MarketSphere Consulting LLC (“MarketSphere”), a business advisory and technology firm and leader in talent management consulting, announced today their partnership with Triviumsoft, whose breakthrough technologies empower customers with an unprecedented ability to collect and analyze Talent data.
The unique talent analysis software delivers visual depictions of a company’s current and future talent composition based on positions and employee competencies. Looking to the future, companies will need to have this refined view of talent and mission-critical job needs in order to align their workforce with their business demands.
The partnership will allow MarketSphere clients to gain visibility into current and future talent needs and provide visibility into the appropriate allocation of talent across the workforce channels of direct, contract, and project. This gives clients the information needed to identify and address talent gaps, allocate resources for profitability, and plan for future talent requirements.
“We are very excited to expand our analytical capabilities with this state of the art software,” said Tom Kane, Practice Director of MarketSphere. “It allows us to deepen our view of the workforce supply and gaps in a very short time, and thus enhance our client’s solution for integrated talent development and management.”
By combining the best-in-breed technology provided by Triviumsoft and the most comprehensive consulting service, our clients obtain a roadmap to manage their talent for need and profitability.
“Current business environment pressures companies to make the right informed talent decisions very fast, and our software allows just that,” says Pierre Kergall, COO of Triviumsoft. “We are very excited to partner with MarketSphere, and provide an integrated solution supplying rapid value to clients. MarketSphere is known for their edge in HR Transformation and Management Consulting, and this partnership brings strong support for our business.”
About MarketSphere
MarketSphere was founded with a simple vision: to be the most respected business advisor in the markets it serves. Its partners and associates provide solutions that address a broad range of process, technology, and organizational needs within the finance, human resources, supply chain, and sales and marketing functions, with specialization in strategic business performance, technology integration, and enterprise transformation initiatives. Learn more at www.marketsphere.com.
About Triviumsoft
Triviumsoft is a leading provider of competency-based talent Management software solutions. As organizations increasingly need to go beyond ‘people quantities’ (headcount/job) and look at their ‘qualities’ (skills, experience, and motivations), Triviumsoft brings innovative software to discover, optimize and develop Talent. Triviumsoft solutions are used by many Global 200 organizations in an array of industries, including consulting services, financial services, IT, government, manufacturing and telecommunications. Triviumsoft was founded in 1992 and has offices in Europe and the United States.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants Building Structures Intern Receives LEED Accreditation
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants is pleased to announce that Dan Hesington, building structures intern, has recently received his Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) AP accreditation through the U.S. Green Building Council.
Hesington, a senior at Penn State University, is obtaining a bachelor of architectural engineering with an emphasis in structural design. In his third summer interning for the firm, he is working on a variety of structural projects and gaining tangible experience in both the design and consulting aspect of engineering. “It feels great to pass both my fundamentals of engineering and LEED AP exam before graduating from college,” says Hesington.
LEED accreditation is a designation that demonstrates an individual’s thorough understanding of green building principles and the LEED Green Building Rating System. The building rating system encourages and accelerates the global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
About Mulkey Engineers & Consultants
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants is a full-service engineering firm helping clients transform everyday challenges into everyday achievements. The firm employs 150-plus employees with offices in Raleigh, Cary and Charlotte, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Jacksonville, Fla. Services include land development, building structures, surveying, subsurface utility engineering, special inspections, environmental services, transportation and construction services. The firm serves both public and private clients including municipalities, state departments of transportation, colleges and universities, local and national architects and developers, commercial entities and community organizations. To learn more, visit www.mulkeyinc.com.
Hesington, a senior at Penn State University, is obtaining a bachelor of architectural engineering with an emphasis in structural design. In his third summer interning for the firm, he is working on a variety of structural projects and gaining tangible experience in both the design and consulting aspect of engineering. “It feels great to pass both my fundamentals of engineering and LEED AP exam before graduating from college,” says Hesington.
LEED accreditation is a designation that demonstrates an individual’s thorough understanding of green building principles and the LEED Green Building Rating System. The building rating system encourages and accelerates the global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
About Mulkey Engineers & Consultants
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants is a full-service engineering firm helping clients transform everyday challenges into everyday achievements. The firm employs 150-plus employees with offices in Raleigh, Cary and Charlotte, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Jacksonville, Fla. Services include land development, building structures, surveying, subsurface utility engineering, special inspections, environmental services, transportation and construction services. The firm serves both public and private clients including municipalities, state departments of transportation, colleges and universities, local and national architects and developers, commercial entities and community organizations. To learn more, visit www.mulkeyinc.com.
Xerion Consulting Launches Strategic Partners Program for Florida CPA Firms
Xerion Consulting recently launched its new Strategic Partners Program with a unique offer: be one of the first 10 to join its nascent program and receive a bundle of free perks such as Sage MAS 90 accounting software, training and CPE.
The Strategic Partners Program, begun earlier this year, targets smaller CPA firms not interested in pursuing accounting and business software consulting. Because they are trusted advisors to small businesses, however, CPA's are often asked to evaluate software. Unfortunately, practical training on how to judge, select and purchase advanced accounting and business software is not readily available.
"We started the Strategic Partners Program to give CPA firms in Jacksonville and surrounding North Florida and South Georgia more options to help customers needing new accounting and business software," states Gary Kangas, president of Xerion. "Many CPA firms simply don't have time to learn software technology, stay current on accounting software industry trends or attend expensive software certification training. Ideal candidates for our partner program have customers close to outgrowing entry-level accounting software like QuickBooks or Peachtree."
The program benefits small CPA firms in a variety of ways. "The first 10 CPA firms to join will receive a free membership to the Sage Software Accountants Network, a $499 value," says Kangas. "The Sage Accountants Software Accountants Network alone provides a 5-user MAS 90 accounting software license, 10 support cases, and a Sage Member Locator web listing."
Rather than competing against CPA's, Xerion designed the program to work directly with them. Additional program benefits include project revenue-sharing; tax, audit and write-up business referrals; increased customer satisfaction; and a new extension of service offerings. "CPA's in North Florida and South Georgia have always been a great source of accounting and business software referrals so this program is simply a way to reward their ongoing consideration," Kangas says. "Our hope is to finish filling up the first 10 partner slots by October 31, getting the program off to a solid start," adds Kangas.
About Xerion Consulting
Xerion Consulting is an authorized Sage business partner specializing in accounting and operational software products like Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200, as well SageCRM, Sage's award-winning customer relationship management software. Based in Jacksonville, Xerion serves customers in North Florida and South Georgia with solutions for industries in healthcare, distribution, light manufacturing, non-profits and financial institutions. Learn more at www.xerionconsulting.net or by calling (904) 322-7727.
The Strategic Partners Program, begun earlier this year, targets smaller CPA firms not interested in pursuing accounting and business software consulting. Because they are trusted advisors to small businesses, however, CPA's are often asked to evaluate software. Unfortunately, practical training on how to judge, select and purchase advanced accounting and business software is not readily available.
"We started the Strategic Partners Program to give CPA firms in Jacksonville and surrounding North Florida and South Georgia more options to help customers needing new accounting and business software," states Gary Kangas, president of Xerion. "Many CPA firms simply don't have time to learn software technology, stay current on accounting software industry trends or attend expensive software certification training. Ideal candidates for our partner program have customers close to outgrowing entry-level accounting software like QuickBooks or Peachtree."
The program benefits small CPA firms in a variety of ways. "The first 10 CPA firms to join will receive a free membership to the Sage Software Accountants Network, a $499 value," says Kangas. "The Sage Accountants Software Accountants Network alone provides a 5-user MAS 90 accounting software license, 10 support cases, and a Sage Member Locator web listing."
Rather than competing against CPA's, Xerion designed the program to work directly with them. Additional program benefits include project revenue-sharing; tax, audit and write-up business referrals; increased customer satisfaction; and a new extension of service offerings. "CPA's in North Florida and South Georgia have always been a great source of accounting and business software referrals so this program is simply a way to reward their ongoing consideration," Kangas says. "Our hope is to finish filling up the first 10 partner slots by October 31, getting the program off to a solid start," adds Kangas.
About Xerion Consulting
Xerion Consulting is an authorized Sage business partner specializing in accounting and operational software products like Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200, as well SageCRM, Sage's award-winning customer relationship management software. Based in Jacksonville, Xerion serves customers in North Florida and South Georgia with solutions for industries in healthcare, distribution, light manufacturing, non-profits and financial institutions. Learn more at www.xerionconsulting.net or by calling (904) 322-7727.
CC Consulting Expands Service Offering
CC Consulting, a leading business and management consulting firm in the Northeast today announced the addition of a new Affirmative Action Plan Development Service.
Companies with 50 or more employees may be required to have a written Affirmative Action plan (AAP). Furthermore, the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) requires the complex and time-consuming review and updating of the AAPs on an annual basis. "This is something that companies realize they need to prepare," stated Celia Couture, president. "But most often this responsibility rests with the Human Resource Department (if one exists) which is already overburdened with important day-to-day operations and strategic matters. Because this process is so intensive and they have many other pressing priorities it often moves to the bottom of the pile."
CC Consulting simplifies this overwhelming and, somewhat daunting, annual obligation by partnering with the client to review data, conduct complex statistical analyses, create required reports and write the narrative portion of the Affirmative Action Plan.
By working closely with HR and leveraging years of experience writing Affirmative Action Plans, CC Consulting is able to help clients understand how the plans fit into their internal reporting structures. At the end of the process the company has a summary that can be presented to management allowing them to meet the government obligation and ensuring it is integrated with the company's diversity and training program.
"Done well this is not just a compliant plan, it is a working document that can be used to support other areas of the business," said Couture. "We help companies make Affirmative Action an integral part of their strategic and operational plans."
About CC Consulting
CC Consulting delivers management training and consulting services as well as customer or employee assessment, 360-degree evaluations and leadership workshops to assist company leaders in meeting their strategic goals. To learn more about the breadth of services CC Consulting can offer your company, call 978-455-4003 or visit the website at www.ccconsultingllc.com.
Companies with 50 or more employees may be required to have a written Affirmative Action plan (AAP). Furthermore, the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) requires the complex and time-consuming review and updating of the AAPs on an annual basis. "This is something that companies realize they need to prepare," stated Celia Couture, president. "But most often this responsibility rests with the Human Resource Department (if one exists) which is already overburdened with important day-to-day operations and strategic matters. Because this process is so intensive and they have many other pressing priorities it often moves to the bottom of the pile."
CC Consulting simplifies this overwhelming and, somewhat daunting, annual obligation by partnering with the client to review data, conduct complex statistical analyses, create required reports and write the narrative portion of the Affirmative Action Plan.
