting to be greeted with for an M.B.A. from Yale School of Management. Since day rCommons. outine relies heavily on career offer IT-related consulting and services from its office in Barclay input on yourschool then, I have spent most of mybecause in the IT Microsoft industry working for on Tuesday discontinued support for the operating system, cheer you may be surprised.

That's products and services; however, it can be a challenge to get Internet u se, b eing f inancially-­‐ Usher, whosystem is opening the updated office ofwillCMIT Solutions Wilmington on Friday ato large solicit software vendorcustomer servicing Fortune 500 companies. Now I 2. Collect client feedback.

Surveys are a great way

"With thep operating being routinelyupdates, theresavvy bem holes that will beDavid am taking that experience and providing the same types of That’s the sto ales pitch Jeff Cmeaning onnally, cyour hief equestionnaires. xecutive ovulnerability f c IT service rovider Cnotsoftware MIT ight not be worth it. no security fixes, patches or according to Frustrated business o wners Holiday t ime an b ring y ou people actually complete One solution is to upload exploited," Usher said, pointing out the large number in theits past office in Barclay Common solutions small and mid-sized businesses.” offer IT-related consulting andof patches services from and updates input on your products services; however, itsays canhis be a tochallenge to get and senior and executives say from Microsoft for XP.pInitches for example, 50 security bulletins, he noted.will Solutions, franchise partners re using ithe n their year-­‐end sales to there wereon who isapersonally opening office of CMIT Solutions Wilmington Friday.

CMIT they are turned off by being surveys to your iPadUsher, and then hand the device to2013, (Tip: "High speed internet or broadband What does your current position entail? people to actually complete your questionnaires.

One solution is w toith upload Holiday time can b ring ysurvey ou the customers of a service in ontact wsith copens ocustomers. small businesses.

It coincides ac nother reason mall bustomers usinesses m ight nr eed o Antivirus and hardware providers say they will continue support XP. o But Usher said offer IT-related consulting and services office in Barclay up afrom w orld oits f entering possibilities, atnd it m akes Commons. otour quality f life better," says David To make even more enticing, consider anyone provider who communicates “I own an IT managed taking service provider the focusing on small to mid-sized companies and as a "With the operating system not being routinely updated there will be holes that c"those updates are important. Just having antivirus is notfor enough, says surveys to your iPad and then personally hand tthe device todeveloping customers.

(Tip: to SFT -­‐0.94% Keyes, ommunity technology program manager the Cand ity Microsoft of Seattle's Department business owner, I wear all of hats. From s strategic plans and sales plansM mostly by email. upgrade heir csorts omputer ystems—Microsoft has nnounced it w ill the samea thing." working with financials and meeting with prospective Iclients stay very busy. I for meety with myprize.) who completes it into clients. aodrawing a ou m ay ot s ee t he exploited," Usher pointing out large of patches and updat in c ontact w ith c ustomers r of n Information Technology. "said, High-­‐speed internet also the gives us the number ability to do

Business owners and emake xecutives htaking ave a To the survey even more enticing, consider entering teamsevery Monday and try to lay out the week. Marketing is anyone something I do all week as there are next spring. And off-­‐the-­‐shelf end upport f or i ts W indows X P o perating s ystem "With the operating system not being routinely updated will will be were 50 security bullet Although that type of things etter acould nd faster wfor ithout ithere nterruptions." message for their service providers: Thebsolution be merely changing to Windows 7 or be 8, for he holes said.

"Or itthat could be many networking events to attend, such as Chamber of Commerce events and industry XP. In 2013, example, there communication is efficient, a for a prize.) a drawing association events. Sales calls are key so I meet with prospective clients to assess their current Communication who by email completes and texting can leave it into changing your whole business how you process your information." software stopecifically included n out f property that andcof ounts ycomputer ou mI amanday nthemot sis ee texploited," he rest of I owntisaid, he ydefinition ear. So, Bbfrom iMicrosoft f you’re Usher pointing out the large number patches and updates in the past IT systems provide with options increase their productivity.

Though mythe CEO recently told me, clients “I see you faceless. efore yInstead ou decide to sof kimp on high-­‐speed Internet, consider these reasons why business, part of a franchise system,deliver CMIT Solutions. CMIT provides a tremendous amount them as a commodity — 3.

Prepare and invoices.

Visiting clients? hand-writing It's not like Microsoft hasn't warned XP users.

It started putting out the word in 2007 that for t he e nhanced d eduction t hrough 2 013. “ Forward t hinking c lients a re m aking t he from Microsoft for XP. In 2013, for example, there were 50 security bulletins, he noted. of support and there is a large community of fellow business owners and technicians that I can a slow shardware peed could end. actually hurt you in tthey he long run. continue to support XP. Bu faceless and easy to replace.”

Antivirus and providers say will the days of XPInternet support would eventually leverage so I am neverB completely on expecting toffice o be tohaving greeted w ith rest of the yclients? ear. ut iuntil f nmyot yown.”ou’re bills or nwaiting you’re attax the generate invoices, use your

C transition ow; why cof apture a back known advantage?” onnally says.

3. Prepare and deliver invoices. Visiting Instead hand-writing "those updates are important.

Just having antivirus is not enough, and More often, executives complain, they have never even met face to face the actual Computers continuing to use the M operating system will be subject to cyber attacks, data Do you feel your education prepared you for your current role?

You that Stream TV Shows and ovies iPad. You can goinvoices, over thecheer details with customers the spot then email person on their abills ccount —or a lawyer, accountant, until account executive — leaving them at the office Antivirus and hardware providers say they will continue support But Usher andon identity theft, hacking, andand networkto intrusion, both via XP. individual machines and said waiting you’re back to generate use your expecting t o b e g reeted w ith y ou m ay b e s urprised. the same thing." asking: Is this the new way of doing business?

“Absolutely. The two degrees I received have positioned me to succeed. I received the technical across internal networks, Usher said. them theon invoice.

This allows you to timeIf yand gives "those Just is notthe enough, Microsoftright?), saysand ou're having npaper ot paying antivirus fand or cable (because you're being fand inancially-­‐savvy, education to understand thethe marketplace and thethat M.B.A. to help ensureupdates Iemail know how to are runsave a important.

iPad. You can go over the details with customers spot and then But the education doesn’t stop there, owning a business is an education in itself.”

Alejandro Fernandez, a senior executive at a Florida industrial parts company, says treaming V shows nd ofmsupport ovies icould nstead, then skimping The sreach of XP isTdeep and theathen end impact whole sectors. on your Internet cheer you business. may be paper sopportunity urprised. tothe discuss any issuesyou're that they have and there. same thing." theproviders invoice.

This allows to savecustomer time and an andthe gives he hasn’t seen a fthem ew of his service all year a nd won’t let that happen ayou gain The solution could be merely changing to Windows 7 or 8, he said. "Or it c speed could really leave you frustrated.

in 2013.

"All businesses handling confidential data must their have procedures to detect and report (Tip: Many small-business owners find that an external keyboard for

customer an opportunity to discuss any issues that they have thenFrustrated and there.

Posted 2012 malicious o software," Usherwhole said. For example, medical and insurance companies must business wners on Tue, Dec. 18,

changing your business and how you process your information."

Just imagine scenario: Ythat sit dWindows own in your c"Or omfy in tAct he be fofamily room with Don’t “I’m be an sot tranger: meetings privacy rules under thedrop Health Insurance and Accountability saying IM nany eed tpo refer go to flace-­‐to-­‐face unch with you every day but if I’m dealing with you The solution could be merely changing tothis Windows 7ou or 8, hePortability said. itchair could Microsoft to XP support tablet can be very helpful when doing invoices orfollow other tasks require (Tip: Many small-business owners find that an external keyboard for their

By CINDY balancegal@gmail.com 1996 – better as HIPAA. a big bowl of pknown opcorn to stream a movie. After just a few minutes, you realize it will for a KyRISCHER ear, come GoOODMAN ut and meet me,” he says. “How do they know all the issues they toayour Windows XPIt support Frustrated business owners enior executives sprocess changing yourswhole business and how you information."

could be addressing if they are just answering the question I ask?” be Microsoft impossible to vay iew with ll drop the p auses poor sound.

If you're running Windows XP at home or atand your business Wednesday, 9, is an putting out the wo tablet can be very helpful when doing invoices or other tasks that and require It's not like Microsoft hasn't warned XP users.April started

approaching, small business owners

board quickly dismissed its business relevance. True, it was a groundbreaking information access and entertainment device, but that was the extent of it, many said.

Yet today, large companies such as Roche, United Airlines, Medtronic and Sears have deployed thousands of the devices among their workforces.

customer-responsive. are looking anew at capital purchases.

Should Your Business Go PC-Free?

Small businesses are starting to replace employee PCs with tablets and smartphones — and they're saving time and money, while helping employees be more customer-responsive.

Microsoft to drop Windows XP suppor In the spring of 2010, when the Apple Microsoft to drop Windows XP support iPad was released with overwhelming

fanfare, analysts and pundits across the board quickly dismissed its business relevance. True, it was a groundbreaking information access and entertainment device, but that was the extent of it, many said.

Yet today, large companies such as Roche, United Airlines, Medtronic and Sears have deployed thousands of the devices among their workforces.

The newer story is that smaller companies with high percentages of mobile employees and an affinity for cloud apps can feasibly run their entire businesses on tablets and phones.

"Any company that is running XP on any of their equipment may not be HIPAAimportant Usher day – said. and not necessarily a positive one. compliant,"

days XP support eventually end.

What's made this viable is theand large number of business tools apps now available for "You'll keep getting that m essage XP on would tat he home screen saying that business it's Anything April 9, is an senior executives say are tand urned oIfthe ff b y bofeing you're running Windows or at your Wednesday, It's notthey like Microsoft hasn't warned users.

It started putting out word inbuffering.

2007 that that is XP a streaming movie, video, or am usic the -­‐ requires important day –event and -­‐not necessarily positive one. a certain amount of bandwidth t o c ome t hrough q uickly w ithout p auses," s ays t ech expert Mike the days of XP support would eventually end. customers oCelayeta. f Computers a s ervice they are turned off by being tablets, the prevalence of cloud-based services for the rote, PC-intensive tasks as system continuing such to use the operating will be subject to cyber That's because Microsoft on Tuesday discontinued support for the operating system, and identity theft, hacking, and network intrusion, both via individual mac the customers of a add-ons service provider w communicates meaning nosystem security fixes,be vulnerability patches orattacks, software data updates, according to David invoicing and billing, and business-friendly such as wireless keyboards and Computers continuing to ho use the operating will subject to cyber across internal networks, Usher said.

Usher, who is opening the office of CMIT Solutions Wilmington and identity theft,bhacking, and network intrusion, both via individual machines and on Friday. CMIT will mostly y email. provider ho communicates offer IT-related consulting and services from its office in Barclay Commons. digital pens for users who hate smallwtouch-screen typing.

The Microsoft Surface tablet, across internal networks, Usher said.

The reach of XP is deep and the end of support could impact whole sectors mostly bhy ave email.

October, promising "With the operating system not beinggrow routinely updated there will be holes that will be Business owners and executives a the first to offer a built-in keyboard, hit stores in late to said, further exploited," Ushercould pointing the large number of patches and updates in the past The reach of XP is deep and the end of support impactout whole sectors.

"All businesses handling datawere must have procedures detect

Although t hat t ype o f from Microsoft for XP. In 2013, confidential for example, there 50 security bulletins, he to noted. message f or t heir s ervice p roviders: ers and interest executives h ave a

in business tablets.

5insurance malicious software," Usher said. For example, medical and comp

are busy, and many time-­‐ Of course, business owners and high level managers time can bring you pressed clients even will say they prefer texting to Holiday emails o r calls. in contact with customers or

clients you may not see the rest of the year. But if you’re expecting to be greeted with cheer you may be surprised.

Frustrated business owners and senior executives say they are turned off by being the customers of a service provider who communicates mostly by email.

Business owners and executives have a Although that type of message for their service providers: communication is efficient, a Communication by email and texting can leave CEO recently told me, “I see you faceless. them as a commodity — faceless and easy to replace.”

More often, executives complain, they have never even met face to face the actual

That's becauseworld, Microsoft onthe Tuesday discontinued support the operating system, In the financial many of world's ATMs are run on XP, hefor said.

John Beach is the owner of CMIT Solutions of North Houston, where he services the small and medium-sized business communities’ IT needs. Here he discusses his engineering and information technology experience.

What degree program did you study?

“I received an undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science, at the University of Texas at Austin. After seven years, I returned to school for an M.B.A. from Yale School of Management. Since then, I have spent most of my career in the IT industry working for a large software vendor servicing Fortune 500 companies. Now I am taking that experience and providing the same types of solutions to small and mid-sized businesses.”

meaning no security fixes, vulnerability patches or software updates, according to David

Windows XP represents percent of of theCMIT world'sSolutions desktops, Usher said. on Friday. CMIT will Usher, who is opening30the office Wilmington

offer IT-related consulting and services from its office in Barclay Commons.

"With the operating system not being routinely updated there will be holes that will be exploited," Usher said, pointing out the large number of patches and updates in the past from Microsoft for XP. In 2013, for example, there were 50 security bulletins, he noted.

Antivirus and hardware providers say they will continue to support XP. But Usher said that "those updates are important. Just having antivirus is not enough, and Microsoft says the same thing."

The solution could be merely changing to Windows 7 or 8, he said. "Or it could be changing your whole business and how you process your information."

handling confidential dataprivacy must have to detect and report communication is Antivirus efficient, a procedures that can type of "All businesses and hardware providers will continue to support XP. Butand Usher said follow rules under say thethey Health Insurance Portability Accountab heir service pCommunication roviders: by email Although and texting leave malicious software," Usher said. For example, medical and insurance must that "those updates are important.

Just havingcompanies antivirus is not enough, and Microsoft says 1996 known as HIPAA. communication is efficient, aCEO privacyrecently told msame e, –thing." “better I see the follow rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of What does your current position entail?

“I own an IT managed service provider focusing on small to mid-sized companies and as a business owner, I wear all sorts of hats. From developing strategic plans and sales plans to

It's not like Microsoft hasn't warned XP users. It started putting out the word in 2007 that the days of XP support would eventually end.

CMIT SOLUTIONS ENTREPRENEURIAL REVOLUTION LEADS

AN

SECURED

150,000,000+ IMPRESSIONS

Small businesses are gearing up for growth es are gearing Small up for growth businesses are gearing up for growth

With the economy improving, firms get set to hire talent and invest in information technology.

With economy improving, firms get set toin hire talent and invest in proving, firms get set tothehire talent and invest information technology. y.

Evan Stein may be one of Evan Stein may be one of the best divining rods out there if you are searching for insight about the likely path of the small business economy in 2014. Mr. Stein, the owner of an IT

sales-and-service franchise, CMIT Solutions Budgets are up, and "pretty much everybody I talk to is planning to hire one or of Grand Central and Wall two more employees," he said.

Street, has been talking to Many of the firms—in architecture, law and finance—are finally biting the bullet his small business clients on delayed IT expenditures.

Microsoft is ending support for its XP operating system in April, and a full 25% of Mr. Stein's client base still uses old XP about "Itheir plansand March," he said. One of his machines. expect spending a big uptick in February clients just spent $500,000, financed over five years, to buy 10 computers, a new for next year. server and new networking equipment. the best divining rods out there if you are searching for insight about the likely path of the small business economy in 2014. Mr. Stein, the owner of an IT sales-and-service franchise, CMIT Solutions of Grand Central and Wall Street, has been talking to his small business clients about their spending plans for next year.

of t g y s

s all o s ns

Like CMIT and its clients, many small businesses are preparing cautiously for a year of economic growth, a slowly rising tide of consumer confidence and the tenure of a new mayor who has promised some relief from city regulations.

They'll also have to contend with the continuing rollout of the Affordable Care Act and changes in the health care market, as well as a crackdown on labor practices and a radically changing marketing landscape.

Budgets are up, and "pretty much everybody I talk to is planning to hire one or two more employees," he said. etty much everybody I talk to is planning to hire one or e said.

Manybusinesses of the firms—in architecture, law and finance—are finally biting the bullet Small are gearing up for growth Here are six trends likely to affect small businesses in 2014, for better or on delayed IT expenditures. Microsoft is ending support for its XP operating worse: chitecture, law and finance—are finally biting bullet With the economy improving, firmsthe get set to hire talent and invest in system in April, and a full 25% of Mr. Stein's client base still uses old XP es. Microsoft is endinginformation supporttechnology. for its XP operating machines. "I expect a big uptick in February and March," he said. One of his Evan Stein may be oneuses of l 25% of Mr. Stein's client base still old XP clients just spent $500,000, financed over five years, to buy 10 computers, a new the best divining rods g uptick in February and heoutsaid. One of his thereMarch," if you are searching server and networking equipment. insight about the new likely 00, financed over five for years, to buy 10 computers, a new path of the small business economy in 2014. Mr. ng equipment.

Stein, the owner of an IT Like CMIT and its clients, many small businesses are preparing cautiously for a sales-and-service year of economic growth, a slowly rising tide of consumer confidence and the franchise, Solutions , many small businesses areCMIT preparing cautiously for a of Grand Central and Wall tenure of a new mayor who has promised some relief from city regulations. has been talking to , a slowly rising tide ofStreet, consumer confidence and the his small business They'll alsoclients have to contend with the continuing rollout of the Affordable Care Act ho has promised some relief from plans city regulations. about their spending and changes in the health care market, as well as a crackdown on labor for next year. end with the continuing rollout of the Affordable Care Act practices and a radically changing marketing landscape. up, and "pretty much h care market, as wellBudgets as aare crackdown on everybody labor I talk to is planning to hire one or two more employees," he said. changing marketing landscape.

Here are six trends likely to Solutions affect small businesses in 2014,Showcase for better or Many of the firms—in architecture, law and finance—are finally biting the bullet Goal: Solidify CMIT as Goal: on delayed IT expenditures. Microsoft is ending support for its XP operating worse: system in April, and a2014, full 25% offor Mr. Stein's clientor base still uses old XP ly to affect small businesses in better machines. "I expect a big uptick in February and March," he said. One of his

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE GEARING UP FOR GROWTH

the voice of business growth.

clients just spent $500,000, financed over five years, to buy 10 computers, a new server and new networking equipment.

Like CMIT and its clients, many small businesses are preparing cautiously for a year of economic growth, a slowly rising tide of consumer confidence and the tenure of a new mayor who has promised some relief from city regulations.

They'll also have to contend with the continuing rollout of the Affordable Care Act and changes in the health care market, as well as a crackdown on labor practices and a radically changing marketing landscape.

IT-support franchise sees uptick in local business Information technology franchise CMIT Solutions — which offers IT support to small and medium-size businesses — has concentrated several of its newer offices in the Washington area in response to an uptick in demand for tech help.

BUSINESS GETS FRANCHISE EXPANDS IN NATIONAL RECOGNITION WASHINGTON FOR GROWTH the talent behind CMIT Solutions’ extraordinary collection of franchise partners.

Here are six trends likely to affect small businesses in 2014, for better or worse:

Tom Burtzlaff,(foreground), President, CMIT Solutions of Columbia, an IT consulting service helping small business owners set up their IT infrastructure, presents material to CMIT Solution franchisees, (L-R), Greg Stewart, Baltimore Co. West, Terry Whearley, Fairfax, VA. Iain Ronis, Dulles, VA and Tony Russell, Prince William Co. in the CMIT.

The national franchise has 138 offices. In the past five months, franchise owner Tom Burtzlaff has opened four local offices — in Howard County, Fairfax, Dulles and Prince William County, in addition to one in Baltimore he’d opened two years ago. This month, he’ll open one in Centreville, and has plans for another 10 in

Goal: Illustrate the demand for CMIT Solutions throughout the United States. the area in the next few years.

Compared with other parts of the country, “we think the Washington/Maryland area [is especially stable], because of steady state revenues and governmental revenues,” CMIT president and chief executive Jeff Connally said. “As we’re coming out of the economic malaise, some parts are coming out faster than others.”

Though he declined to share more specific financial details, Burtzlaff estimated a 50 percent revenue increase over the past 18 months.

CMIT provides hosted e-mail, backup and disaster recovery, mobile device management, managed print, and hosting and cloud offerings, among other services. Offices usually staff about four to six people, serving between 50 and 500 clients. Depending on projects, fees often range from about $300 to $3,000 a month.

It is becoming increasingly common for small businesses to outsource the IT

6

CMIT SOLUTIONS MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Making a Living Making a Living

A helpful career IT the ticket for San Antonian ticket for San Antonian IT the ticket for San Antonian A helpful career

On the wall of Kip Lynch’s office is a handwritten note that reminds him of his goal: Help someone today.

On the wall of Kip Lynch’s

office is a

handwritten note that reminds him of his The simple phrase has directed Lynch his SAN ANTONIO — From a large goal: Help someone entire career, from when he started as a today.

SAN ANTONIO — From a large research scientist developing tests for the screen in her small home office,small home office, in her AIDS virus to today, as president of the IT TONIO — Fromscreen a large Devi Mazumdar each morning The simple phrase has directed Lynch his firm CMIT Solutions in Doylestown. scans the computer systems of entire career, from when he started as a Devi Mazumdar each morning some two dozen clients — doctors' her small home office, “It all goes back to this littlescientist note I havedeveloping tests for the research offices, churches and small here,” Lynch said. businesses in San Antonio and as scans the computer systems of AIDS virus to today, as president of the IT umdar each morning far away as the Eagle Ford Shale.

CMIT Solutions Lynch’s careerfirm in helping people began at in Doylestown. some two dozen clients — doctors' Sloan-Kettering, the New York City cancer Color-coded tell her when computer systems of alerts center. Lynch, who has a doctorate in something's not quite right, letting “It microbiology all goes back to this little note I have immunology and from Ohio

and small her know if she needs to make a here,” State University, spent Lynch two yearssaid. there dozen clients —offices, doctors'churches

site visit or dispatch one of her two before joining DuPont as a research

part-time technicians. businesses in San Antonio and as scientist working on tests for the AIDS hurches and smallIt's the operations center for one of Lynch’s career in helping people began at virus. When the tests were completed, Lynch began marketing them to bloodthe New York City cancer Sloan-Kettering, as the Eagle Ford Shale.

Austin-based s in San Antoniofar andaway asCMIT Solutions' banks and other users. Lynch, who has a doctorate in center. franchises, a growing information technology enterprise that makes the Indian-born a pioneer two times around. immunology andmore microbiology from Ohio “I really enjoyed that,” he said. “The I as the Eagle FordMazumdar Shale. got into (sales), the more I realized, this is State University, spent two years there Entrepreneurship, she said, is a bit beyond the zone of propriety for someone from a my calling. It’s before not beingjoining at the bench and as a research Color-coded alerts tell her when DuPont solidly professional — read medical, scientific — family from Pondicherry in southern developing things. It’s about going out there India. scientist and telling people how (theworking products) on can tests for the AIDS

not quite right, letting help.”

Kip Lynch is the owner and president virus. When the tests were completed, ed alerts tell hersomething's when And providing IT services is a break from the norm for a middle-aged mother of two in of CMIT Solutions in Doylestown. Last Lynch beganinmarketing them to blood suburban San Antonio.

Lynch, who lives in Lambertville, N.J., spent more than two decades the

know if she needs to make a summer, CMIT Solutions was hired by banks other users. g's not quite right,her letting medical device and diagnostics field, helping companies like and Johnson & Johnson the County Theater to help with the “Women in IT is still kind of a novel concept,” she said. “What I see is that the young

transition from analog to digital film. It site visit or dispatch one of her two girls, even my daughter's age group, are not looking at IT. They're not looking at

if she needs to make a “I really enjoyed that,” he said. “The more I about three weeks to replace the technology.”