By working closely with HR and leveraging years of experience writing Affirmative Action Plans, CC Consulting is able to help clients understand how the plans fit into their internal reporting structures. At the end of the process the company has a summary that can be presented to management allowing them to meet the government obligation and ensuring it is integrated with the company's diversity and training program.
"Done well this is not just a compliant plan, it is a working document that can be used to support other areas of the business," said Couture. "We help companies make Affirmative Action an integral part of their strategic and operational plans."
About CC Consulting
CC Consulting delivers management training and consulting services as well as customer or employee assessment, 360-degree evaluations and leadership workshops to assist company leaders in meeting their strategic goals. To learn more about the breadth of services CC Consulting can offer your company, call 978-455-4003 or visit the website at www.ccconsultingllc.com.
E-Mon’s V-Class Modbus Meter Takes the “Silver” in Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s 2009 Product of the Year Contest
E-Mon, LLC, the electric submetering market leader and manufacturer of the widely installed E-Mon D-Mon® product line, announces that its new V-Class Modbus Meter was voted a winner in Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine’s 2009 Product of the Year competition. Up to five finalists in each of 14 categories were selected by a committee of professional engineers in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) disciplines. The finalists were then submitted to a vote by C-SE’s readership of more than 46,000 engineering subscribers. The E-Mon D-Mon V-Class Modbus Meter tallied enough votes to win the Silver Award in the “Networked Building Automation and Energy Management Systems” category.
“Tightening budgets and growing awareness of facility sustainability issues are driving the demand for products and services to optimize building design and performance,” said Don Millstein, president and CEO of E-Mon, in recognition of the award. “Measurement and verification of the energy envelope, a key performance requirement for LEED and other building performance rating systems, will continue to rely on monitoring devices like the E-Mon D-Mon V-Class Modbus Meter for accurate and reliable energy profiling and communications with existing and future BAS protocols.”
Introduced in the summer of 2008, the E-Mon D-Mon V-Class Meter is designed specifically for the building automation (BAS) and systems integrator (SI) market, allowing users to benchmark energy usage data, monitor usage trends, bill tenants and allocate costs. Other uses include measuring, verifying and recording the effectiveness of on-going energy savings programs, including LEED, EPAct 2005, demand response, renewable energy and others. Available in all popular voltage/phase/wiring configurations, V-Class meters display kWh, Volts, Amps, VAR and power factor by phase, while supporting:
* Modbus RTU (Standard);
* Modbus TCP;
* BACnet IP;
* EZ-7 RS-485 (Proprietary Protocol);
* EZ-7 Ethernet (Proprietary Protocol).
Features of the V-Class Modbus Meter include, but are not limited to:
* 8-digit display;
* Support for two external inputs from gas, water and other utility meters;
* Modbus RTU standard with 38+ metering registers;
* Available in standard JIC steel enclosure or optional NEMA 4X outdoor enclosure.
For a list of C-SE 2009 Product of the Year winners by category, see:
http://www.csemag.com/article/315401-Consulting_Specifying_Engineer_announces_2009_Product_of_the_Year_winners.php
About E-MON, LLC
Established in 1981, E-MON is the industry leader in solid-state electronic kilowatt-hour submeters, automatic meter reading software and other energy management products and services. Almost 500,000 E-Mon products are installed worldwide for tenant billing, cost allocation, demand side management, energy conservation and load profiling across the commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental and multi-family facility landscape. E-Mon is an active member of the Federal Energy Management Program task force, Alliance to Save Energy, Association of Energy Engineers, U.S. Green Building Council and other organizations. For further information, visit: www.emon.com.
“Tightening budgets and growing awareness of facility sustainability issues are driving the demand for products and services to optimize building design and performance,” said Don Millstein, president and CEO of E-Mon, in recognition of the award. “Measurement and verification of the energy envelope, a key performance requirement for LEED and other building performance rating systems, will continue to rely on monitoring devices like the E-Mon D-Mon V-Class Modbus Meter for accurate and reliable energy profiling and communications with existing and future BAS protocols.”
Introduced in the summer of 2008, the E-Mon D-Mon V-Class Meter is designed specifically for the building automation (BAS) and systems integrator (SI) market, allowing users to benchmark energy usage data, monitor usage trends, bill tenants and allocate costs. Other uses include measuring, verifying and recording the effectiveness of on-going energy savings programs, including LEED, EPAct 2005, demand response, renewable energy and others. Available in all popular voltage/phase/wiring configurations, V-Class meters display kWh, Volts, Amps, VAR and power factor by phase, while supporting:
* Modbus RTU (Standard);
* Modbus TCP;
* BACnet IP;
* EZ-7 RS-485 (Proprietary Protocol);
* EZ-7 Ethernet (Proprietary Protocol).
Features of the V-Class Modbus Meter include, but are not limited to:
* 8-digit display;
* Support for two external inputs from gas, water and other utility meters;
* Modbus RTU standard with 38+ metering registers;
* Available in standard JIC steel enclosure or optional NEMA 4X outdoor enclosure.
For a list of C-SE 2009 Product of the Year winners by category, see:
http://www.csemag.com/article/315401-Consulting_Specifying_Engineer_announces_2009_Product_of_the_Year_winners.php
About E-MON, LLC
Established in 1981, E-MON is the industry leader in solid-state electronic kilowatt-hour submeters, automatic meter reading software and other energy management products and services. Almost 500,000 E-Mon products are installed worldwide for tenant billing, cost allocation, demand side management, energy conservation and load profiling across the commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental and multi-family facility landscape. E-Mon is an active member of the Federal Energy Management Program task force, Alliance to Save Energy, Association of Energy Engineers, U.S. Green Building Council and other organizations. For further information, visit: www.emon.com.
IBM Rolls Out New Branch Management System
IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that it has completed a two-year design, implementation and training project for BMW. IBM's system integration will centralize customer service and retail processes for 19 branches across Germany, which will reduce costs and improve efficiencies.
Based on SAP Automotive, the new system will enable BMW to further integrate vehicle and motorcycle sales processes, after sales and parts distribution processes. The implementation also includes an integrated finance solution. The new ERP system is intended to give employees at all BMW branches a uniform view of customers, vehicles and transaction processes. It improves internal networking of branches and ensures additional transparency.
BMW's branches which employ 6,000 professionals now use an advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to support vehicle and motorcycle sales processes, after sales, spare parts distribution and financial processes.
"In all, the new system was intended to support a little over 80 processes and to be able to communicate with 36 partner systems. That required around 500 specific SAP extensions, 64 interfaces, and over two million lines of code," said Stefan Lutz, an Associate Partner at IBM's consulting arm Global Business Services, summarizing the solution's complexity.
Training more than 6,000 users, including over 1,500 in Munich alone, was the work of a dedicated team of IBM trainers with industrialized training sessions. A standardized rollout template contained reusable documents and tools such as presentations, checklists, test cases and data migration dashboards. IBM thereby ensured identical processes and constant quality of rollouts at every branch.
At the beginning of May 2009 the BMW Group and IBM went live at the last and largest branch in Munich. In addition to IBM's technical expertise the process know-how of IBM project employees was a decisive success factor, enabling the project to be completed six months ahead of schedule.
For further information about IBM visit www.ibm.com.
Based on SAP Automotive, the new system will enable BMW to further integrate vehicle and motorcycle sales processes, after sales and parts distribution processes. The implementation also includes an integrated finance solution. The new ERP system is intended to give employees at all BMW branches a uniform view of customers, vehicles and transaction processes. It improves internal networking of branches and ensures additional transparency.
BMW's branches which employ 6,000 professionals now use an advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to support vehicle and motorcycle sales processes, after sales, spare parts distribution and financial processes.
"In all, the new system was intended to support a little over 80 processes and to be able to communicate with 36 partner systems. That required around 500 specific SAP extensions, 64 interfaces, and over two million lines of code," said Stefan Lutz, an Associate Partner at IBM's consulting arm Global Business Services, summarizing the solution's complexity.
Training more than 6,000 users, including over 1,500 in Munich alone, was the work of a dedicated team of IBM trainers with industrialized training sessions. A standardized rollout template contained reusable documents and tools such as presentations, checklists, test cases and data migration dashboards. IBM thereby ensured identical processes and constant quality of rollouts at every branch.
At the beginning of May 2009 the BMW Group and IBM went live at the last and largest branch in Munich. In addition to IBM's technical expertise the process know-how of IBM project employees was a decisive success factor, enabling the project to be completed six months ahead of schedule.
For further information about IBM visit www.ibm.com.
Spanish IT Consultancy G2 Signs Reseller Agreement with LiveTime Software
LiveTime Software, a leading provider of ITIL certified Service Management and Help Desk software, today announced its partnership with Spanish IT consulting company G2 Gobierno y Gestión de TI who are based in Mataró near Barcelona. Under the terms of their agreement with LiveTime, G2 will resell LiveTime Service Manager and LiveTime Help Desk in Spain.
"When I first saw Service Manager I was immediately impressed with how LiveTime has simplified management of the service desk in a package that has enterprise-level functionality," said Antonio Valle , G2 Director. "It's great to see the use of open standards web technologies as the foundation of their product line - they make installation quick, keep cost of ownership to a minimum and provide a truly open system for integration projects."
"We look forward to a long and successful partnership with G2," said Mike Fellows, UK-based Managing Director of LiveTime's EMEA operations. "Their commitment to the service management market and their experience and expertise will be of great value to our Spanish customers."
About G2 Gobierno y Gestión de TI
G2 is an Spanish IT Governance and IT Management consulting company that supports customers in the governance and management of IT to help them to succeed in their businesses through optimization, control and (r)evolution of IT. The mission of G2 is to be the customer's strategic ally in the task of transforming and optimizing their organizational and IT areas, always maintaining the core values that define G2's brand and professionalism - commitment, objectivity, honesty and proximity.
G2's portfolio includes IT Consultancy; Training in IT governance and management methodologies, frameworks and standards; Architecture design and tools selection for IT management platforms; Direction of implementation projects and Implementation of IT Management solutions. For more information visit www.gedos.es.
About LiveTime Software
Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, LiveTime Software, Inc. is a vendor of Web 2.0, ITIL service management, help desk and support automation software for medium to large enterprises. Many global 2000 organizations and educational institutions use LiveTime's vendor-neutral solutions to lower their costs and improve customer satisfaction. Founded in 1999, LiveTime Software is a privately held firm with offices in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. For more information visit www.livetime.com.
"When I first saw Service Manager I was immediately impressed with how LiveTime has simplified management of the service desk in a package that has enterprise-level functionality," said Antonio Valle , G2 Director. "It's great to see the use of open standards web technologies as the foundation of their product line - they make installation quick, keep cost of ownership to a minimum and provide a truly open system for integration projects."
"We look forward to a long and successful partnership with G2," said Mike Fellows, UK-based Managing Director of LiveTime's EMEA operations. "Their commitment to the service management market and their experience and expertise will be of great value to our Spanish customers."