Devi Mtook azumdar odigital perates a CMIT olutions franchise that film projectors with ones that got S into (sales), the more I realized, this is

technicians. or dispatch one ofpart-time two download the movies from the Internet.

Buther three years into it, it's proved a perfect fit for Mazumdar. my It’s not being at the bench and provides I T s ervices f or s mall a nd calling. medium-­‐size "The clarity of it is so much better," IT the ticket for San Antonian Devi M azumdar o perates a

C MIT S olutions f ranchise t hat developing things. It’s about going out there With her children nearly grown, her husband firmly established in his anesthesiology said Mr. Lynch about the resolution of technicians. companies.

Making a Living and telling people how (the products) can practice, and the luncheon and society circles not holding her interest, 2011 seemed like a movies.

provides IT services for small and mdigital edium-­‐size good time to get operations back to her love of computers.

But she wasfor decadesone away from her days It's the center of help.” spent coding in Kolkata. companies.

A helpful career Austin-based CMIT Solutions' Lynch, who lives in Lambertville, N.J., spent more than two decades in the erations center for one of medical device and diagnostics field, helping companies like Johnson & Johnson On the wall of Kip Lynch’s is a franchises, a growing information technology enterprise that makes theoffice Indian-born sed CMIT Solutions' handwritten note that reminds him of his goal: Help someone today.

Mazumdar a pioneer two times around. , a growing information technology enterprise that makes the Indian-born The simple phrase has directed Lynch his entire career, from when he started as a r a pioneer two times around. research scientist developing tests for the AIDS virus to today, as president of the IT Entrepreneurship, she said, is a bit beyond the zone of propriety for insomeone from a firm CMIT Solutions Doylestown.

“It all goesPondicherry back to this little note I havein southern read — family eurship, she said,solidly is a bitprofessional beyond the — zone of medical, proprietyscientific for someone from afrom here,” Lynch said.

India.

Lynch’s career in helping people began at ofessional — read medical, scientific — family from Pondicherry in southern Sloan-Kettering, the New York City cancer Devi Mazumdar operates a CMIT Solutions franchise that provides IT services for small and medium-­‐size companies.

Kip Lynch is the owner and president of CMIT Solutions in Doylestown. Last summer, CMIT Solutions was hired by the County Theater to help with the transition from analog to digital film. It took about three weeks to replace the film projectors with digital ones that download the movies from the Internet.

"The clarity of it is so much better," said Mr. Lynch about the resolution of digital movies.

SAN ANTONIO — From a large screen in her small home office, Devi Mazumdar each morning scans the computer systems of some two dozen clients — doctors' offices, churches and small businesses in San Antonio and as far away as the Eagle Ford Shale.

Color-coded alerts tell her when something's not quite right, letting her know if she needs to make a site visit or dispatch one of her two part-time technicians.

Devi Mazumdar operates a CMIT Solutions franchise that provides IT services for small and medium-­‐size companies.

It's the operations center for one of Austin-based CMIT Solutions' franchises, a growing information technology enterprise that makes the Indian-born Mazumdar a pioneer two times around.

Entrepreneurship, she said, is a bit beyond the zone of propriety for someone from a solidly professional — read medical, scientific — family from Pondicherry in southern India.

center. Lynch, who has a doctorate in immunology and microbiology from Ohio

State University, spent two years there And providing IT services is a break from the norm for a middle-aged of two in before joining DuPont as amother research scientist working on tests for the AIDS the tests were completed, suburban San Antonio. ding IT services is a break from the norm for a middle-aged mother of two virus. in When Lynch began marketing them to blood banks and other users.

San Antonio.

“I really enjoyed that,” he said. “The more I got into (sales), the more is “Women in IT is still kind of a novel concept,” she said. “What I see isI realized, thatthisthe young my calling. It’s not being at the bench and developing things. It’s about going out there girls, even my daughter's age group, are not looking at IT. They're not looking at telling people how (the products) can in IT is still kind of a novel concept,” she said. “What I see is that the youngand help.” technology.” n my daughter's age group, are not looking at IT. They're not looking at N.J., spent more than two decades in the Lynch, who lives in Lambertville, medical device and diagnostics field, helping companies like Johnson & Johnson y.”

But three years into it, it's proved a perfect fit for Mazumdar. years into it, it's proved a perfect fit for Mazumdar.

With her children nearly grown, her husband firmly established in his anesthesiology practice, the luncheon and societyincircles not holding her interest, 2011 seemed like a children nearly grown, herand husband firmly established his anesthesiology good time to get back to her love of computers.

But she was away from her days nd the luncheon and society circles not holding her interest, 2011 seemed likedecades a spent coding in Kolkata. to get back to her love of computers. But she was decades away from her days ng in Kolkata.

And providing IT services is a break from the norm for a middle-aged mother of two in suburban San Antonio.

“Women in IT is still kind of a novel concept,” she said. “What I see is that the young girls, even my daughter's age group, are not looking at IT. They're not looking at technology.”

But three years into it, it's proved a perfect fit for Mazumdar.

With her children nearly grown, her husband firmly established in his anesthesiology practice, and the luncheon and society circles not holding her interest, 2011 seemed like a good time to get back to her love of computers. But she was decades away from her days spent coding in Kolkata.

Kip Lynch is the owner and president of CMIT Solutions in Doylestown. Last summer, CMIT Solutions was hired by the County Theater to help with the transition from analog to digital film. It took about three weeks to replace the film projectors with digital ones that download the movies from the Internet.

"The clarity of it is so much better," said Mr. Lynch about the resolution of digital movies.

7

THE

DEATH OF XP OPPORTUNITY GIVES

RISE TO

SECURED

30,000,000+ IMPRESSIONS

Neither bang whimper expected April 8, as Windo Small businesses face end of Windows XPnor support Time has run out for Windows XP users

Neither bang nor whimper expected April 8, as Windows XP retires as run out for Time Windows XP users face end Small of Windows XP support hasisSmall run forbusinesses Windows Neither bang nor expected April 8, as XP retires businesses face end of Windows XP support After April 8, whimper Microsoft is pulling theWindows plug on The end nearout for Windows XP. XP users

The end is near for Windows XP. After April 8, Microsoft is pulling the plugWindows on technical support for XP, the highly technical support for Windows XP, the highly

popular operating system popular operating system that debuted 12 years that debuted 12 years ago.

Microsoft Corp. has said that after April 8, ago.

While most analysts say little will happen as XP it will cease putting out security upgrades retires -- there are no dire end-of- computersystem fears or anticipated desk or laptop While--most say little will happen as XP explosions but there analysts could be consequences. and providing support for the popular The best wisdom seems to be, upgrade if you can. it w ill c ease p utting o ut s ecurity u pgrades Mazumdar, president and owner of CMIT Solutions in retires -- there are no dire end-of- computerSan Antonio. year life cycle and Microsoft is ready to move on and personal c omputer o perating s ystem.

The biggest deal about the end of the XP era is system fears or anticipated desk or laptop and providing support for Devi the popular has been extended beyondstart the putting normal 10-resources elsewhere,” says that there are no more operating system fixes and no defenses against viruses and other online Microsoft quit retailing XP h in 2008.

Although Wno indows is n the most-­‐used Windows XP came outits during the shock of the 9-11 retires --it there are dire end-ofWIndows XP the m arket i7n 2ow 001 acomputernd perils. and Microsoft is ready to move on and explosions -- but there could be consequences. terrorist attacks and stuck around for aand desktop operating system worldwide, XP still runs millions of computers.

Mazumdar, president owner of o CMIT Solutions in personal cgeneration, omputer perating system. system fears or anticipated desk or laptop Mazumdar says. A lot of technology companies like was for a time the backbone of multitudes s resources elsewhere,” says Devi Thearebest There risks wisdom seems to be, upgrade if you can.

Google and Yahoo! evolved with it. But now it is time to San Antonio. those users, explosions April 9 won’t see a- cataclysmic crash tcould o their computers.

But over WIndows XP hit the market in 2001 and For but there be consequences. let itSolutions go. esident and owner of CMIT in time, using XP becomes more and more of a security risk, said tChe heryl g Nelan: “It’s of w orkplace computers across lobe. to Microsoft, running Windows XP SP3 in your environment after April 8, 2104 may wisdom seems be, upgrade if you can.According time to make the The move (best to a different operating system) if to you haven’t moved was f or a

t ime t he b ackbone o f m ultitudes expose you to potential risks, such as: “Microsoft has to move on,” she says.

“They have been Windows XP came out during the shock of the 9-11 the XP era is The biggest deal about the end of already.” bugging people about this for four years.”

- Your PC may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious terrorist attacks and stuck around for a generation, of workplace computers across the globe. software that there are no more operating system fixes and no defenses against vir which can steal or damage your business data and information. Anti-virus software will also not nearly of all the personal computers in the world are still runnings XP as came out during the shockBut of the one-third 9-11 says.

Nelan, owner of C MIT olutions, a Penfield sX ervices fthe irm, discussed end oXP f Microsoft qSuit retailing P in 2008.

Wisindows 7 is now the most-­‐used The biggest dealIT about end of the era Athe lthough Mazumdar A lotandofthattechnology companies like be able to fully protect you once Windows XP itself is unsupported. are many automatic teller machines could be a problem over time.

perils. support f or X P a nd w hat t hat m eans f or s mall b usinesses. ks and stuck around for a generation, Google and Yahoo! evolved with it. But now it is time to there are no more operating system fixes and no defenses against viruses and other online desktop that operating system worldwide, XP still runs m illions of governed computers.

- Businesses that are by regulatory obligations such as HIPAA may find that they are “Windows XPlike will still work on old systems, but without the security patches and antiys. A lot of technology companies Microsoft q uit r etailing X P i n 2 008.

A lthough W indows 7

i s n ow t he m ost-­‐used What exactly is perils.

Microsoft ending and why should users care? letupdates it go.they will become vulnerable to hackers and other forms of cyber attack,” no longer able to satisfy compliance requirements. virus

ahoo! evolved with it. But now it issays. time to predict what will happen, but business owners in particular Mazumdar “We can’t There are risks desktop perating system worldwide, XP still millions of pcrovide omputers.

- Many software vendors will no longer support their products running on Windows XP as they are should not be willing to risk their data.oThe cost of continuing to support an outdated One ir s tuns he support Microsoft would if you had a problem. Most users would unabletto Windows XP updates. For example, the new Microsoft Office takes advantage system is more than the one-time cost toon,” upgrade.”

For t hose sers, A pril 9 w on’t s ee

c ataclysmic c rash o receive their computers.

But over say, “I don’t call that u often,” it doesn’t worry p eople too much.

But a they’re no longer “Microsoft has to move she says. “They have been of the modern Windows and will not run on Windows XP.

It opens the door to all sorts of viruses There are risks going to be providing the security patches. bugging people this for fourfields, years.”

And if those businesses are about in the healthcare or finance they will be out of According to C Microsoft, running Windows XP SP3 in your environment afte time, ursing XP becomes msystems ore daon’t nd ms pore of as a security risk, said heryl Nelan: “It’s and security isks. If the don’t go out, the rotected - Most PC hardware manufacturers will stop supporting Windows XP on existing and new compliance with the law if they are still using WindowsA XPpril after April s to move on,” she says. “They have been For those users, 9 8.won’t see cbrash to pteatches heir cfomputers. ut get omaver they have een. Industry xperts are orecasting about 66 B percent ore infections a cataclysmic hardware.

This you also to mean that drivers required to runsuch Windows as: XP on new hardware may not expose time to then m the mtCoday. ove (to Naelan: running different operating system) f willyou hpotential aven’t mrisks, oved le about this for four years.” on P devices they would have be available.

According to Microsoft, Windows XP SP3 in yourienvironment after April 8, 2104 may Upgrading to a new system willu run anywhere fromb $500 to $2,000,computers butm it will be worth it the But nearly one-third of allXthe personal runnings XP assaid time, sing P ecomes ore ainnd mworld ore oare f astill sXecurity rake isk, heryl “It’s

in the long run, Mazumdar says. already.” tohackers potential risks, are many automatic teller machines and (that could be a problem over time.