About G2 Gobierno y Gestión de TI
G2 is an Spanish IT Governance and IT Management consulting company that supports customers in the governance and management of IT to help them to succeed in their businesses through optimization, control and (r)evolution of IT. The mission of G2 is to be the customer's strategic ally in the task of transforming and optimizing their organizational and IT areas, always maintaining the core values that define G2's brand and professionalism - commitment, objectivity, honesty and proximity.
G2's portfolio includes IT Consultancy; Training in IT governance and management methodologies, frameworks and standards; Architecture design and tools selection for IT management platforms; Direction of implementation projects and Implementation of IT Management solutions. For more information visit www.gedos.es.
About LiveTime Software
Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, LiveTime Software, Inc. is a vendor of Web 2.0, ITIL service management, help desk and support automation software for medium to large enterprises. Many global 2000 organizations and educational institutions use LiveTime's vendor-neutral solutions to lower their costs and improve customer satisfaction. Founded in 1999, LiveTime Software is a privately held firm with offices in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. For more information visit www.livetime.com.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
IT Contract Hiring Increases in Q2 2009
According to a study released today, the number of IT contract jobs grew by over 4% in Q2 2009, continuing a growth trend that started in Q4 2009. Corp-Corp.com, an online IT consulting marketplace, conducted the study from March 1 through June 30, 2009.
Corp-Corp.com compiled this data by analyzing over 150,000 IT jobs posted by over 750 companies across the United States. The full report can be found at http://www.corp-corp.com/press-release/Market_Report_2009_Q2.htm.
“One of the best arguments for the longevity of the current economic rebound is temporary hiring,” said Prabakaran Murugaiah, CEO of Corp-Corp.com. “Many companies that cut back to bare bones staff during the worst of the recession are now beginning to hire contract workers.”
According to Murugaiah: “Full-time, regular employment may not pick up until corporate management believes there is sustainable growth in the US economy, but they continue to be willing to spend on contract positions, and our analysis projects growth of at least 6% in Q3 2009.”
About Corp-Corp.com
Corp-Corp is a fast growing online marketplace that matches available consultants with consulting projects in less than 30 seconds. Over 5,000 IT consulting /staffing companies registering approximately 25,000 contract IT Jobs per month at Corp-Corp.com portal and proprietary FETCH profile technology enables IT recruiters to find the best available talent from thousands of third party staffing companies instantly.
Corp-Corp.com compiled this data by analyzing over 150,000 IT jobs posted by over 750 companies across the United States. The full report can be found at http://www.corp-corp.com/press-release/Market_Report_2009_Q2.htm.
“One of the best arguments for the longevity of the current economic rebound is temporary hiring,” said Prabakaran Murugaiah, CEO of Corp-Corp.com. “Many companies that cut back to bare bones staff during the worst of the recession are now beginning to hire contract workers.”
According to Murugaiah: “Full-time, regular employment may not pick up until corporate management believes there is sustainable growth in the US economy, but they continue to be willing to spend on contract positions, and our analysis projects growth of at least 6% in Q3 2009.”
About Corp-Corp.com
Corp-Corp is a fast growing online marketplace that matches available consultants with consulting projects in less than 30 seconds. Over 5,000 IT consulting /staffing companies registering approximately 25,000 contract IT Jobs per month at Corp-Corp.com portal and proprietary FETCH profile technology enables IT recruiters to find the best available talent from thousands of third party staffing companies instantly.
MUSA Technology Partners Introduces Linux/Open Source Service Desk
MUSA Technology Partners, a leading provider of technology products, services and support, announced today that it is now offering its Linux and Open Source support services to all businesses. While MUSA's Service Desk currently offers specifically Linux and Open Source support, the firm will be rapidly incorporating additional services over the next six months.
"We at MUSA are thrilled to expand our Linux and Open Source service desk offerings to all businesses," stated Doug Lantigua, Principal of MUSA Technology Partners. "Linux and Open Source programs are quickly gaining wider acceptance, better usability and greater incorporation into various applications in diverse business settings. As a result, Linux and Open Source applications are rapidly seeing extraordinary deployment success. We expect companies in several different industries to make either a specific or universal shift to Open Source applications to reap the benefit of lower costs and higher customizability. Our decision to introduce formal support services is aimed at fulfilling the growing need for a simple and cost-effective support solution."
The Linux and Open Source Service Desk is available to clients on either a corporate account or on-demand basis. MUSA's engineers are able to utilize encrypted access methods for quick and secure remote assistance, but are also available for travel to clients who have regular on-site needs or project-specific requests. To ensure maximum uptime, MUSA's Managed Services offerings incorporate industry-standard remote monitoring applications. MUSA's IT professionals are experienced with common Linux and Open Source applications including Apache, Squid, OpenVPN, IPTables, OpenLDAP, MySQL, BIND, Tomcat, Asterisk, Sendmail, MRTG/Cacti, Nagios, Zenoss, Perl/PHP/Shell scripting and more.
About MUSA Technology Partners
MUSA Technology Partners is a leading IT consulting firm capable of providing clients with proficient and comprehensive support in all elements of IT infrastructure, including enterprise resource planning solutions, help desk services, server virtualization, network and security services, project management, managed services, staff augmentation, and transitional services. MUSA's skilled professionals are particularly experienced at providing technology solutions to the Life Sciences industry in the areas of Regulatory Management, Clinical Management, Manufacturing, R&D, Validation, GxP Compliance, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuance - solutions that are transferrable to many other industries. MUSA's insistence on a North American-based staff provides clients with the local technology experts to ensure the most compatible fit with varied corporate climates and employee cultures. Visit the corporate site at www.musatechnology.com.
"We at MUSA are thrilled to expand our Linux and Open Source service desk offerings to all businesses," stated Doug Lantigua, Principal of MUSA Technology Partners. "Linux and Open Source programs are quickly gaining wider acceptance, better usability and greater incorporation into various applications in diverse business settings. As a result, Linux and Open Source applications are rapidly seeing extraordinary deployment success. We expect companies in several different industries to make either a specific or universal shift to Open Source applications to reap the benefit of lower costs and higher customizability. Our decision to introduce formal support services is aimed at fulfilling the growing need for a simple and cost-effective support solution."
The Linux and Open Source Service Desk is available to clients on either a corporate account or on-demand basis. MUSA's engineers are able to utilize encrypted access methods for quick and secure remote assistance, but are also available for travel to clients who have regular on-site needs or project-specific requests. To ensure maximum uptime, MUSA's Managed Services offerings incorporate industry-standard remote monitoring applications. MUSA's IT professionals are experienced with common Linux and Open Source applications including Apache, Squid, OpenVPN, IPTables, OpenLDAP, MySQL, BIND, Tomcat, Asterisk, Sendmail, MRTG/Cacti, Nagios, Zenoss, Perl/PHP/Shell scripting and more.
About MUSA Technology Partners
MUSA Technology Partners is a leading IT consulting firm capable of providing clients with proficient and comprehensive support in all elements of IT infrastructure, including enterprise resource planning solutions, help desk services, server virtualization, network and security services, project management, managed services, staff augmentation, and transitional services. MUSA's skilled professionals are particularly experienced at providing technology solutions to the Life Sciences industry in the areas of Regulatory Management, Clinical Management, Manufacturing, R&D, Validation, GxP Compliance, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuance - solutions that are transferrable to many other industries. MUSA's insistence on a North American-based staff provides clients with the local technology experts to ensure the most compatible fit with varied corporate climates and employee cultures. Visit the corporate site at www.musatechnology.com.
Guidance Consulting Looks to the Future of IT Vulnerability Attacks with a New Vulnerability Management Program
According to the experts at specialty IT consulting and network provider company Guidance Consulting, one of the most difficult aspects of infrastructure and network security is the fast pace of vulnerability attacks. Up to 100 new, real-threat viruses are spread each month, and those that are email viruses tend to peak after just eight hours of being released. For companies like Guidance Consulting, these numbers represent challenges that must be addressed on a daily basis.
Not only is it important to create vulnerability protection that prevents attacks from known sources, but protection against the unknown is equally important in today's computer-based business climate. This is a challenge for even the most technologically-advanced companies, since knowing where the damages are going to occur next can be costly, time-intensive, and oftentimes, incorrect.
Fortunately, companies like Guidance Consulting take the guesswork out of these types of problems. In fact, it is their job to keep businesses away from the dangers and prepared for the next wave of attacks.
For the immediate future, vulnerability attacks are expected to be more about multi-wave attack methods. "These types of viruses are the worst kinds," says Ronald Gottilla, senior consultant at Guidance Consulting. "They are built to change after just days or even hours of their initial release." For most companies and computer users, this means that vulnerability protection methods don't have a chance. As soon as a spyware program is updated to catch the newest virus, the virus changes its signature, which gives it a chance to re-infect computer systems and spread throughout the Internet.
"This focus on multi-wave attacks is part of a growing trend," Gottilla adds. "The truth is, viruses alone count for billions of dollars in lost productivity and equipment every year. Most business can't afford to be vulnerable to these types of attacks."
The multi-wave attack trend could change at any time, too. Gottilla and his associates recommend regular updates and a strong IT partner to prevent and prepare for whatever the malicious virus creators have in mind next.
About Guidance Consulting
Guidance Consulting is a technology solutions firm offering a range of services related to technology, infrastructure development, and general information technology consulting.
For over 15 years, Guidance Consulting has been delivering profitable technology results to everything from small, private firms to Fortune 500 companies. In addition to meeting employment and staffing needs, Guidance Consulting implements a wide range of IT solutions that help companies to cut costs, increase productivity, and avoid damages associated with vulnerability issues to get the most out of the current technologies available for businesses of all sizes.
For more information on making Guidance Consulting a part of your company's IT support team, visit their website at http://www.guidance-consulting.com.
Not only is it important to create vulnerability protection that prevents attacks from known sources, but protection against the unknown is equally important in today's computer-based business climate. This is a challenge for even the most technologically-advanced companies, since knowing where the damages are going to occur next can be costly, time-intensive, and oftentimes, incorrect.
Fortunately, companies like Guidance Consulting take the guesswork out of these types of problems. In fact, it is their job to keep businesses away from the dangers and prepared for the next wave of attacks.
For the immediate future, vulnerability attacks are expected to be more about multi-wave attack methods. "These types of viruses are the worst kinds," says Ronald Gottilla, senior consultant at Guidance Consulting. "They are built to change after just days or even hours of their initial release." For most companies and computer users, this means that vulnerability protection methods don't have a chance. As soon as a spyware program is updated to catch the newest virus, the virus changes its signature, which gives it a chance to re-infect computer systems and spread throughout the Internet.