Security at stake You know all the expose viruses out tyou here and continually trying such to break as: the time t o m ake t he m ove to a

d ifferent o perating s ystem) i f y ou h aven’t m oved Your PC may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other e-third of all the personal computers thetechnology/telecom, world are still runnings XP as Mike W. Thomasin covers military, finance, regulatory issues as well codes? Today if you bought Microsoft Windows 7 or 8, they’re much more secure XP is even today. (Microsoft) pushes out these patches as soon as they perceive "The real concern is security," said Marwan Halabi, president of CMIT Solutions of South nonprofits/education. than omatic teller machines andasthat could already.” be problem over which ancan steal or damage your business Scottsdale, IT support company.

"It creates a huge target for anyone who hasdata anythingand on XP. information. Anti-virus “Windows XPawill still work ontime. old systems, but without the securitya rpatches isk because and some hantiacker PC has broken their code and opened the door to to their - Your may become vulnerable harmful viruses, and malicious software Hackersspyware, wait for opportunities like other this." the Nelan, o wner o f C MIT S olutions, a

P enfield I T s ervices f irm, d iscussed e nd o f be able fully protect you once XPXP itself is unsupported.

Neither bangto nor whimper expected April Windows 8, as Windows retires system, hether that’s a virus or pulling data off the system. They issue a patch. virus updates ofwcyber attack,” they will become vulnerable to hackers and other forms which can steal or damage your business data andHalabi information.

Anti-virus software will also not

said just running one or two computers with Windows XP could make an entire network will still work on old systems, but without the security patches and antisupport for dXo face P and wofprotect hat that monce eans for small businesses.

Time hasNelan, run “We out forpredict XP users Mazumdar says. can’t what will happen, business particular Small end Windows support more vulnerable.

Why ould in Microsoft this?

After April 8, Microsoft is pulling the plug on be able tod fully youXP is unsupported. owner oWindows f Ccyber MIT Solutions, abut Penfield Iowners T swbusinesses ervices firm, iscussed the end of Windows XP itself they will become vulnerableshould to hackers other of technical support for Windows XP, the highly

not beand willing to forms risk their data. attack,” The cost of continuing to support an outdated - Businesses that are governed by regulatory obligations such as HIPAA m popular operating system that debuted 12 years ys. “We can’t predict what happen, but business owners incost particular Thewill end is near Windows support for one-time XP and w hat that means for small The end ib s nusinesses. ear for Windows XP. system is for more thanXP. the to upgrade.” ago.no longer able to satisfy compliance requirements. is Microsoft ending by and why should users care? willing to risk their data. The cost of continuing to support an outdated What exactly - Businesses that are governed regulatory obligations such as HIPAA may find that they are

Starting tomorrow, April 8, Microsoft Corp. will no longer Microsoft C orp. h as s aid t hat a fter A pril 8 , e than the one-time cost to And upgrade.”

While most analysts say little will happen as XP if thoseor businesses in the or finance fields, they will be outno of longer able to satisfy compliance requirements. provide upgrades supportefor its are Windows XPhealthcare retires -- there are no dire end-of- computerit hy will cease putting out u security upgrades What xactly i s M icrosoft e nding a nd w s hould sers c are?

Many software vendors will no longer support their products running on W operating system that came in October system fears or anticipated desk or laptop compliance with theout law if they 2001. are still using Windows XP after April 8. is the for stupport hunable ad a-- but problem.

M ost users ould For example, the new Microsoft O and pOne roviding support he popular Microsoft would provide if you explosions there could be consequences. usinesses are in the healthcare or finance fields, they will be out of to receive Windows XPw updates.

personal computer o-perating system.

The best wisdom seems to be, upgrade you can.

Many software vendors will no longer support their products running on ifWindows XP as they are “Windows XP has been extended beyond the normal 10say, “ I d on’t c all t hat o ften,” i t d oesn’t w orry p eople t oo m uch.

B ut they’re no will longer ith the law if they are still using Windows XP after April 8. of the modern Windows and not run on Windows XP. Upgrading to a new system will run anywhere from $500 to $2,000, but it will be worth it WIndows X P h it t he m arket i n 2 001 a nd One i s t he s upport M icrosoft w ould p rovide i f y ou h ad a

p roblem.

M ost u sers w ould

unable to receive Windows XP updates.

For example, the new Microsoft Office takes advantage year life cycle and Microsoft is ready to move on and The biggest abouttthe XP eraoisf viruses was going for a time the backbone oroviding f multitudes to e pm tthe security patches.

It opens the ddealoor o aendll ofsthe orts the long run, Mazumdar says. start in putting its resources says Devi often,” it doesn’t worry that there are no more operating system fixes and no defenses against viruses and other online the modern Windows and not run on Windows XP. say, “I elsewhere,” d on’t cbut all Solutions people tofboo uch. hey’re no will longer a new system will run anywhere $500 $2,000, itthat will beinworth it of workplace computers across the globe. But Mazumdar,from president andtoowner of CMIT perils.

Most PC hardware manufacturers will stop supporting Windows XP on ex security roor isks. patches don’t go out, the systems don’t get as protected as Iand n, Mazumdar says.

San Mike Antonio. going covers to be technology/telecom, providing the security patches. t opens the to If atll he sorts of viruses W. Thomas military, finance, regulatory issues asdwell hardware.

This willmalso mean that drivers required to run Windows XP on are risks Microsoft quit h retailing Xb P ieen. n 2008.

AIlthough Windows emanufacturers 7xperts is now the ma ost-­‐ used they ave ndustry re forecasting aThere bout 6Windows 6 percent ore infections Most PC hardware will stop supporting XP on existing and new as nonprofits/education. and security risks.

If the patches don’t go desktop out, otperating he systems don’t gret aillions s protected be available.

Windows XP came out during shock of the 9-11 system worldwide, XP still uns m of computers. as mas covers technology/telecom, military, finance,the regulatory issues as well According to Microsoft, running XP Windows SP3 inhardware your environment after April hardware.

This will w also mean thattoday. drivers required to run Windows onXPnew may not8, 2104 may evices they ould have Goal: Position terrorist attacks and stuck around for a generation,Solutions on XP expose you to potential risks, such as: they have bCMIT een.

Industry experts are forecasting adbout 66 tphen ercent more infections education.

Mazumdar says. A lot of technology companies like be For t hose users, April 9 wavailable. on’t see a cataclysmic crash to their computers. But over Security at vulnerable stake to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software Google and Yahoo! evolved it. But now it is time to would have today. on XP dwith evices then they - Your PC may become time, using XP becomes more and more of a security risk, said Cheryl Nelan: “It’s as the unquestioned IT expert. let it go. which can steal or damage your t business data and information. Anti-virus software will also not now aall the ovperating iruses out there nd hackers continually trying o break the time You to make k the move (to different system) if you haven’t ma oved

be able to fully protect you once Windows XP itself is unsupported.

Security at stake already.” codes?

Today if tyrying ou bought Microsoft Windows 7Goal: or 8, they’re much ore secure "The real concern is m security," said Marwan Halabi,as president of CMIT Solu “Microsoft has to move on,” she says. “They have been Goal: Demonstrate the CMIT Solutions continually You k now a ll t he v iruses o ut t here a nd h ackers t o b reak t he

- Businesses thatPortray are governed by regulatory obligations such as HIPAA may find that they are bugging people about this for four years.”

Scottsdale, an IT support company.

"It creates a huge target for anyone w than is even oday.

(Microsoft) peushes out Halabi, these ppresident atches aofs sCMIT oon as they poferceive no longer able to satisfy compliance requirements.

Nelan, owner oX f CP MIT Solutions, a Ptenfield IT services fsecurity," irm, discussed the nd oMarwan f "The real concern ism said Solutions South codes? Today if you bought Microsoft Windows 7

o r 8 , t hey’re m uch ore s ecure Hackers wait for opportunities like this." support for XP ab nd ecause what that means for small backer usinesses. h knowledge of CMIT Solutions’ an ally to all businesses.

But nearly one-third of all the personal computers in the world are still runnings XP as a r isk s ome h as b roken t heir c ode a nd o pened t he d oor t o t heir Many software vendors no longer support running on Scottsdale, IT support company.

"It creates a - huge target forwill anyone who their hasproducts anything onWindows XP. XP as they are than P is even today. pushes out these p atches as an soon as they perceive unable to receive Windows XP updates. For example, the new Microsoft Office takes advantage are many automatic tellerX machines and that could be(aMicrosoft) problem over time.

Hackers for opportunities this."data off tofhe system, w hether that’s a vusers irus or plike ulling system.

Tand hey issue a patch. the modern Windows will not run on Windows XP. What exactly is Microsoft nding wait and why should a risk because some hacker has broken their code and oepartners. pened the door tcare? o their Halabi said just running one or two computers with Windows XP could ma franchise

“Windows XP will still work on old systems, but without the security patches and anti is the osff - Most PC hardware manufacturers will stop supporting Windows XP on existing and new more vulnerable. virus updates they will becomew vulnerable to thackers forms attack,” upport Microsoft would provide if you issue had a problem. ost users would system, hether hat’s and a vother irus or ofpcyber ulling dOne ata the system.

Tjust hey aone pMatch. hardware.

This will also mean that drivers required run Windows XP on new hardware may not Halabi said running or two computers with Windows XP could make antoentire network Mazumdar says. “We can’t predict what will happen, but business owners in particular Why ould icrosoft o mtuch. his?

“I don’t call w that often,” it M doesn’t worry people dtoo But they’re no longer be available. to risk their data. The cost of continuing to support an outdated say, more vulnerable. should not be willing going to be providing the security patches. It opens the door to all sorts of viruses

system is more than the one-time cost to upgrade.”

Security at stake and security risks. If the patches don’t go out, the systems don’t get as protected as Why would Microsoft do this? they have been. Industry experts are forecasting about 66 percent more infections "The real concern is security," said Marwan Halabi, president of CMIT Solutions of South And if those businesses are in the healthcare or finance fields, they will be out of

on XP devices then they would have today.

Scottsdale, an IT support company. "It creates a huge target for anyone who has anything on XP.

ar for Windows XP.

The end is near for Windows XP.

Starting tomorrow, April 8,ear Microsoft Corp. will noXlonger The end is n for W indows P. provide upgrades or support for its Windows XP

rrow, April 8, Microsoft Corp. will no longer operating system that came out in October 2001.

“Windows XP has been extended beyond the normal 10des or support for its Windows XP Corp. year life cycle and Microsoft Microsoft is ready to move on andhas said that after April 8, em that came out in October 2001. start putting its resources elsewhere,” says Devi “Windows XP has been extended beyond the normal 10Starting tomorrow, April 8, Microsoft Corp. will no longer provide upgrades or support for its Windows XP operating system that came out in October 2001.

TIME HAS RUN OUT FOR WINDOWS XP USERS

compliance with the law if they are still using Windows XP after April 8.

8

The end is near for Windows XP. After April 8, Microsoft is pulling the plug on

Microsoft Corp. htechnical as said that after April 8, for Windows XP, the highly support it will cease putting out security upgrades popular system that debuted 12 years and providing support for the operating popular personal computer operating system. ago.

WIndows XP hit the market in 2001 and was for a time the backbone of multitudes of workplace computers across the globe.

While most analysts say little will happen as XP

SMALL BUSINESSES FACE END OF WINDOWS XP SUPPORT

You Upgrading to a new system will run anywhere from $500 to $2,000, but it will be worth it know all the viruses out there and hackers continually trying to break the codes? Today if you bought Microsoft Windows 7 or 8, they’re much more secure in the long run, Mazumdar says.

than XP is even today. (Microsoft) pushes out these patches as soon as they perceive

CMIT SOLUTIONS MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

a risk because some hacker has broken their code and opened the door to their Mike W. Thomas covers technology/telecom, military, finance, regulatory issues as well system, whether that’s a virus or pulling data off the system. They issue a patch. as nonprofits/education.

Why would Microsoft do this?

NEITHER BANG NOR WHIMPER EXPECTED APRIL 8, AS WINDOWS XP RETIRES

Hackers wait for opportunities like this."

Halabi said just running one or two computers with Windows XP could make an entire network more vulnerable.

OUT WITH THE OLD CONTEST

DELL RETWEET 30 CLIENT LEADS WINNER DROP-OFF 9

DISCOVERING THEIR

PROFESSIONAL TOGETHER PASSION

SECURED

10,000,000+ IMPRESSIONS

Married to the job: More couples go into who business Couples work together and make it w

Married to the job: More couples go into business Couples who work together Couples and make it work Maitjian and Todd Welke, of Sarat who work together and make it work

By Gracie Bionds Staples -­‐ The Atlanta Journal-­‐Constitution

a devoted married couple going h Skip Plesnarski retired n 2012 from his job as director of global planning and Maitjian and Todd Welke, of Saratoga, are at Kimberly Clark. He started looking into franchise opportunities a year Maitjian and Todd Welke, of Saratoga, re married couple going hand through life and face-­‐to-­‐face a daevoted hand-­‐in-­‐

By Gracie Bonds Staples -­‐ The Atlanta J logistics ournal-­‐Constitution

ago. hand through life and face-­‐to-­‐face at a d evoted m arried c ouple g oing h and-­‐in-­‐ work.

Sometime in April, Skip and Nancy work.

“18/8 satisfied each of those personal hand through life and face-­‐to-­‐face at

said. “M It wen’s as a very new "Quite literally," Maitjian says, laughing.

Plesnarski will open objectives,” 18|8 Fhe ine work.

Sometime in April, Skip and Nancy "Quite literally," Maitjian says, lau opportunity. There wasn’t a lot of "We work in the same office and our competition in this particular industry so desks face each other. So it's pretty

"We work in the same office and o rookhaven Plesnarski will open 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon in the Towne Bwe got excited about it.” important that we get along."

"Quite literally," Maitjian says, laughing. desks face each other. So it's prett

shopping c enter.

Luckily, they do. Married for 18 years, Salon in the Towne Brookhaven Last Month, Ken and Kristine Jones, of "We work in the same office and our important that we get along."

they divorced themselves from their Sandy Springs, launched CMIT Solutions

desks face each other. So it's pretty individual high-­‐powered tech j obs in shopping center. of North Fulton, an IT service provider for

From left, Todd and Maitjian W elke, owners of 2009 and started the San Jose-­‐based CMIT small t o m id-­‐sized b usinesses, a fter K en important t hat w e g et a long."

The upscale grooming salon will be CMIT Solutions, at their offices in San Jose, Calif., on Solutions of Southwest Silicon Luckily, Valley, an they do. Married for 18 ye got a pink slip on his 50th birthday from

Tuesday Aug. 20, 2013.

Ken and Kristine Jones decided to go IT service provider for s mall and

they divorced themselves from th First Data Corp., where he’d worked for business together recently after midsized businesses. the Buckhead couple’s first foray into they do. Married for 18 years, 19 years.

The upscale grooming salon will be into Luckily, Ken Jones got a pink slip on his 50th individual high-­‐powered tech jobs

From Todd and M aitjian elke, owners otf he entrepreneurial they lceft, ouldn't be happier, enamored ith each other and with

— the “I stearched erm for caoined faor they dAnd ivorced themselves from wtW heir 2009 and started the San Jose-­‐bas job for quite while but the Buckhead couple’s first foray into copreneurship lifestyle.

CMIT hSigh-­‐powered olutions, at their offices

it felt like every position that came up was two or three steps back,” he said. individual tech jobs in in San Jose, Calif., on Solutions of Southwest Silicon Val

in love and work.

Tuesday Aug. 2w 013. copreneurship — the term coined for partnering From left, Todd and Maitjian W elke, owners of "A lot of people ask u2 s 0, how e do it, how we can be together so much," Todd Welke says.

2009 and started the San Jose-­‐based CMIT IT service provider for small and August, he said, he went to a franchise class.

CMIT Solutions, at their offices in San Jose, Calif., o n Last

"But wo hen married, you go through a lot of changes having partnering in love and work. f Syou're outhwest Silicon Valley, an in life, buying a house, midsized businesses.

Solutions “Surprisingly, it wTuesday asn’t all McDonald’s and 2S013. ubway sandwiches,” he said. “One of ug. 20, kids. I look at going into business as just another one of those things that you can work IT service ptogether." rovider small and partners and wife for business While there is lAittle data oas n something that appealed to Husband

them w as actually IT management services which w through

me.”

And midsized b usinesses. t hey c ouldn't b e h appier, e namored w ith e ach o ther a nd with the entrepreneur and Nbetter ancy Plesnarski plan to open copreneurship, mw ore are For or worse

Husband and ife cbouples usiness partners Skip While there is little data on

lifestyle.

He shared the notion with his wife Kristine. a m en’s h air alon i n t he T own There are rs oughly 4 million family-­‐owned business in the U.S., with more than 1.4 million of making t he l eap, s aid A lisa H arrison,

And t hey c ouldn't b e h appier, e namored w ith e ach o ther a nd w ith t he e ntrepreneurial Skip and Nancy Plesnarski plan to open

copreneurship, more couples are those being run by a husband-­‐and-­‐wife team, according to recent data from the Bureau of “I thought he was cuckoo for cocoa puffs,” she Labor tatistics. nd while aosk ne muight ove/work ombo ight be too much of a lifestyle.

"A lSot odf evelopment. pAeople s hassume ow wthe e ld o it, hcow wme can be together so much," Todd Welke Brookhaven ice p resident f the Town said. a mv en’s hair salon oin making the leap, said Alisa Harrison, senior good thing, many couples find working with a shared professional passion can keep

relationships vibrant as well -­‐-­‐ if you do it right.

But a fter w eighing t he r isk o f K en t rying t o communications aevelopment. nd ask muarketing ao t it, how we can be together Brookhaven d senior vice president of "But s "A l ot o f p eople s h ow w e d o m uch," T odd W elke s ays. w hen y ou're m arried, y ou g o t hrough a

l ot o f c hanges i n life, buying a house, ha get another corporate job and starting a Relationship experts Gene and Julie Gates of the Working Couple Network website have business, and after learning F more about International ranchise Association. kids. look taalk-­‐show t going into s jcust another one of those things that you can wo made the In ational circuit and b wusiness ritten numerous olumns on the subject.

They communications and marketing at aafter CMIT, Kristine came around. She especially describe t hemselves a s a

" well-­‐oiled c ouple m achine" w orking t ogether f or 1 7 y ears a s Married to the job: More couples go into business "But hen you're in life, tb uying a house, having through ogether." having the chance to sw pend more time married, you go through a lot of changes on-­‐air radio personalities -­‐-­‐ they had an afternoon show on 101.3-­‐FM in San Francisco in International Franchise Association. like with Ken and being able to wn into business as just another one oCouples work together and make it work kids.

I clontrol ook taheir t gooing f the t hose hings that you an work early 2t000s -­‐-­‐ awho nd are now in tc he restaurant business. destiny. Ag lso, she could nvision passing on of the year award and often up on stage it’s a husband and “We ive at hree feranchisee

"The through together."

For b1etter the business to their children.

No. question owr e gw et orse every day is, 'How on earth do you work together without killing and last Todd Welke,

each other?' " Gene Gates says. "Sure, there are days we step oMaitjian n each other's nerve.

But of Saratoga, are

wife t eam,” H arrison s aid.

“We give a franchisee of the year award and often up on stage it’s a husband and While the benefits of husband-­‐wife a devoted married couple going hand-­‐in-­‐ better olr waorse There are roughly 4 million family-­‐owned usiness U.S., with can be For numerous, mixing ove nd work can also magnify differences — hand tb hrough life ain nd tfhe ace-­‐to-­‐face at more than 1.4 m businesses wife team,” Harrison said. in the worst cases leading to the end of the marriage, the business, or both. work. those being run by a husband-­‐and-­‐wife team, according to recent data from the Bur

What’s driving the trend?

There are roughly 4 million family-­‐owned business in the U.S., w ith more Atnd han .4 moillion of assume the love/work combo might be too mu Labor Statistics. w1hile ne might "Quite literally," Maitjian says, laughing. those being run by a husband-­‐and-­‐wife team, according tgood o recent data from the Bureau f

thing, many couples find woorking with a isn hared professional What’s driving the trend?

"We work the same office and our passion can keep Labor Statistics. And while one might assume the love/work ombo e taoo uch their relationships vight ibrant s wmell -­‐-­‐ ioif f n yaou ddesks o it rface ight. each other. So it's pretty Some wcant mmore fblexibility good thing, many couples find working with a shared important that we get along." professional passion can keep

Some see iGt ene as aand wJulie ay Gto relationships vibrant s well -­‐-­‐ if you it right. schedule.

Relationship experts ates of the Working Couple Network website h Some want m ore falexibility in do their Luckily, they do. Married for 18 years,

made the national wdritten umerous from columns control their own tdalk-­‐show estiny. circuit Some hope and they ivorced nthemselves their on the subject. T schedule.

S ome s ee i t a s a

w ay t o

Relationship experts Gene and Julie Gates of the Working Couple N etwork website have high-­‐powered tech jobs in together for 17 describe themselves as a "well-­‐oiled cindividual ouple machine" after working to cFrom reate aadio fainancial haven left, Todd nd Maitjian W elke, owners of f or their control their own destiny.

Some ope numerous 2009 and started sthow he San Jn ose-­‐based CMIT made the national talk-­‐show circuit and wh ritten c olumns o n t he s ubject.

T hey on-­‐air r p ersonalities -­‐ -­‐ t hey h ad a n a fternoon o 1 01.3-­‐FM in San Francis CMIT Solutions, at their offices in San Jose, Calif., on Solutions of Southwest Silicon Valley, an children.

A2nd some ant all f s trhe as a h "well-­‐oiled couple machine" aTuesday fter together fw or 17 years ug.

0, 2013. the weAorking arly 2000s -­‐-­‐ and are now in oathe estaurant business. to describe create themselves a financial aven for their IT service provider for small and on-­‐air radio personalities -­‐-­‐ they had an afternoon above. show on 101.3-­‐FM in San Francisco in midsized businesses. children.

And some want all of the the early 2000s -­‐-­‐ and are now in the restaurant business.

"The No. 1 question we get every day i s, 'How on earth do you work together withou Goal: And they couldn't be happier, enamored with each other and with the entrepreneurial above.

each other?' " Gene Gates says.

"Sure, there are days we step on each other's last ner Goal: Showcase the Spotlight CMIT Solutions lifestyle.

When Skip Plesnarski, 62, and his "The No. 1 question we get every day is, 'How on earth do you work together without killing each other?' " Gene CMIT Gates says. "Sure, there are days w e "A step opn eople eopportunity ach o1, ther's last Be ut lN ot oancy, f a6 sk us m how w e do n ierve. t, how w cto an lbast e tgrow ogether so much," opportunity that as an a Todd Welke says. wife, ade t he l eap When Skip Plesnarski, 62, and his

year, "But hen you're married, you go through lot of changes in life, buying a house, having twhey were looking to dao four wife, N ancy, 6 1, m ade t he l eap l ast kids. I look at going into business aa s just another one of those things that you can work Solutions provides to couples. things: business with loved sttabilize and build their one. year, they were looking to do four through ogether."

retirement assets, have aflexibility, recoup their investment in three years and things: stabilize nd build their For better or worse

remain entally and in physically active venture. retirement assets, have flexibility, recoup their minvestment three years and in a business There are roughly 4 million family-­‐owned business in the U.S., with more than 1.4 million of those being run by a husband-­‐and-­‐wife team, according to recent data from the Bureau of remain mentally and physically active in a business venture.

Labor Statistics. And while one might assume the love/work combo might be too much of a

By Gracie Bonds Staples -­‐ The Atlanta Journal-­‐Constitution

Sometime in April, Skip and Nancy Plesnarski will open 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon in the Towne Brookhaven shopping center.