"This focus on multi-wave attacks is part of a growing trend," Gottilla adds. "The truth is, viruses alone count for billions of dollars in lost productivity and equipment every year. Most business can't afford to be vulnerable to these types of attacks."
The multi-wave attack trend could change at any time, too. Gottilla and his associates recommend regular updates and a strong IT partner to prevent and prepare for whatever the malicious virus creators have in mind next.
About Guidance Consulting
Guidance Consulting is a technology solutions firm offering a range of services related to technology, infrastructure development, and general information technology consulting.
For over 15 years, Guidance Consulting has been delivering profitable technology results to everything from small, private firms to Fortune 500 companies. In addition to meeting employment and staffing needs, Guidance Consulting implements a wide range of IT solutions that help companies to cut costs, increase productivity, and avoid damages associated with vulnerability issues to get the most out of the current technologies available for businesses of all sizes.
For more information on making Guidance Consulting a part of your company's IT support team, visit their website at http://www.guidance-consulting.com.
Enrollment Management Consulting Firm Announces Expansion
The Dysart Group, Inc., an enrollment management consulting firm specializing in admissions, financial aid, retention and revenue growth at colleges and universities has opened a new location. Housed on prestigious South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, the satellite office will serve client institutions in the middle United States.
Recent economic downturns, declines in state support for financial assistance and challenging demographic trends have elevated the importance of strategic enrollment management, especially for private colleges and universities. "Consulting firms able to achieve extraordinary outcomes during these difficult times are in demand. Our clients are setting all-time record new student enrollments, improving academic quality, enhancing diversity and increasing net revenue while many institutions are cutting budgets, scaling back academic and co-curricular offerings and laying off faculty and staff", asserts John W. Dysart, President of the firm. The Dysart Group, Inc. is growing to meet the requirements of Admission and Financial Aid Offices at higher education institutions.
Proposed changes in federal and state financial aid programs will create uncertainty in the near future for prospective students and their families as well as schools. Representatives of The Dysart Group, Inc. are prepared to expand services and geographic reach to meet the needs of higher education institutions throughout the United States.
For more information on The Dysart Group, Inc., please visit thedysartgroup.com.
Recent economic downturns, declines in state support for financial assistance and challenging demographic trends have elevated the importance of strategic enrollment management, especially for private colleges and universities. "Consulting firms able to achieve extraordinary outcomes during these difficult times are in demand. Our clients are setting all-time record new student enrollments, improving academic quality, enhancing diversity and increasing net revenue while many institutions are cutting budgets, scaling back academic and co-curricular offerings and laying off faculty and staff", asserts John W. Dysart, President of the firm. The Dysart Group, Inc. is growing to meet the requirements of Admission and Financial Aid Offices at higher education institutions.
Proposed changes in federal and state financial aid programs will create uncertainty in the near future for prospective students and their families as well as schools. Representatives of The Dysart Group, Inc. are prepared to expand services and geographic reach to meet the needs of higher education institutions throughout the United States.
For more information on The Dysart Group, Inc., please visit thedysartgroup.com.
Vaha Green Consulting Announces New Marketing Division
Vaha Green Consulting has added a new national marketing service for businesses seeking to be recognized as leaders in the "green" marketplace. Vaha is a solar power installation and environmental consulting company with headquarters in California and offices in New Jersey.
The new service, headed by experienced marketer Rob Gordon, will draw on the substantial environmental and business expertise represented by Vaha's LEED AP environmental expert, Geoff Tomlinson; and Vaha's Cornell-trained head of operations, Gaye Tomlinson, MBA. Each member of the team has a deep, long-term commitment to "green" issues.
Vaha's new marketing division will work with existing and start-up companies to raise their profile as providers of "green" products and services. With expertise in business-to-business and consumer marketing, Vaha will help companies to:
* Develop or refine business strategies
* Clarify market positioning
* Use a mix of new and traditional media to communicate differentiating messages
* Create unique and highly-tailored promotional plans to achieve specific goals
Geoff Tomlinson, LEED AP, is Vaha's resident "green" expert and a leader in Southern California's burgeoning solar power industry. Professionally accredited by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and certified by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Geoff has expertise in all aspects of green technology, including several years of experience in green building development.
Gaye Tomlinson holds an MBA in business from Cornell University. She has worked in business management and marketing for the past 20 years and has directed the dramatic growth of Vaha since she and Geoff founded the company in 2007. Vaha's highly successful community solar partnership with the City of Anaheim and Habitat for Humanity was the result of a concept developed by Gaye and Geoff in 2008.
Rob Gordon has 30 years of marketing experience for a number of science and technology-based industries including hi-tech, communications technology, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, and allied health. He has also consulted with many small businesses, including "green" start-ups. He is also a writer, blogger, and has worked in journalism and public and community relations.
Contact:
Rob Gordon
908-268-7878
www.vahagroup.com
The new service, headed by experienced marketer Rob Gordon, will draw on the substantial environmental and business expertise represented by Vaha's LEED AP environmental expert, Geoff Tomlinson; and Vaha's Cornell-trained head of operations, Gaye Tomlinson, MBA. Each member of the team has a deep, long-term commitment to "green" issues.
Vaha's new marketing division will work with existing and start-up companies to raise their profile as providers of "green" products and services. With expertise in business-to-business and consumer marketing, Vaha will help companies to:
* Develop or refine business strategies
* Clarify market positioning
* Use a mix of new and traditional media to communicate differentiating messages
* Create unique and highly-tailored promotional plans to achieve specific goals
Geoff Tomlinson, LEED AP, is Vaha's resident "green" expert and a leader in Southern California's burgeoning solar power industry. Professionally accredited by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and certified by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Geoff has expertise in all aspects of green technology, including several years of experience in green building development.
Gaye Tomlinson holds an MBA in business from Cornell University. She has worked in business management and marketing for the past 20 years and has directed the dramatic growth of Vaha since she and Geoff founded the company in 2007. Vaha's highly successful community solar partnership with the City of Anaheim and Habitat for Humanity was the result of a concept developed by Gaye and Geoff in 2008.
Rob Gordon has 30 years of marketing experience for a number of science and technology-based industries including hi-tech, communications technology, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, and allied health. He has also consulted with many small businesses, including "green" start-ups. He is also a writer, blogger, and has worked in journalism and public and community relations.
Contact:
Rob Gordon
908-268-7878
www.vahagroup.com
Sotolongo Consulting Associates to Hold Entrepreneur Workshop
Sotolongo Consulting Associates (SCA) will hold an all-day Entrepreneur Workshop at the Somerset Hills Hotel in Warren, New Jersey on Thursday, July 30th. This event will be sponsored by NYSE Euronext and Peapack-Gladstone Bank.
The Entrepreneur Workshop is the first in a series of workshops that will be offered to individuals thinking about changing careers and possibly starting their own business. "We want to offer services and programs that will be helpful to those NJ-NY residents struggling with layoffs in this recession" stated Donna Sotolongo, Psy D, CEO of Sotolongo Consulting Associates. "We are proud to offer services that are affordable and relevant for these individuals." The demand for comprehensive information is even more important now as thousands of displaced workers seek jobs or are trying to make a decision about their next steps.
For many individuals, especially those professionals who may feel their chances of competing with a younger workforce a daunting task, considering alternative career paths is a real option. SCA workshops will offer concrete professional advice, business experts, and successful entrepreneurs who will give a comprehensive overview of how to create a business plan, obtain financing (especially in this economy), and the nuts and bolts of "start ups".
Workshop participants will learn how to bring their vision for a business to fruition as well as realize their goal of regaining the power to control their financial destiny.
About Sotolongo Consulting Associates (SCA)
SCA is a group of professionals dedicated to using their experience and training to design programs and interventions that are cost saving, increase productivity, and beneficial in improving individual work performance and growth potential. The company has recruited consultants from a wide range of professions and careers in the public and private sector and in corporate, educational and mental health settings. These consultants have been rigorously vetted and recruited from a highly talented pool of trained, experienced professionals.
The consulting team is led by Donna Sotolongo, Psy D who has over thirty years experience in higher education, business management, consulting, and psychotherapy. Dr. Sotolongo has extensive experience designing programs that promote healthy living, educational and career advancement and improved work performance. In addition, she is the author of numerous articles on college admissions, financial aid, parenting, stress reduction and financial literacy. More information is available at http://www.sotolongoconsultingassociates.com.
The Entrepreneur Workshop is the first in a series of workshops that will be offered to individuals thinking about changing careers and possibly starting their own business. "We want to offer services and programs that will be helpful to those NJ-NY residents struggling with layoffs in this recession" stated Donna Sotolongo, Psy D, CEO of Sotolongo Consulting Associates. "We are proud to offer services that are affordable and relevant for these individuals." The demand for comprehensive information is even more important now as thousands of displaced workers seek jobs or are trying to make a decision about their next steps.
For many individuals, especially those professionals who may feel their chances of competing with a younger workforce a daunting task, considering alternative career paths is a real option. SCA workshops will offer concrete professional advice, business experts, and successful entrepreneurs who will give a comprehensive overview of how to create a business plan, obtain financing (especially in this economy), and the nuts and bolts of "start ups".
Workshop participants will learn how to bring their vision for a business to fruition as well as realize their goal of regaining the power to control their financial destiny.
About Sotolongo Consulting Associates (SCA)
SCA is a group of professionals dedicated to using their experience and training to design programs and interventions that are cost saving, increase productivity, and beneficial in improving individual work performance and growth potential. The company has recruited consultants from a wide range of professions and careers in the public and private sector and in corporate, educational and mental health settings. These consultants have been rigorously vetted and recruited from a highly talented pool of trained, experienced professionals.
The consulting team is led by Donna Sotolongo, Psy D who has over thirty years experience in higher education, business management, consulting, and psychotherapy. Dr. Sotolongo has extensive experience designing programs that promote healthy living, educational and career advancement and improved work performance. In addition, she is the author of numerous articles on college admissions, financial aid, parenting, stress reduction and financial literacy. More information is available at http://www.sotolongoconsultingassociates.com.
FTI Consulting Expands International Arbitration Group With Key Hire
FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN), the global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance their enterprise value, announced today that it has expanded its International Arbitration offering to include multiple professionals in Washington, New York, Toronto, Paris, Geneva and London. FTI's clients will further benefit from the recent addition of Howard Rosen to the company's International Arbitration team. Howard Rosen joins FTI as a Senior Managing Director and will be based in Toronto and Paris.
FTI's International Arbitration experts combine skills in accounting, economics, statistics, finance and industry in assessing damages and addressing other issues in international arbitration. They will work closely with FTI colleagues with specialist skills in forensic investigations and forensic accounting, construction, real estate, energy, corporate finance, corporate restructuring, supporting technological services in electronic discovery and data management, and related areas to offer a wide-ranging set of services to FTI's international arbitration clients.
Commenting on the new appointment, Jack Dunn, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Howard's joining FTI reinforces our commitment to the international arbitration community and further deepens the portfolio of services FTI offers its global clients. We are pleased to welcome him to FTI."
John Klick, Senior Managing Director and Head of FTI's Economics Consulting segment, said: "I am tremendously excited by this very significant strengthening of FTI's international arbitration capabilities. International disputes require the ability to work across geographic boundaries, and having team members in multiple locations around the world allows us to effectively serve clients. We believe FTI offers the largest collection of senior individuals focused on damages issues in arbitration of any firm. In combination with the specialist forensic, construction, and other capabilities already offered, FTI is poised to be a powerful force in the arbitration community."
Howard Rosen added: "I am delighted to be joining FTI along with a number of my colleagues. We have worked extensively together in the past and look forward to continuing to offer a high quality service to our clients. FTI has an excellent range of capabilities to offer the international arbitration community. We are excited to work with our new colleagues to broaden and deepen FTI's links to the international arbitration community."
FTI's International Arbitration experts have provided written and oral testimony in treaty and commercial arbitrations before panels drawn from all the main international arbitration forums - ICSID (including NAFTA and ECT disputes), ICC, LCIA, ICDR, the Iran-US Claims Tribunal, under UNCITRAL rules, and ad hoc arbitrations - as well as before domestic courts and tribunals, on matters involving all major geographies and industries.
Howard Rosen
Howard Rosen has over 25 years' experience in the assessment of damages and related issues, and has provided expert testimony under the auspices of arbitration seats including the ICC, the LCIA, the ICDR, and ICSID (including NAFTA) as well as under UNCITRAL rules. As the leader of FTI's International Arbitration practice, Howard's specialty is in providing expert reports and testimony for international arbitration matters.
Howard has acted as court appointed administrator, monitor, and inspector, as well as having sat as a member of an Arbitral Tribunal. He is the co-author of two authoritative texts on the quantification of economic damages and has lectured extensively to professional interest groups. Howard has acted as an instructor at the Foundation for International Arbitration Advocacy (FIAA), has acted as an instructor for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) expert witness trial practice program and is often called on to speak on the topics of valuation and damages assessment. Howard was named as one of the top 20 experts in Canada.
Since the start of his career in 1981, Howard has focused exclusively on business valuations, financial litigation, and corporate finance related matters. Howard's experience has included acting as an advisor to private and public companies, regulatory bodies, venture capital and private equity firms, and to government at all levels, across a wide variety of industries. He has worked across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Howard has been qualified as an expert witness in over 100 damages quantification and valuation matters in Courts and Arbitration Hearings in Canada, the United States, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Howard currently sits on the board of directors and audit committees of two public companies and one mutual fund company, as well as on the audit committee of a national charitable organization and on the advisory committee of two institutional investors.
About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,300 employees located in most major business centers in the world, we work closely with clients every day to anticipate, illuminate, and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, strategic communications and restructuring. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.
FTI's International Arbitration experts combine skills in accounting, economics, statistics, finance and industry in assessing damages and addressing other issues in international arbitration. They will work closely with FTI colleagues with specialist skills in forensic investigations and forensic accounting, construction, real estate, energy, corporate finance, corporate restructuring, supporting technological services in electronic discovery and data management, and related areas to offer a wide-ranging set of services to FTI's international arbitration clients.
Commenting on the new appointment, Jack Dunn, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Howard's joining FTI reinforces our commitment to the international arbitration community and further deepens the portfolio of services FTI offers its global clients. We are pleased to welcome him to FTI."
John Klick, Senior Managing Director and Head of FTI's Economics Consulting segment, said: "I am tremendously excited by this very significant strengthening of FTI's international arbitration capabilities. International disputes require the ability to work across geographic boundaries, and having team members in multiple locations around the world allows us to effectively serve clients. We believe FTI offers the largest collection of senior individuals focused on damages issues in arbitration of any firm. In combination with the specialist forensic, construction, and other capabilities already offered, FTI is poised to be a powerful force in the arbitration community."
Howard Rosen added: "I am delighted to be joining FTI along with a number of my colleagues. We have worked extensively together in the past and look forward to continuing to offer a high quality service to our clients. FTI has an excellent range of capabilities to offer the international arbitration community. We are excited to work with our new colleagues to broaden and deepen FTI's links to the international arbitration community."
FTI's International Arbitration experts have provided written and oral testimony in treaty and commercial arbitrations before panels drawn from all the main international arbitration forums - ICSID (including NAFTA and ECT disputes), ICC, LCIA, ICDR, the Iran-US Claims Tribunal, under UNCITRAL rules, and ad hoc arbitrations - as well as before domestic courts and tribunals, on matters involving all major geographies and industries.
Howard Rosen
Howard Rosen has over 25 years' experience in the assessment of damages and related issues, and has provided expert testimony under the auspices of arbitration seats including the ICC, the LCIA, the ICDR, and ICSID (including NAFTA) as well as under UNCITRAL rules. As the leader of FTI's International Arbitration practice, Howard's specialty is in providing expert reports and testimony for international arbitration matters.
Howard has acted as court appointed administrator, monitor, and inspector, as well as having sat as a member of an Arbitral Tribunal. He is the co-author of two authoritative texts on the quantification of economic damages and has lectured extensively to professional interest groups. Howard has acted as an instructor at the Foundation for International Arbitration Advocacy (FIAA), has acted as an instructor for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) expert witness trial practice program and is often called on to speak on the topics of valuation and damages assessment. Howard was named as one of the top 20 experts in Canada.
Since the start of his career in 1981, Howard has focused exclusively on business valuations, financial litigation, and corporate finance related matters. Howard's experience has included acting as an advisor to private and public companies, regulatory bodies, venture capital and private equity firms, and to government at all levels, across a wide variety of industries. He has worked across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Howard has been qualified as an expert witness in over 100 damages quantification and valuation matters in Courts and Arbitration Hearings in Canada, the United States, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Howard currently sits on the board of directors and audit committees of two public companies and one mutual fund company, as well as on the audit committee of a national charitable organization and on the advisory committee of two institutional investors.
About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,300 employees located in most major business centers in the world, we work closely with clients every day to anticipate, illuminate, and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, strategic communications and restructuring. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.
Coastal Healthcare Consulting Scores Higher Than Market Average In KLAS' 2009 Mid-Term Performance Review
Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc. (Coastal), a premier provider of healthcare information technology (HIT) consulting services, has received overall scores above the market average for its Clinical Implementation Principal, Clinical Implementation Supportive and Staff Augmentation services in the Mid-Term Performance Review: Software & Professional Services recently issued by KLAS Enterprises (KLAS).
Clinical Implementation Principal is an engagement in which a professional services firm (PSF) assists a provider by playing a major role in implementing applications by providing guidance, expertise, tools, methodology and resources. Clinical Implementation Supportive involves engagements in which a PSF assists a provider by playing a supportive role in implementing applications by providing expertise and resources. Staff Augmentation is an engagement in which a PSF provides resources that have specific skill sets that have limited or no deliverables and are working under the guidance of the client, following the client's methodology and using their tools.
The Mid-Term Performance Review: Software & Professional Services is a semi-annual report summarizing HIT software and professional services performance data as reported by physicians' offices, clinics, IDNs, inpatient facilities and applicable healthcare agencies. The performance data is collected from direct evaluations from healthcare providers and from confidential interviews with IT executives and department directors in order to gather valuable qualitative insight regarding projects. The professional services ratings reflect data collected over the past 18 months.
"We are extremely proud once again to be included in the KLAS Mid-Term Performance Review with strong overall scores, said Amy Collins, President of Coastal Healthcare Consulting. "Our expertise in all facets of project implementation, as well as our focus on delivering results for our clients, is reflected in the ratings data which our clients share with KLAS."
About Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc.
Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc. (Coastal) is a premier provider of healthcare information systems consulting with a proven track record of performance over the last twelve years. Coastal's hard-working, client-focused professionals have the information, expertise and solutions to ensure successful completion of projects for healthcare facilities. Coastal has received Best in KLAS designation for the professional services market segment Clinical Implementation - Supportive for four consecutive years, demonstrating consistently superior performance for its clients. For more information, please visit www.coastalhealthcare.com.
About KLAS Enterprises, LLC
KLAS is a research firm specializing in monitoring and reporting the performance of healthcare vendors. KLAS' mission is to improve delivery by independently measuring vendor performance for the benefit of our healthcare provider partners, consultants, investors and vendors. KLAS measures performance of software, professional services and medical equipment vendors. For more information, go to www.KLASresearch.com.
Clinical Implementation Principal is an engagement in which a professional services firm (PSF) assists a provider by playing a major role in implementing applications by providing guidance, expertise, tools, methodology and resources. Clinical Implementation Supportive involves engagements in which a PSF assists a provider by playing a supportive role in implementing applications by providing expertise and resources. Staff Augmentation is an engagement in which a PSF provides resources that have specific skill sets that have limited or no deliverables and are working under the guidance of the client, following the client's methodology and using their tools.
The Mid-Term Performance Review: Software & Professional Services is a semi-annual report summarizing HIT software and professional services performance data as reported by physicians' offices, clinics, IDNs, inpatient facilities and applicable healthcare agencies. The performance data is collected from direct evaluations from healthcare providers and from confidential interviews with IT executives and department directors in order to gather valuable qualitative insight regarding projects. The professional services ratings reflect data collected over the past 18 months.
"We are extremely proud once again to be included in the KLAS Mid-Term Performance Review with strong overall scores, said Amy Collins, President of Coastal Healthcare Consulting. "Our expertise in all facets of project implementation, as well as our focus on delivering results for our clients, is reflected in the ratings data which our clients share with KLAS."
About Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc.
Coastal Healthcare Consulting, Inc. (Coastal) is a premier provider of healthcare information systems consulting with a proven track record of performance over the last twelve years. Coastal's hard-working, client-focused professionals have the information, expertise and solutions to ensure successful completion of projects for healthcare facilities. Coastal has received Best in KLAS designation for the professional services market segment Clinical Implementation - Supportive for four consecutive years, demonstrating consistently superior performance for its clients. For more information, please visit www.coastalhealthcare.com.
About KLAS Enterprises, LLC
KLAS is a research firm specializing in monitoring and reporting the performance of healthcare vendors. KLAS' mission is to improve delivery by independently measuring vendor performance for the benefit of our healthcare provider partners, consultants, investors and vendors. KLAS measures performance of software, professional services and medical equipment vendors. For more information, go to www.KLASresearch.com.
Human Resource Consulting Firm Launched to Focus on Small and Mid-Market Companies
A newly formed human resources consulting firm has been launched to meet the needs of smaller and mid-market companies. 20/20 HR LLC specializes in human resource solutions, risk management, organizational development and strategic business planning for small and mid-market companies.