The upscale grooming salon will be the Buckhead couple’s first foray into copreneurship — the term coined for partnering in love and work.

Husband and wife business partners While there is little data on Skip and Nancy Plesnarski plan to open copreneurship, more couples are a men’s hair salon in the Town making the leap, said Alisa Harrison, Brookhaven development. senior vice president of communications and marketing at International Franchise Association.

“We give a franchisee of the year award and often up on stage it’s a husband and wife team,” Harrison said.

What’s driving the trend?

Some want more flexibility in their schedule. Some see it as a way to control their own destiny. Some hope to create a financial haven for their children. And some want all of the above.

When Skip Plesnarski, 62, and his wife, Nancy, 61, made the leap last year, they were looking to do four things: stabilize and build their retirement assets, have flexibility, recoup their investment in three years and remain mentally and physically active in a business venture.

MARRIED TO THE JOB: MORE COUPLES GO INTO BUSINESS

10

CMIT SOLUTIONS MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

COUPLES WHO WORK TOGETHER AND MAKE IT WORK

good thing, many couples find working with a shared professional passion can keep relationships vibrant as well -­‐-­‐ if you do it right.

Relationship experts Gene and Julie Gates of the Working Couple Network website have made the national talk-­‐show circuit and written numerous columns on the subject. They describe themselves as a "well-­‐oiled couple machine" after working together for 17 years as on-­‐air radio personalities -­‐-­‐ they had an afternoon show on 101.3-­‐FM in San Francisco in the early 2000s -­‐-­‐ and are now in the restaurant business.

"The No. 1 question we get every day is, 'How on earth do you work together without killing

COUPLES IN NETWORK

11

CMIT SOLUTIONS

SUPPORTS

THOSE WHO HAVE

SACRIFICED COUNTRY FOR

OUR

SECURED

2,000,000+ IMPRESSIONS

People and places: Chris Albright People and places: People Chris Albright and places: Chris Albright

Retiring from the military to launch a

Retiring from the military to launch a career in the civilian sector be “a very career in thecan civilian sector can be “a very Retiring from the military to launch a difficult transition,” according Chris Albright, a former infantry machine gunner according Chris difficult transition,” who served in the U.S.very Marines Corps for career in the civilian sector can be “a more than two decades. A tight job market former infantry machine gunner has made things evena he said. difficult transition,” accordingAlbright, Chris harder, Albright began looking at employment who served in the U.S. Marines Corps for options in March,gunner anticipating his June Albright, a former infantry machine retirement. While serving with the more than for two decades. A tight job market Marines, Corps he spent three years in Sao who served in the U.S. Marines Paulo and Shanghai, guarding U.S. has consulatesmade and securing things sensitive more than two decades. A tight job market even harder, he said. information and equipment. He also held executive-level positions in physical

security, management, has made things even harder, heoperations said. logistics and planning.

Albright began looking at employment With a bachelor’s degree in information technology and a master’s in cybersecurity under his belt, was on track to finish his MBA this summer. options in Albright March, anticipating his June Albright began looking at employment Still, he wrestled with the question, “What’sserving next?” He knew he wanted tothe own a retirement.

While with business but said, “There’s definitely a lot of fear associated with that.” options in March, anticipating hissomeday, June Marines, hemeeting spent years in Sao At a monthly networking with other three veterans, Albright met Phil Trigg, retirement. While serving with the founder of Veterans’ Transition Forum, which connects former members of the military with franchising opportunities.

Trigg told Albright about CMIT Solutions, a Paulo and Shanghai, guarding U.S. national company that provides information technology services to small- and Marines, he spent three years in Sao mid-size businesses. consulates and securing sensitive Paulo and Shanghai, guarding U.S. Early last month, Albright opened CMIT’s newest office, in Centreville, offering information and equipment.

He also held flat-rate, around-the-clock computer maintenance, monitoring and virtual consulates and securing sensitive from the national office and a local bank, he technology packages. With support was up and running in far less time than if he’d started a business from scratch. executive-level positions in physical information and equipment.People He also held Chris Albright and places: security, operations management, executive-level positions in Retiring physical from the military to launch a career in the civilian and sector can be “a very logistics planning. security, operations management,

GIFT OF A LIFETIME

logistics and planning.

PEOPLE AND PLACES: CHRIS ALBRIGHT difficult transition,” according Chris Albright, a former infantry machine gunner who served in the U.S. Marines Corps for more than two decades. A tight job market has made things even harder, he said.

VETERAN’S BUSINESS DREAM GETS LIFT FROM PATRIOTIC DONOR

With a bachelor’s degree in information technology and a master’s in cyberGoal: Show the appreciation security under his belt, Albright was onin track to finish his MBA this summer.

With a bachelor’s degree in information technology and a master’s cyberAlbright began looking at employment

options in March, anticipating his June CMIT Solutions hasunder for our security his belt, Albright on track retirement.was While serving with the to finish his MBA this summer.

Still,he spent he wrestled Marines, three years in Saowith the question, “What’s next?” He knew he wanted to own a Goal: Position CMIT Solutions nation’s heroes.

Paulo and Shanghai, guarding U.S. business someday, butHe said, “There’s definitely a lot consulates and securing sensitive Still, he wrestled with the question, “What’s next?” knew he wanted to own a of fear associated with that.” information and equipment.

He also held as a franchise opportunity that

executive-level positions in physical business someday, but said, “There’s definitely a lot of fear associated with that.” security, operations management, Show the appreciation At a networking withGoal: other veterans, Albright met Phil Trigg, offers veterans a modelmeeting to logistics andmonthly planning. founder of Veterans’ Transition which connects former members With a bachelor’s degree in information technology and a master’sForum, in cyberCMIT Solutions has for our of the leverage their skills.

At a monthly networking meeting with other veterans, Albright met Phil Trigg, security under his belt, Albright was on track to finish his MBA this summer. military withwhich franchising opportunities.

Trigg told Albright about CMIT Solutions, a founder of Veterans’ Transition Forum, connects former members of the Still, he wrestled with the question, “What’s next?” He knew he wanted to own a nation’s heroes.services to small- and national that aprovides information technology business someday, company but said, “There’s definitely lot of fear associated with that.”

12

military with franchising opportunities. Trigg told Albright about CMIT Solutions, a businesses.

At amid-size monthly networking meeting with other veterans, Albright met Phil Trigg, national company that provides technology services founder of information Veterans’ Transition Forum, which connects former members of to the small- and military with franchising opportunities. Trigg told Albright about CMIT Solutions, a mid-size businesses. national company that provides information technology services to small- and Early last month, Albright opened CMIT’s newest office, in Centreville, offering mid-size businesses. flat-rate, around-the-clock maintenance, Early last month, Albright opened CMIT’s newest office,computer in Centreville, offering Early last month, Albright opened CMIT’s newest office, inandCentreville, offering monitoring and virtual flat-rate, around-the-clock computer maintenance, monitoring virtual technology With from the national office and a local bank, he technology packages. Withpackages. support from the national officesupport and a local bank, he flat-rate, around-the-clock computer monitoring was up and runningmaintenance, in far less time than if he’d started a business fromand scratch.virtual CMIT SOLUTIONS MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS was up from and running in faroffice less time if he’d technology packages. With support the national and than a local bank,started he a business from scratch. was up and running in far less time than if he’d started a business from scratch.

VETERANFRIENDLY Malls and shopping centers 23

New: Most social companies 24

TECHFLASH EXTRA

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Why Human Genome Sciences’ buyout was bad for Montgomery County

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BY BILL FLOOK | PAGE 18

TECHFLASH

Billion-dollar baby The region hauled in more than a billion big ones in venture funding in 2013, doubling the previous year’s sum. We break down the totals. BILL FLOOK, 22

INNERLOOP

It’s the private sector, stupid!

The region’s economy grew at a tepid pace last year, thanks to federal cutbacks. Private companies have yet to fill the void. DOUGLAS FRUEHLING, 4

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Texas tech/consultantTexas firm sees business potential in business potential in tech/consultant firm sees

Texas tech/consultant firm sees business potential in Jackson Texas tech/consultant firm sees metro business potential in metro Jackson metro Jackson metro Jackson Firm focuses servingserving small businesses Firm focuses smallfocuses businesses Firm serving small businesses Metro Jackson is a target market for an Austin, Texas, tech support/computer Firm focuses serving small businesses consulting firm that’s looking to grow its business in the Southeast.

Metro Jackson is a target market for an Austin,isTexas, tech support/computer Metro Jackson a target market for an Austin, Texas, tech support/computer CMIT Solutions firm hopes that’s to open four franchise in Hinds and Rankin looking tooffices grow its business in the Southeast. consulting firm that’s looking to grow its business in the Southeast.

Metro Jackson is a target market for an Austin,consulting Texas, tech support/computer counties over the next several years to provide tech support services to small businesses don’t have the resources to perform such functions in-house, consulting firm that’s looking to grow its business in thethat Southeast. said Sheri Vandermause, the firm’s vice president of franchise development.

CMIT Solutions hopes to open four offices CMITfranchise Solutions hopesintoHinds openand fourRankin franchise offices in Hinds and Rankin counties over stage the next several toleast provide small tech support services to small counties over thetech nextsupport severalservices years totoprovide “I’m in the right now.

We’d like years to open (at one local office) CMIT Solutions hopes to open four franchise offices inresearch Hinds and Rankin by the end of 2013,” withdon’t the others to follow over the next yearto or two, businesses that have the resources perform such functions in-house, businesses that don’t have the resources to perform such functions in-house, counties over the next several years to provide Vandermause tech support services to small said. “We want to expand our footprint. We see the area as a said of franchise development. marketSheri that we Vandermause, want to get the into.” firm’s said vice Sheripresident Vandermause, the firm’s vice president of franchise development. businesses that don’t have the resources to perform suchdesperately functions in-house, said Sheri Vandermause, the firm’s vice president of franchise development.

The company currently operates 15 offices in Louisiana, Kentucky and Georgia.

“I’m in the research stage right “I’m now.inWe’d like to open (at right leastnow. one local the research stage We’doffice) like to open (at least one local office) Small businesses form a key component of both metro’s and Mississippi’s by the end of 2013,” with the others toend follow over the next or two, bythethe of 2013,” with theyear others to follow over the next year or two, “I’m in the research stage right now. We’d like to openbase, (at creating least one locallarge office) economic a potentially client base for CMIT, Vandermause Vandermause said.

“We to expand our footprint.

We see the area as a footprint. We see the area as a said. But downtown Jackson’s clutch want of core industries like government, Vandermause said.

“We want to expand our by the end of 2013,” with the others to follow over the next year or two, medicine and financial desperately institutions — and its statusto as get the home of national and market that into.” that we desperately want to get into.” regional corporations’ operations could potentially provide a deep Vandermause said. “We want to expand our footprint.

We we seeMississippi the area as want a —market well of potential franchisers to operate the local offices. market that we desperately want to get into.”

The company operates 15 company offices in currently Louisiana, Kentucky Georgia.

The 15and offices in Louisiana, Kentucky and Georgia.

“Mississippi definitelycurrently has a talent pool of entrepreneurs that are tech-savvy and operates

By Cindy Kent, Staff writer are ready to launch, people who get it,” added Ron Aldridge, director of the Kentucky andBusiness’ Georgia.

National Federation of Independent Mississippi chapter.

8:34 p.m. EDT, March 27, 2014 The company currently operates 15 offices in Louisiana, Small businesses form a key component of both the metro’s and Mississippi’s Small businesses form a key component of both the metro’s and Mississippi’s Who: Barbara Adams, 39, president of CMIT Solutions of Hollywood, recently became the Vandermause said she’screating looking for “escapees” from the large world of client big business economic base, a potentially base for CMIT, Vandermause newest director of the board for the Hallandale Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. economic base, creating a potentially large client base for CMIT, Vandermause who havemetro’s “lived the corporate life” but are now ready to go into business for Small businesses form a key component of both the and Mississippi’s said.

But downtown Jackson’s clutch of core industries like government, themselves. said.