"There are many HR consultants serving larger companies - but only a few are focused on providing cost-effective and value-added human resource services to the small and mid-sized marketplace." said Tony Rea, founder and managing principal of 20/20 HR LLC. Despite data which reflects that mid-market and smaller companies make up more than 90% of all businesses and employ 90% of the global workforce, this is an underserved marketplace. This new firm is dedicated to bringing much needed human resource expertise to this segment of the marketplace.
20/20 HR LLC has previous experience working with a wide range of clients across diverse industries and helping them identify and implement innovative business solutions. These solutions have produced tangible results, some of which include improved profitability, market share, productivity, customer loyalty and retention, as well as decreased employee turnover.
As a certified affiliate of Resource Associates Corporation based near Philadelphia and Executive Synergies Inc., located in Northbrook, IL, 20/20 HR LLC provides clients with business consulting and proven solutions that have been successfully implemented in thousands of organizations across the United States. For additional information, contact Tony Rea or visit http://www.2020HR.com.
About 20/20 HR LLC
20/20 HR LLC is a human resource consultancy focused exclusively on small and mid-sized clients. Based in the Chicago area, its services include Strategic & Business Planning, Human Resource Consulting and Organizational Development.
"There are many HR consultants serving larger companies - but only a few are focused on providing cost-effective and value-added human resource services to the small and mid-sized marketplace." said Tony Rea, founder and managing principal of 20/20 HR LLC. Despite data which reflects that mid-market and smaller companies make up more than 90% of all businesses and employ 90% of the global workforce, this is an underserved marketplace. This new firm is dedicated to bringing much needed human resource expertise to this segment of the marketplace.
20/20 HR LLC has previous experience working with a wide range of clients across diverse industries and helping them identify and implement innovative business solutions. These solutions have produced tangible results, some of which include improved profitability, market share, productivity, customer loyalty and retention, as well as decreased employee turnover.
As a certified affiliate of Resource Associates Corporation based near Philadelphia and Executive Synergies Inc., located in Northbrook, IL, 20/20 HR LLC provides clients with business consulting and proven solutions that have been successfully implemented in thousands of organizations across the United States. For additional information, contact Tony Rea or visit http://www.2020HR.com.
About 20/20 HR LLC
20/20 HR LLC is a human resource consultancy focused exclusively on small and mid-sized clients. Based in the Chicago area, its services include Strategic & Business Planning, Human Resource Consulting and Organizational Development.
Howard Consulting Group Continues to Expand
Howard Consulting Group is continuing to expand and today announced the addition of four new staff members. HCG is a versatile boutique firm made up of experienced public affairs professionals guiding clients engaged in high stakes enterprises--domestic and international--with tactical, creative advice and vigorous execution of strategic plans.
Joining HCG:
Erica Hiar, Project Associate
Erica is a Project Associate at HCG specializing in grassroots mobilization, third-party outreach, and coalition building. Hiar is an accomplished organizer who ran offices in Michigan and North Carolina for President Obama's campaign in 2008 by assisting building coalitions and directly managing over 100 volunteers.
Erin Oldfield, Associate
Erin is an Associate at HCG focused on new media strategy, event planning and execution, media relations and writing. Erin comes to HCG from Capitol Hill where she advised Members of Congress on earned media as well as science and technology issues. Erin most recently worked for Representative Dave Loebsack (D- Iowa) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA).
Erin Thurston, Associate
Erin is an Associate at HCG who will also assist clients with earned media, strategic planning, writing and new media. Erin also comes to HCG from Capitol Hill having worked for Representative Jay Inslee, (D-WA). Thurston has also worked in public affairs, commercial real estate and for the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus as a writer and media advisor.
Brynnan Wammack, Associate
Brynnan is an Associate at HCG. Wammack provides grassroots advocacy, third-party outreach and coalition building for clients' health care and health innovation initiatives. Prior to joining HCG, Wammack worked in the offices of the White House Liaison and National Outreach at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as Deputy Director of National Outreach.
Oldfield and Thurston will report to Dan Ronayne who was brought on last year as Managing Director for Communications at HCG. Ronayne is a respected strategic communicator who has worked in senior capacities on behalf Fortune 500 companies, high profile individuals, presidential campaigns, federal and state governments and national political committees.
Hiar and Wammack report to John Marchant, Senior Director of Public Affairs at HCG. Marchant has organized grassroots and grass-tops coalitions made up of local environmental, business, labor, and faith-based groups for nearly a decade. Marchant has years of campaign and government experience with the Democratic Party and other progressive groups working in nearly a dozen states for presidential campaigns, constituent service offices, ballot initiatives, congressional races and state legislative caucuses.
Bios of all of Howard Consulting Group staff can be found at www.hcgpublicaffairs.com.
HCG specializes in public affairs, coalitions, issue management, public policy, public relations, media, and international affairs. Our clients, many of them longtime, include two of the top five largest advocacy organizations in the United States and four of the top fifty.
HCG was founded in 1995 by Frank Howard who is still personally involved with every client lending his experienced hands to help clients meet their strategic imperatives in these uncertain and challenging times.
Joining HCG:
Erica Hiar, Project Associate
Erica is a Project Associate at HCG specializing in grassroots mobilization, third-party outreach, and coalition building. Hiar is an accomplished organizer who ran offices in Michigan and North Carolina for President Obama's campaign in 2008 by assisting building coalitions and directly managing over 100 volunteers.
Erin Oldfield, Associate
Erin is an Associate at HCG focused on new media strategy, event planning and execution, media relations and writing. Erin comes to HCG from Capitol Hill where she advised Members of Congress on earned media as well as science and technology issues. Erin most recently worked for Representative Dave Loebsack (D- Iowa) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA).
Erin Thurston, Associate
Erin is an Associate at HCG who will also assist clients with earned media, strategic planning, writing and new media. Erin also comes to HCG from Capitol Hill having worked for Representative Jay Inslee, (D-WA). Thurston has also worked in public affairs, commercial real estate and for the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus as a writer and media advisor.
Brynnan Wammack, Associate
Brynnan is an Associate at HCG. Wammack provides grassroots advocacy, third-party outreach and coalition building for clients' health care and health innovation initiatives. Prior to joining HCG, Wammack worked in the offices of the White House Liaison and National Outreach at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as Deputy Director of National Outreach.
Oldfield and Thurston will report to Dan Ronayne who was brought on last year as Managing Director for Communications at HCG. Ronayne is a respected strategic communicator who has worked in senior capacities on behalf Fortune 500 companies, high profile individuals, presidential campaigns, federal and state governments and national political committees.
Hiar and Wammack report to John Marchant, Senior Director of Public Affairs at HCG. Marchant has organized grassroots and grass-tops coalitions made up of local environmental, business, labor, and faith-based groups for nearly a decade. Marchant has years of campaign and government experience with the Democratic Party and other progressive groups working in nearly a dozen states for presidential campaigns, constituent service offices, ballot initiatives, congressional races and state legislative caucuses.
Bios of all of Howard Consulting Group staff can be found at www.hcgpublicaffairs.com.
HCG specializes in public affairs, coalitions, issue management, public policy, public relations, media, and international affairs. Our clients, many of them longtime, include two of the top five largest advocacy organizations in the United States and four of the top fifty.
HCG was founded in 1995 by Frank Howard who is still personally involved with every client lending his experienced hands to help clients meet their strategic imperatives in these uncertain and challenging times.
Anteo Consulting Helps Georgia's State Personnel Administration Implement New Performance Management System
Anteo Consulting, an enterprise applications implementation consulting firm for the public and private sectors, today announced the successful completion of the first statewide implementation of an online employee performance management system, known as ePerformance, for the State of Georgia.
Last year, Georgia began implementation of a new performance management program which focuses on employee pay for performance. This new process utilizes PeopleSoft ePerformance to increase employee accessibility and create consistency by focusing on goals and competencies throughout the enterprise.
Steve Stevenson, Commissioner of the State Personnel Administration (SPA), notes that, "The ePerformance system, which is the first component of the PeopleSoft module rollout, not only provides standardized performance management processes, but also drives individual and organizational performance improvements, improves accountability, and further, supports the Governor's vision for Georgia to be the 'Best Managed State' and an employer of choice."
Initially, the ePerformance system was rolled out to 25,000 state employees with Anteo Consulting providing strategic consulting services to SPA, including fit/gap analysis, design, strategy, development, change management and training. The statewide launch, completed July 1, 2009, phased in the remaining 63,000 employees online. The State Personnel Administration led this initiative with Anteo Consulting providing oversight and continuous management as new agencies were added and trained in the use of the ePerformance system.
"With a state-wide project that would transform an outdated, paper-based performance review business process, our strategy was to develop a phased implementation plan that would allow for workforce acceptance of the new online performance review process while providing a flexible delivery model that successfully transferred implementation knowledge to the State's team for the second phase of the project roll-out," said Rob Prinzo, principal and VP of Anteo Consulting.
About Anteo Consulting
Anteo Consulting is the know-how consulting firm for enterprise applications implementation. With people and processes dedicated exclusively to Enterprise Resource Planning and Business Process Improvement applications, our experience and expertise guides everything we do - from reducing the time, cost and risk involved, to accelerating positive outcomes - resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction. Anteo Consulting is a division of Anteo Group, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in London, UK. For more information, please visit www.anteoconsulting.com.
About The State Personnel Administration
The State Personnel Administration (SPA), formerly the Georgia Merit System, has served as the central personnel agency for the State of Georgia since 1943. SPA provides human resource (HR) consulting services and flexible benefits administration to all state entities and employees. SPA's core responsibility is to establish a system of personnel administration that attracts and retains the best employees. Georgia has more than 120 agencies and 110,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.spa.ga.gov.
Last year, Georgia began implementation of a new performance management program which focuses on employee pay for performance. This new process utilizes PeopleSoft ePerformance to increase employee accessibility and create consistency by focusing on goals and competencies throughout the enterprise.
Steve Stevenson, Commissioner of the State Personnel Administration (SPA), notes that, "The ePerformance system, which is the first component of the PeopleSoft module rollout, not only provides standardized performance management processes, but also drives individual and organizational performance improvements, improves accountability, and further, supports the Governor's vision for Georgia to be the 'Best Managed State' and an employer of choice."
Initially, the ePerformance system was rolled out to 25,000 state employees with Anteo Consulting providing strategic consulting services to SPA, including fit/gap analysis, design, strategy, development, change management and training. The statewide launch, completed July 1, 2009, phased in the remaining 63,000 employees online. The State Personnel Administration led this initiative with Anteo Consulting providing oversight and continuous management as new agencies were added and trained in the use of the ePerformance system.