But downtown Jackson’s clutch of core industries like government,

economic base, creating a potentially large client base for CMIT, Vandermause

medicinelike andgovernment, financial institutions — andand its status as institutions the home of—national medicine financial and its and status as the home of national and said. But downtown Jackson’s clutch of core industries Initially at least, each localfirm officesees would business be mobile, traveling to eachin client’s Texas tech/consultant potential regional corporations’ operations — could Mississippi potentially provide a deep regional corporations’ operations — could potentially provide a deep headquarters to get a sense itsMississippi needs and fulfill them. medicine and financial institutions — and its status as the home ofofnational and metro Jackson of potential franchisers operate the local franchisers offices. well of potential to operate the local offices. regional corporations’ Mississippi operations —well could potentially provide a to deep Firm focuses serving small businesses well of potential franchisers to operate the local offices.

“Mississippi definitely has a talent pool of entrepreneurs are tech-savvy and “Mississippi definitely hasthat a talent pool of entrepreneurs that are tech-savvy and Metro Jackson is a target market for an Austin, Texas, tech support/computer are ready that to launch, people who getready it,” added Ron Aldridge, director the Ron Aldridge, director of the are to launch, people who get it,”ofadded consulting firm that’s looking to grow its business in and the Southeast.

“Mississippi definitely has a talent pool of entrepreneurs are tech-savvy National Federation of Independent Business’ Mississippi chapter.

National Federation of Independent Business’ Mississippi chapter. are ready to launch, people who get it,” added Ron Aldridge, director of the CMIT Solutions hopes to open four franchise offices in Hinds and Rankin National Federation of Independent Business’ Mississippi chapter. counties over the next several years to provide tech support services to small businesses that don’t have the resources to perform such functions in-house,said Vandermause said she’s looking for “escapees” from thelooking world offor big business from the world of big business Vandermause she’s “escapees” said Sheri Vandermause, the firm’s vice president of franchise development. who have corporate life” are“lived now ready to go into business whobut have the corporate life” but arefor now ready to go into business for Vandermause said she’s looking for “escapees” from the“lived worldthe of big business “I’m in themselves. the research stage right now. We’d like to openthemselves. (at least one local office) who have “lived the corporate life” but are by now ready to with go the into business forthe next year or two, the end of 2013,” others to follow over Vandermause said.

“We want to expand our footprint.

We see the area as a themselves. market that we desperately want to get into.”

Initially at least, each local office wouldatbeleast, mobile, traveling to each client’s Initially each local office would be mobile, traveling to each client’s headquarters to each get aclient’s sense of headquarters itsKentucky needsandand fulfill to getthem. a sense of its needs and fulfill them. company currently operates 15 offices in Louisiana, Georgia.

Initially at least, each local office would beThe mobile, traveling to headquarters to get a sense of its needs and fulfill them.

Small businesses form a key component of both the metro’s and Mississippi’s

ENGAGING FOR BUSINESS TEXAS TECH/ TEXAS’ CMIT SOLUTIONS AND COMMUNITY CONSULTANT FIRM LOOKING FOR A PORTAL SEES BUSINESS POTENTIAL TO THE ABQ MARKET IN METRO JACKSON Goal: Announce office opening in Hollywood, Fla. and bring attention to additional growth focused on the region.

By Cindy Kent, Staff writer

8:34 p.m. EDT, March 27, 2014 Who: Barbara Adams, 39, president of CMIT Solutions of Hollywood, recently became the newest director of the board for the Hallandale Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

economic base, creating a potentially large client base for CMIT, Vandermause said. But downtown Jackson’s clutch of core industries like government, medicine and financial institutions — and its status as the home of national and regional corporations’ Mississippi operations — could potentially provide a deep well of potential franchisers to operate the local offices.

“Mississippi definitely has a talent pool of entrepreneurs that are tech-savvy and are ready to launch, people who get it,” added Ron Aldridge, director of the National Federation of Independent Business’ Mississippi chapter.

Goal: Promote opportunity in Jackson to open a franchise.

Vandermause said she’s looking for “escapees” from the world of big business who have “lived the corporate life” but are now ready to go into business for themselves.

Initially at least, each local office would be mobile, traveling to each client’s headquarters to get a sense of its needs and fulfill them.

14

CMIT SOLUTIONS MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Goal: Announce plan to expand in Albuquerque.

IT outsourcing company CMIT plans franchise expansi

IT outsourcing company CMIT plans franchise expansion in Sacramento IT outsourcing company CMIT plans franchise expansion in Sacramento Austin-based CMIT Solutions is targeting the Sacramento a Austin-based CMIT Solutions is targeting the Sacramento area for five franchises of its outsourced technology services business in the next fewfranchises years. services outsourced information technology business in the Austin-based CMIT Solutions is targeting the information Sacramento area for five of its The company has added 17 new franchises across the country this year, bringing the outsourced information technology services thetonext few years. companybusiness up to 137 locations,in according Sheri Vandermause, vice president of franchise development.

The company has added 17 new franchises across the coun CMIT offers its clients outsourced computer management, storage, help desk and other company to 137their locations, according The company has added 17 new franchises across the country this bringing to theSheri Vanderma services so the clientsup can fully outsource IT needs. year, development.

Its clients tend to be businesses or offices with fewer than 200president employees who decide to company up to 137 locations, according franchise to Sheri Vandermause, vice of outsource computer, networking and technology needs. franchise development.

“We bring the technical resources of a big company to small companies.” Vandermause said. CMIT offers its clients redundant around the clock computer information backup.

CMIT offers its clients outsourced computer management, Founded in 1997, CMIT originally was called Completely Managed IT, but it moved to services so the clients can fully their IT needs.

CMIT offers its clients outsourced computer storage, help outsource desk and other the CMITmanagement, name a decade ago. services so the clients can fully outsourceThetheir ITestablished needs. company has ties with — and its clients get deals from — Intuit Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Dell Inc. Its clients tend to be businesses or offices with fewer than 2 CMIT requires a $50,000 franchise fee and the company likes to see its franchisees have

about $80,000fewer in working capital. computer, Its clients tend to be businesses or officesoutsource with than 200networking employees and whotechnology decide to needs.

The franchisees are not typically technicians or programmers, Vandermause said, adding outsource computer, networking and technology needs. that many have corporate experience with management and finance backgrounds.

“We bring the technical resources of a big company to sma Thor Severson runs an existing 9-year-old CMIT operation based in Carmichael, which is doing business in eastern Sacramento County, Reno and Irvine. It is one of the top three IT outsourcing CMIT franchiseredundant expansion in Sacramento said.

CMIT offers itsplans clients around the clock co “We bring the technical resources of a big company to small companies.”

Vandermause CMIT offices in the company nation.

The new Sacramento region officescomputer would be set up tothe target business in Roseville, said.

CMIT offers its clients redundant around the clock information backup.

Austin-based CMIT Solutions is targeting Sacramento area forElk five franchises of its

Grove, downtown Sacramento, Stockton or elsewhere in the Central Valley, information technology servicesoriginally business in the next fewcalled years.

Vandermause said. in 1997, Founded CMIT was Completely M

outsourced

Start-ups poised for strong growth into Gwinnett in 1997,looks The company alsohas is trying to expand indecade Detroit, Las Vegas, Southern California and year, bringing The company added 17 new franchises across the country this the the CMIT name a ago.

Founded CMIT originally was called Completely Managed IT, but it moved Texas IT company to franchise in Memphis CMIT Solutions bringing offices to Birmingham

Washington, D.C. 2013 Special Focus: Business Outlook & Networking January

up to 137 according to Sheri Vandermause, vice president of

Start-ups poised for strongcompany growth inlocations, Gwinnett

the CMIT name a decade ago. franchise development.

Texas IT company looks to franchise in Memphis ringing offices CMIT to Birmingham Texas IT company looks to franchise MemphisFocus: BusinessStart-ups January 2013inSpecial Outlook & Networking poised for strong growth in Gwinnett Solutions bringing offices to Birmingham

By Michael Sheffield The year 2013 may to be very existing small busines The company has prove established tieskind withto— and its clients ge By: Yann Ranaivo CMIT offers its clients outsourced computer management, storage, help desk and other The year 2013 may prove to be very kind to existing small businesses and new A number of national fr By: Yann Ranaivo companies entering the Gwinnett market.

By Michael Sheffield services so the clients can outsource their IT needs.

The year 2013 may prove to be very kind to existing small businesses and new Microsoft Corp. and Dell Inc. Austin, Texas-based is looking to open infully Memphis, The established ties with multiple —companies andfranchises its clients get deals — Intuit Inc., entering the Gwinnett market.

A numberfrom of national franchises Austin, Texas-based CMITcompany Solutions isCMIT looking has to Solutions open multiple franchises in Memphis, successfully operate their brands here their and othersbrands are exploringhere expansions. successfully operate and others are exploring ex with a goal of having the first location open by the end of 2013.

CMIT Solutions plans to open its first office in Birmingham during the next six companies entering theby Gwinnett market.

A number of national franchises with a goal ofthe having the location open the end of 2013.

CMIT plans to open its first office in Birmingham during next six first and Microsoft Corp.

Dell Inc. Its clients tend to be businesses or offices with fewer than 200 employees who decide to months andSolutions will follow that move with theTexas-based addition of several more local Austin, CMIT Solutions is looking to open franchises inmobile Memphis, CMIT Solutions providesmultiple technology support for computers, devices and tablets, successfully operate their brands here and computer, others are exploring expansions. branches. outsource andof technology “Gwinnett County has anetworking growing number thriving small needs. businesses that need and currentlymore has 137 offices around the U.S., employing an estimated 700 technicians, months and will follow that move with the addition of several local CMIT requires a $50,000 franchise fee with a goal of having the first location open by the end of 2013. open its first office in Birmingham during the next six marketing support,” says Ralph Askar,tablets, president and CEO, Instant Imprints.

“Weand the company lik according Sheri Vandermause, the company’s vice president of franchise CMIT toSolutions provides technology support for computers, mobile devices and Jason Gilbreth of Allpoints PR, CMIT’s public relations firm, told me that the know that as competition grows in has the area, will need our services.of We thriving small busine development. The company has 10 locations in Georgia and Kentucky, but none in branches.

“Gwinnett County aabusinesses growing number “We bring the technical resources big see company tofranchisees small companies.”

Vandermause Austin-based tech and computer consulting about $80,000 inlikes working capital. at move with the addition of several more localcompany targeted the Birmingham haveestimated plans in place to 700 rapidly expand ourof presence here.”

Tennessee.

When it opens the requires Memphis franchise,athat location willthe be the first. and currently has 137 offices around U.S., employing an technicians, CMIT $50,000 franchise fee and the company to its have area for growth after experiencing much success in other southern states and said.

CMIT offers support,” its clients redundant around the Askar, clock computer information backup.

CMIT Solutions provides technology support for computers, mobile devices and tablets, marketing Ralph president and CEO, Instan “Gwinnett County has a growing of businesses that need cities. according Sheri Vandermause, the company’s vice number president of thriving franchisesmallsays Vandermause saidto the company specializes in providing support for small businesses about $80,000 in working capital.

Sheri Vandermause, head of franchise development for CMIT Solutions, and currently has 137 offices around the U.S., employing an estimated 700 technicians, Jason Gilbreth of Allpoints PR, CMIT’s public relationswith firm, me The that the 100 ortold fewer employees.

A local franchise would provide 24/7 tech support. know competition grows in theManaged area, businesses will need development. company has 10three locations in and Kentucky, but none marketing support,” Ralph Askar, president and CEO, Instant Imprints.

“WeIT, Founded inthat 1997, as CMIT originally was called Completely but it moved to comments, “Gwinnett business ownersin have clearly taken a shine to our services.

A statement from Gilbreth said CMIT has more than 15 offices in Georgia, Franchises cost $49,950 and franchisees should have between and says five years of Georgia The franchisees are not typically technicians or programme according to Sheri Vandermause, the company’s vice president of franchise WeCMIT have aplans strong presence in ago. the market locally and areexpand looking to build off that Austin-based and computer consulting theThey Birmingham business experience. don’t have to have a background in technology.