"With a state-wide project that would transform an outdated, paper-based performance review business process, our strategy was to develop a phased implementation plan that would allow for workforce acceptance of the new online performance review process while providing a flexible delivery model that successfully transferred implementation knowledge to the State's team for the second phase of the project roll-out," said Rob Prinzo, principal and VP of Anteo Consulting.
About Anteo Consulting
Anteo Consulting is the know-how consulting firm for enterprise applications implementation. With people and processes dedicated exclusively to Enterprise Resource Planning and Business Process Improvement applications, our experience and expertise guides everything we do - from reducing the time, cost and risk involved, to accelerating positive outcomes - resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction. Anteo Consulting is a division of Anteo Group, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in London, UK. For more information, please visit www.anteoconsulting.com.
About The State Personnel Administration
The State Personnel Administration (SPA), formerly the Georgia Merit System, has served as the central personnel agency for the State of Georgia since 1943. SPA provides human resource (HR) consulting services and flexible benefits administration to all state entities and employees. SPA's core responsibility is to establish a system of personnel administration that attracts and retains the best employees. Georgia has more than 120 agencies and 110,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.spa.ga.gov.
Partners Consulting Announces 30 Day Identity Risk Assessment Offering
Partners Consulting Services, Inc. announced today the release of its 30 Day Identity Risk Assessment service offering. This service is the latest Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) solution focused on assisting clients to assess identity risks associated with user access to critical business systems.
“An unprecedented and deteriorating economic situation, coupled with increases in governmental regulations, are having significant implications on the management of user access rights within corporations,” said Jim Guinn, II, Executive VP at Partners Consulting. “These issues plus workforce reductions and corporate downsizing are making it difficult for information security managers and business owners to comply with access certifications, especially with end of year Sarbanes-Oxley audits rapidly approaching.”
Partners’ 30 Day Identity Risk Assessment will enable companies to:
* Quickly identify their most critical access issues,
* Develop plans to remediate compliance exceptions,
* Minimize exposure to Segregation of Duties violations, over-privileged users, and other common high-risk scenarios.
Partners Consulting’s GRC solutions for Security and Compliance are comprehensive and complete approaches to helping companies get the most from forced regulations.
For more information email us or visit our website at www.partnersconsulting.com.
About Partners Consulting Services, Inc.
Partners Consulting Services, Inc. is a recognized leader in providing top-tier Information Technology Solutions across North America. With specializations in Governance, Risk and Compliance, Identity and Access Governance and Enterprise Applications focused on our clients’ Workforce Life-Cycle Management needs, Partners Consulting Solutions Division has a unique ability to assist our clients regardless of technology or business objective.
Leveraging over 25 years of experience in nine offices across the nation our firm is well positioned to assist our clients solve complex business issues with industry leading technology solutions. Partners takes pride in providing a wide array of IT services to our clients based on their needs.
“An unprecedented and deteriorating economic situation, coupled with increases in governmental regulations, are having significant implications on the management of user access rights within corporations,” said Jim Guinn, II, Executive VP at Partners Consulting. “These issues plus workforce reductions and corporate downsizing are making it difficult for information security managers and business owners to comply with access certifications, especially with end of year Sarbanes-Oxley audits rapidly approaching.”
Partners’ 30 Day Identity Risk Assessment will enable companies to:
* Quickly identify their most critical access issues,
* Develop plans to remediate compliance exceptions,
* Minimize exposure to Segregation of Duties violations, over-privileged users, and other common high-risk scenarios.
Partners Consulting’s GRC solutions for Security and Compliance are comprehensive and complete approaches to helping companies get the most from forced regulations.
For more information email us or visit our website at www.partnersconsulting.com.
About Partners Consulting Services, Inc.
Partners Consulting Services, Inc. is a recognized leader in providing top-tier Information Technology Solutions across North America. With specializations in Governance, Risk and Compliance, Identity and Access Governance and Enterprise Applications focused on our clients’ Workforce Life-Cycle Management needs, Partners Consulting Solutions Division has a unique ability to assist our clients regardless of technology or business objective.
Leveraging over 25 years of experience in nine offices across the nation our firm is well positioned to assist our clients solve complex business issues with industry leading technology solutions. Partners takes pride in providing a wide array of IT services to our clients based on their needs.
Five Partners Join the Ranks of WAC Consulting Group-Latest Expansion Adds New Product Expertise and Greater Local Presence
July proved to be a monumental month for the WAC Consulting Group as five solutions providers joined as full partners. Adding to the Group's core expertise in ERP, Manufacturing and Distribution solutions, the new partners enhance the current product portfolio by offering expertise and solutions in Human Resources Information Systems and mid-market manufacturing solutions as well as training services. With this latest expansion, the Group adds offices in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan and Washington.
Computer Accounting Systems, Inc. - Washington
With over twenty five years of experience in providing accounting software and services to many prominent businesses in the Washington state area, Computer Accounting Systems is a well-established business. Computer Accounting Systems Inc has done business with a variety of companies and specializes in the financial services, non-profit and service industries.
CTO Associates, Inc. - Massachusetts
CTO Associates, Inc. brings more than twenty-five years of experience in consulting and implementation services to the Group. Cheri T. Oberpriller, CPA, and her associates, have backgrounds that include both public and private accounting and management experience and are a recognized business in Massachusetts. CTO Associates, Inc. specializes in distribution, non-profit service agencies and private educational facilities.
Michael Ericksen P.C. - Illinois
For over 20 years, Michael Ericksen P.C. has assisted small to mid-sized businesses with their software implementation and training needs in the Chicago area. They install, develop, service, train, and support customized software solutions. With experience in various industries and products Michael Ericksen, P.C specializes in retail, service, and manufacturing industries.
Preferred Logic, Inc. - Connecticut
Preferred Logic, Inc. provides business application software, support and training to midsized companies throughout New England and beyond including accounting, ERP, project management, service and maintenance, distribution, manufacturing and CRM solutions. Offering decades of experience in addressing complex business problems, Preferred Logic helps their clients achieve increased sales, streamlined procedures and better management information using industry leading software, proven platforms and expert services.
Skory Employer Solutions, LLC - Michigan
Skory Employer Solutions has been an authorized reseller of Abra since 1993. They focus on Sage Abra HRMS and complimentary products including Workforce Manragement and Performance Appraisal. Arlie Skory was an Abra HR software user for ten years before becoming a certified trainer and implementer. She is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources and has served on the Business Partner Council for Abra.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Robert Distler, President of WAC Consulting, Inc., said: "We are very much looking forward to deploying new services and solutions via our new partners, and as a group, we now have further enhanced our abilities to offer nationwide coverage to our customers." The new as well as current partners can be contacted directly via the Group's website at www.waccg.com.
About the WAC Consulting Group
The WAC Consulting Group serves the needs of businesses nationwide in the areas of business processes, operations and systems technology. With members of its team averaging 20 years experience working with companies in the commercial and industrial market places, the Group has encountered the challenges that face businesses today and as a result, can share with its customers in-depth information and quantified results from successful customer deployments.
Formed in 2006 by WAC Consulting, Inc., the Group has offices in 16 states and offers nationwide support and services. WAC Consulting, Inc., founded in 1987, provides and supports accounting, manufacturing, warehousing and CRM software solutions together with software customization services to solve operations, process and profitability challenges at mid-size businesses. The company saw a need to bring real-world experience in finance and accounting, manufacturing workflow processes, materials management, engineering data management and sales force automation to companies both large and small. To increase profitability by streamlining your business, call 508-393-7731.
Computer Accounting Systems, Inc. - Washington
With over twenty five years of experience in providing accounting software and services to many prominent businesses in the Washington state area, Computer Accounting Systems is a well-established business. Computer Accounting Systems Inc has done business with a variety of companies and specializes in the financial services, non-profit and service industries.
CTO Associates, Inc. - Massachusetts
CTO Associates, Inc. brings more than twenty-five years of experience in consulting and implementation services to the Group. Cheri T. Oberpriller, CPA, and her associates, have backgrounds that include both public and private accounting and management experience and are a recognized business in Massachusetts. CTO Associates, Inc. specializes in distribution, non-profit service agencies and private educational facilities.
Michael Ericksen P.C. - Illinois
For over 20 years, Michael Ericksen P.C. has assisted small to mid-sized businesses with their software implementation and training needs in the Chicago area. They install, develop, service, train, and support customized software solutions. With experience in various industries and products Michael Ericksen, P.C specializes in retail, service, and manufacturing industries.
Preferred Logic, Inc. - Connecticut
Preferred Logic, Inc. provides business application software, support and training to midsized companies throughout New England and beyond including accounting, ERP, project management, service and maintenance, distribution, manufacturing and CRM solutions. Offering decades of experience in addressing complex business problems, Preferred Logic helps their clients achieve increased sales, streamlined procedures and better management information using industry leading software, proven platforms and expert services.
Skory Employer Solutions, LLC - Michigan
Skory Employer Solutions has been an authorized reseller of Abra since 1993. They focus on Sage Abra HRMS and complimentary products including Workforce Manragement and Performance Appraisal. Arlie Skory was an Abra HR software user for ten years before becoming a certified trainer and implementer. She is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources and has served on the Business Partner Council for Abra.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Robert Distler, President of WAC Consulting, Inc., said: "We are very much looking forward to deploying new services and solutions via our new partners, and as a group, we now have further enhanced our abilities to offer nationwide coverage to our customers." The new as well as current partners can be contacted directly via the Group's website at www.waccg.com.
About the WAC Consulting Group
The WAC Consulting Group serves the needs of businesses nationwide in the areas of business processes, operations and systems technology. With members of its team averaging 20 years experience working with companies in the commercial and industrial market places, the Group has encountered the challenges that face businesses today and as a result, can share with its customers in-depth information and quantified results from successful customer deployments.
Formed in 2006 by WAC Consulting, Inc., the Group has offices in 16 states and offers nationwide support and services. WAC Consulting, Inc., founded in 1987, provides and supports accounting, manufacturing, warehousing and CRM software solutions together with software customization services to solve operations, process and profitability challenges at mid-size businesses. The company saw a need to bring real-world experience in finance and accounting, manufacturing workflow processes, materials management, engineering data management and sales force automation to companies both large and small. To increase profitability by streamlining your business, call 508-393-7731.
IBM Smart Analytics System To Bring the Power of Analytics to Clients in Just Days
IBM (NYSE: IBM) today introduced the Smart Analytics System, the industry's first comprehensive offering that brings the power of analytics to clients in just a matter of days. With today's news, IBM is taking advantage of its unique combination of software and hardware technology, industry knowledge, Research math sciences and services expertise to help clients make more informed decisions faster than ever before -- accelerating the pace of building a smarter planet.