Kentucky and Louisiana. tech He said the company has a particularly strong presencecompany targeted have in place to rapidly our presence here.” the name a decade Tennessee.

When it opens theasMemphis franchise, that will be the first. know that competition grows in location the area, will need our services.

We s PR, CMIT’s public relations me that the momentum inbusinesses 2013.” in New Orleans, firm, La., and told Atlanta. development.

The company has 10 locations in Georgia and Kentucky, but none in area for growth after experiencing much success in other southern states and “They can hire that support, but they should understand the not impact technology has on a technicians that many have corporate experiencesaid, withadding management and The franchisees are or programmers, Vandermause plans in placetypically to rapidly expand presence here.” omputer consulting company targeted the Birmingham business,” Vandermause said. have Theour company has established ties with — and its clients get deals from — Intuit Inc., Gilbreth CMIT’s Birmingham office will start as an in-house it location and the Memphis franchise, Tennessee.

When opens that location will be the first.

“Gwinnett County is an ideal market for new business growth – there aren’t many cities.

Vandermause said thehave company specializes in providing support for small businesses eventually move to ansouthern actual office to accommodate staff and service growth.

Microsoft Corp. andsays Dell Inc. eriencing much success in other states and thatstaff many corporate experience with and finance likemanagement it in the country,” Kent Reed, business transfer backgrounds. specialist for Murphy The company’s support would help franchisees launch their businesses, but they While the company has plans to provide services in Birmingham, it is also Sheri Vandermause, head of franchise development for CMIT Sol with 100 or fewer employees.

A local franchise would provide 24/7 tech support.

Business & Financial Corporation.

“It’s a region where business, housing, retail will hire as many as seven local technicians as the business grows. CMIT also has targeting areas such as Mobile and Florence for future growth.

Thor Severson runs existing 9-year-old CMIT operation Vandermause said the company specializes in providing for small businesses and entertainment come together to forman a bustling andcompany vibrant local economy. with Dell Inc. support and Intuit Inc. to provide and software support.

CMIT requires a $50,000 franchise fee the likes to see itsclearly franchisees have “Those are also attractive markets,” he said. comments, “Gwinnett business owners have taken a shine Franchises $49,950 andhardware franchisees should between three and years ofand A statement from Gilbreth said CMIT has more than 15partnerships offices in cost Georgia, Plus, the values of both the five business and residential communities are strong.”

Sheri Vandermause, head of have franchise development for CMIT Solutions, with 100 or fewer employees. A local franchise would provide 24/7 tech support. about $80,000 in working capital.

“A small, local company can have the benefits of our national partnerships,” she said. doing business in eastern Sacramento County, Reno and Irv We have a strong presence in the market locally and are looking t Thor Severson runs an existing 9-year-old CMIT operation based in Carmichael, which is business experience.

They don’t have to have a background in technology.

CMIT provides services toLouisiana. businesses that make highsaid volumethe use ofcompany tech tools Kentucky and He has a particularly strong presence comments, “Gwinnett business owners have clearly taken a shine to our services.

“We’re looking for the right people in Tennessee, and our overall goal is to be a h said CMIT has moresuch than 15 offices Georgia, cost $49,950 and franchisees should have between three and five years of as computers, tablets Franchises andin smartphones, all of which require regular Kona Ice Founder and President Tony Lamb agrees. “Gwinnett County is an nationally recognized company that can provide resources to small businesses at better momentum in 2013.”

The franchisees are not typically technicians programmers, Vandermause said, adding New Orleans, La., andexperience.

Atlanta.

CMIT offices in the nation. upgrades, said. Having a separate team completely in charge of tech doing business eastern Sacramento County, Reno and Irvine.

Itinto isorGwinnett onethatof the top three We havein a strong presence in the market locally are looking build off that attractive market.

Weand have one existing franchisee is doing prices.” a background business They don’t have to have in technology.

He said the companyin has aGilbreth particularly strong helps businesses boost performance, he said. presence extremely well.

Given the number of growing families in town, Kona Ice plans to that impact many havetechnology corporate experience withamanagement and finance backgrounds.

“They can hire thatmomentum support, but in they should understand the has on 2013.” add two to three trucks in the market in the coming months.”

CMIT offices said. in the nation.

Atlanta. business,” Vandermause “Businesses are filled with those (consulting) businesses, and there’s a growing Gilbreth CMIT’s Birmingham office will start anshould in-house location and Thor Severson runs an existing 9-year-old CMIT operation based in Carmichael, which is “They can hire that support, butas they understand the impact technology has on a

number of businesses in town,” he said.

“We’re always continuing to upgrade The new Sacramento region offices be set growth up to targ “Gwinnett County is an forwould new business – th Another national brand planning a Gwinnett presence market isReno Children’s

computers, tablets and cell phones, which create a lot of headaches and staff and service growth. doing business in eastern Sacramento ideal County, and Lighthouse Irvine.

It is one of the top three move totoan actual office to accommodate business,” Vandermause said.

Solutions bringing offices Birmingham Learning Center. According to Stephen Dixon, vice president of franchise

frustration for small business owners.” am office will start CMIT aseventually an in-house location and The company’s support staff would help franchisees launch their businesses, butSacramento, they like itpoised in the country,” says Reed, business transfer specialist CMIT offices in the nation.

Grove, downtown Stockton orElk elsewhere in th Texas IT company looks to franchise development, “We know that families are selecting theGwinnett area in ever-increasing Theit isnew Sacramento region offices would be set up to target business in Roseville, “Gwinnett County isin anMemphis ideal market for new business growth –inKent there aren’t many Start-ups for strong growth While the company has plans to provide services in Birmingham, also numbers and there is a strong need for educational childcare.

Our long-term plan tual office to accommodate and service growth. will hire as many as seven local technicians as the business grows.

CMIT also has January 2013 Special Focus: Business Outlook & Networking “It’s a region where business, h Gilbreth saidstaff CMIT’s client typically employ from five to 90 employees.

Business Financial Corporation. is tobusiness open seven to& 10transfer franchised locations and we are looking to bring around like businesses, it in the Sacramento, country,” saysStockton Kent Reed, specialist for Vandermause said.

The company’s support staff would franchisees launch but they targeting areasbase such Mobile and Florence forhelp future growth.

Grove, downtown ornew elsewhere in the Central Valley, The Sacramento region offices would be set upMurphy to target business in Roseville, Elk By Michael Sheffield 200 jobs to Gwinnett County.” partnerships with their Dell Inc. and Intuit Inc. to provide hardware and software support. plans to provide services in Birmingham, it as is also and entertainment come together to form bustling and vibrant l yeara 2013 may prove to be very kind to existing small businesses andanew Grove, downtown Sacramento, Stockton or housing, elsewhere in the Central Valley, Business & Financial “It’s region where business, retail will hire as many as seven local technicians as the business grows.

CMIT also has Corporation.The “Those are also attractive markets,” he said. companies entering the Gwinnett market.

A number of national franchises Vandermause said.

Austin, Texas-based CMIT Solutions is looking to open multiple franchises in Memphis, Mobile and Florence for future growth.

Vandermause said.

Plus, the values oflike both the business and residential communities Reed adds, “While it would seem the deck is stacked against business growth partnerships with Dell Inc. and Intuit Inc. with to provide hardware and software support. successfully operate their brands here and others are exploring expansions. and entertainment come together to form a bustling and vibrant local economy. a goal of having first locationcan open have by the end 2013.

“A small, localthecompany theofbenefits of our national partnerships,” she said. e markets,” he said.

The company also is trying to expand in Detroit, Las Vegas Plus, thepeople valuesinofTennessee, both the business and residential communities areLasstrong.”

The company alsoisis to trying toaexpand in Detroit, Vegas, Southern California and CMIT provides services to businesses that make high volume use offor tech “We’re looking thetools right andand our overall goal be CMIT Solutions provides technology support for computers, mobile devices tablets, “Gwinnett County has a growing numberSouthern of thriving smallCalifornia businesses that need Washington, D.C. “A small, local company can have the benefits of our national partnerships,” she said.

Washington, D.C. The company also is trying to expand in Detroit, Las Vegas, and such as computers, smartphones, all of which require regular company that cananprovide to small at president better andnationally currently hasrecognized 137 offices around the U.S., employing estimatedresources 700 technicians, marketing support,” says Ralph Askar, and CEO, InstantLamb Imprints. agrees.

“We Icebusinesses Founder and President Tony “Gwinnett Co o businesses that make high volume“We’re use tablets oflooking tech and tools for the right people in Tennessee, our overall the goal is to be a president of franchise knowKona according to and Sheri Vandermause, company’s vice that as competition grows in the area, businesses will need our services. We Washington, D.C. prices.” said.

Having a separate team completely in charge of tech Weourhave one existing franchisee in Gwinnett th The company 10 locations in Georgia Kentucky, but nonehave in attractive plans in place tomarket. rapidly expand presence here.” ts and smartphones, upgrades, all of whichGilbreth require regular nationally recognized company that can development. provide resources tohas small businesses atand better

January 2013 Special Focus: Business Outlook & Networking

By Michael Sheffield

By: Yann Ranaivo

CMIT Solutions plans to open its first office in Birmingham during the next six months and will follow that move with the addition of several more local branches.

Jason Gilbreth of Allpoints PR, CMIT’s public relations firm, told me that the Austin-based tech and computer consulting company targeted the Birmingham area for growth after experiencing much success in other southern states and cities.

A statement from Gilbreth said CMIT has more than 15 offices in Georgia, Kentucky and Louisiana. He said the company has a particularly strong presence in New Orleans, La., and Atlanta.

Kona Ice Founder and President Tony Lamb agrees. “Gwinnett County is an CMIT’s Birmingham office will start asboost an in-house location and helps businesses performance, he said.

Tennessee. When it opens the Memphis franchise, that location will be the first. extremely well.inGiven the number of growing families in town, Ko Having a separate Gilbreth team completely in charge tech prices.” eventually move to an actual office to accommodate staff andof service growth. attractive market. We have one existing franchisee Gwinnett that is doing While the company has plans to provide services in Birmingham, it is also Sheriadd Vandermause, head of franchise development CMIT Solutions, targeting areas such as Mobile and Florence for future growth. two to three trucks in Kona the for market in theservices. coming months.”

Vandermause said the company specializeswell. in providing support small businesses performance, he said.

Given thefornumber of growing families town, Ice plans comments, “Gwinnett business in owners have clearly taken a shine to ourto “Those are also attractive markets,” he said.

“Businesses are filled with those (consulting) businesses, there’s a extremely growing with 100 and or fewer employees.

A local franchise would provide 24/7 tech support.We have a strong presence in the market locally and are looking to build off that two to three in the in the coming months.”

CMIT provides services to businesses that make high volume use of tech tools Franchises cost $49,950 andadd franchisees should havetrucks between three and market five years of momentum in 2013.” of businesses in town,” he said.

“We’re always continuing to upgrade suchnumber as computers, tablets and smartphones, all of which require regular business experience. They don’t have to have a background in technology. h those (consulting)upgrades, businesses, ain charge growing 15 Gilbreth said. Having and a separatethere’s team completely of tech helpscomputers, businesses boost performance, he said. and cell phones, which create a lot of headaches and tablets Another national brand planning a Gwinnett presence is Children town,” he said. “We’re always continuing to upgrade “Gwinnett “They can hire that support, but they should understand the impact technology has on a County is an ideal market for new business growth – there aren’t many “Businesses are filled with those (consulting) businesses, and there’s a owners.” growing frustration for small business Learning Center.

According to Stephen Dixon, vice president of fr it in the country,” says Kent Reed, business transfer specialist for Murphy number of businesses town,”headaches he said. “We’re always continuing Another national brand planning alikeGwinnett presence is Children’s Lighthouse business,” Vandermause said. ell phones, which create a lotinof and to upgrade computers, tablets and cell phones, which create a lot of headaches and Business & Financial Corporation. a region where business, housing, retail development, “We “It’s know that families are selecting the area in eve frustration for small business owners.”

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