The Smart Analytics System is a single, fine-tuned system optimized with the right balance of software, systems and storage capabilities for deep analytics computing workloads. It can uncover insights and hidden relationships among massive amounts of data -- not just structured information found in databases, but unstructured and incompatible data from such diverse sources as videos, emails, Web sites, podcasts, blogs, wikis, archival data and more. This makes it well-suited to tackle some of the most complex problems associated with areas targeted for stimulus investments, such as financial risk management, smart grids, electronic medical records and management of healthcare costs, education, identity theft and fraud, and food safety.
The Smart Analytics System can harness the power of analytics to solve complex business problems as much as three times faster than other systems, while requiring up to 50 percent less storage -- saving both floor space and energy. A powerful analytics system that would have required the time of half a dozen or more technical experts to set up can now be deployed by as few as one, or none at all for smaller configurations. For most configurations, the system can be "analytics ready" in as few as 12 days.
"Our clients are operating in a competitive environment. In addition to acting fast, they have to be right," said Ambuj Goyal, general manager for IBM Information Management. "With the Smart Analytics System, we are helping clients take advantage of analytics faster, more efficiently and at a lower cost, helping them achieve better business results and accelerate their return on investment."
The IBM Smart Analytics System delivers a comprehensive and flexible set of capabilities, including business intelligence reporting, analysis, dashboards, and scorecards, data mining, cubing services, text analytics, data warehouse management, storage and server platform. It can also be used by clients or cloud service providers to deliver the power of analytics to private or public cloud services.
Analytics in Action - Improving Lives and Profits
Organizations around the globe are embracing analytics technology to gain business advantage and better serving their clients. For example:
Chicago, IL-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), a national federation of 39 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance companies, is analyzing claim records of tens of millions of members to detect demographic trends. The resulting insights will be used to help employers improve workforce health while better managing costs for the members.
"This has the potential to revolutionize the way we deliver healthcare," said Shirley Lady, Vice President, Business Informatics/BHI for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. "Analytics is giving us faster access to the type of information we didn't have before." For example: analytics has made it much easier and faster to survey large populations and then quickly analyze the prevalence of a chronic diseases, as well as treatment patterns.
Headquartered in Little Rock, AR, Dillard's Inc. is a fashion apparel and home furnishings retailer with more than 300 stores. Analytics plays a key role in the company's strategy to combat the tough economic climate. Using analytics, Dillard's is able to obtain valuable insights into inventory management, vendor relationship management and customer spending patterns, which has resulted in increased efficiencies for the company.
Rooms to Go, a furniture retailer based in Seffner, FL, is also using analytics to also detect buying patterns of customers, such as which furniture pieces and categories are the best sellers, by state and customer type. With these insights, Rooms To Go is able to target repeat customers more effectively by predicting which products consumers prefer and would likely buy next.
Sterling Savings Bank, headquartered in Spokane, Wash., serves more than 25,000 businesses and 175,000 consumers in five states. As a leading community bank in the Pacific Northwest and the largest commercial bank in the state of Washington, Sterling uses business analytics to better understand and serve its clients - providing a better banking experience by anticipating their needs at different stages of their lives.
Analytics technology holds tremendous promise for companies of all sizes to make more intelligent decisions and gain a competitive advantage. However, until now, acquiring, configuring and fine-tuning an analytics solution to solve specific problems and uncover breakthrough insights has required not only specific technical skills, but experts in applying analytics software for specific vertical industry applications. This has put analytics out of reach for many companies. With the new Smart Analytics System, IBM is responding to this need by not only providing its technical expertise, but also by delivering a comprehensive system that offers a streamlined assessment and the consulting expertise necessary to bring the power of analytics to clients quickly, at an affordable price.
With this announcement, IBM is expanding its portfolio to meet the needs of the high-growth analytics market. Earlier this year, IBM established Business Analytics and Optimization Services, an organization of more than 4,000 consultants teamed with IBM Research's world renowned laboratories and its 200 mathematicians and advanced analytics experts. IBM is also establishing a network of Analytics Solution Centers around the world to help clients solve their most complex challenges using analytics.
IBM also plans to extend the strengths of the System z platform to analytic warehousing workloads.
The IBM Smart Analytics System will be available in September. For more information, visit http://www.ibm.com/smart-analytics-system
Follow developments on IBM Business Analytics at: IBM Business Analytics & Optimization Online Press Kit
IBM Business Analytics & Optimization: Smarter Planet on Tumblr
IBM Business Analytics on Twitter
An IBM video, "Analytics: How it Works," is available on YouTube.
The Smart Analytics System is a single, fine-tuned system optimized with the right balance of software, systems and storage capabilities for deep analytics computing workloads. It can uncover insights and hidden relationships among massive amounts of data -- not just structured information found in databases, but unstructured and incompatible data from such diverse sources as videos, emails, Web sites, podcasts, blogs, wikis, archival data and more. This makes it well-suited to tackle some of the most complex problems associated with areas targeted for stimulus investments, such as financial risk management, smart grids, electronic medical records and management of healthcare costs, education, identity theft and fraud, and food safety.
The Smart Analytics System can harness the power of analytics to solve complex business problems as much as three times faster than other systems, while requiring up to 50 percent less storage -- saving both floor space and energy. A powerful analytics system that would have required the time of half a dozen or more technical experts to set up can now be deployed by as few as one, or none at all for smaller configurations. For most configurations, the system can be "analytics ready" in as few as 12 days.
"Our clients are operating in a competitive environment. In addition to acting fast, they have to be right," said Ambuj Goyal, general manager for IBM Information Management. "With the Smart Analytics System, we are helping clients take advantage of analytics faster, more efficiently and at a lower cost, helping them achieve better business results and accelerate their return on investment."
The IBM Smart Analytics System delivers a comprehensive and flexible set of capabilities, including business intelligence reporting, analysis, dashboards, and scorecards, data mining, cubing services, text analytics, data warehouse management, storage and server platform. It can also be used by clients or cloud service providers to deliver the power of analytics to private or public cloud services.
Analytics in Action - Improving Lives and Profits
Organizations around the globe are embracing analytics technology to gain business advantage and better serving their clients. For example:
Chicago, IL-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), a national federation of 39 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance companies, is analyzing claim records of tens of millions of members to detect demographic trends. The resulting insights will be used to help employers improve workforce health while better managing costs for the members.
"This has the potential to revolutionize the way we deliver healthcare," said Shirley Lady, Vice President, Business Informatics/BHI for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. "Analytics is giving us faster access to the type of information we didn't have before." For example: analytics has made it much easier and faster to survey large populations and then quickly analyze the prevalence of a chronic diseases, as well as treatment patterns.
Headquartered in Little Rock, AR, Dillard's Inc. is a fashion apparel and home furnishings retailer with more than 300 stores. Analytics plays a key role in the company's strategy to combat the tough economic climate. Using analytics, Dillard's is able to obtain valuable insights into inventory management, vendor relationship management and customer spending patterns, which has resulted in increased efficiencies for the company.
Rooms to Go, a furniture retailer based in Seffner, FL, is also using analytics to also detect buying patterns of customers, such as which furniture pieces and categories are the best sellers, by state and customer type. With these insights, Rooms To Go is able to target repeat customers more effectively by predicting which products consumers prefer and would likely buy next.
Sterling Savings Bank, headquartered in Spokane, Wash., serves more than 25,000 businesses and 175,000 consumers in five states. As a leading community bank in the Pacific Northwest and the largest commercial bank in the state of Washington, Sterling uses business analytics to better understand and serve its clients - providing a better banking experience by anticipating their needs at different stages of their lives.
Analytics technology holds tremendous promise for companies of all sizes to make more intelligent decisions and gain a competitive advantage. However, until now, acquiring, configuring and fine-tuning an analytics solution to solve specific problems and uncover breakthrough insights has required not only specific technical skills, but experts in applying analytics software for specific vertical industry applications. This has put analytics out of reach for many companies. With the new Smart Analytics System, IBM is responding to this need by not only providing its technical expertise, but also by delivering a comprehensive system that offers a streamlined assessment and the consulting expertise necessary to bring the power of analytics to clients quickly, at an affordable price.
With this announcement, IBM is expanding its portfolio to meet the needs of the high-growth analytics market. Earlier this year, IBM established Business Analytics and Optimization Services, an organization of more than 4,000 consultants teamed with IBM Research's world renowned laboratories and its 200 mathematicians and advanced analytics experts. IBM is also establishing a network of Analytics Solution Centers around the world to help clients solve their most complex challenges using analytics.
IBM also plans to extend the strengths of the System z platform to analytic warehousing workloads.
The IBM Smart Analytics System will be available in September. For more information, visit http://www.ibm.com/smart-analytics-system
Follow developments on IBM Business Analytics at: IBM Business Analytics & Optimization Online Press Kit
IBM Business Analytics & Optimization: Smarter Planet on Tumblr
IBM Business Analytics on Twitter
An IBM video, "Analytics: How it Works," is available on YouTube.
Management Consultancy North Highland Opens First Asia Office in Shanghai
Global management and technology consulting firm North Highland announced today the opening of its first Asia office in Shanghai, China, as part of its ongoing expansion strategy both in the United States and abroad. The new office will support the current and future business needs of the firm's U.S. clients operating in the region, including some of the world's largest organizations.
Currently, North Highland maintains 18 U.S. offices with 750 employees, as well as 23 offices internationally with approximately 1,200 consultants through Highland Worldwide.
"One of our goals is to be where our clients are and Asia is an increasingly important market for many U.S. businesses," said North Highland CEO Dan Reardon. "Even in the current economy, business needs in China - and Shanghai in particular - remains strong. Having a local presence will enable us to better deliver the guidance and range of services our clients need to succeed there."
The North Highland office will be located in the Luwan District of Shanghai, located on the west bank of the Huangpu River. International business expert Michael Adick will head up the new office. Adick brings 15 years of experience in industry and consulting, including banking, sales and marketing management, and strategy development. Prior to joining North Highland, he was with Volksbank Hoerstel eG, Siemens Ltd. China and BearingPoint China.
North Highland is partnering with HBC Consulting, a Shanghai consulting firm, to help execute business opportunities with local Chinese companies. The partnership will advance North Highland's Chinese business relationships and allow for broader service offerings to clients.
About North Highland
North Highland is a global management and technology consulting firm that achieves exceptional results with the world's largest organizations, using a very different approach - we employ only experienced consultants, we live and work where our clients do, and we guarantee our work.
North Highland is helping business, government and non-profit clients define strategies, streamline operations, empower people, integrate suppliers, leverage technology and maximize customer interaction. We are committed to proving to clients every day why they should always expect more from us. For more information, visit us online at www.northhighland.com.
Currently, North Highland maintains 18 U.S. offices with 750 employees, as well as 23 offices internationally with approximately 1,200 consultants through Highland Worldwide.
"One of our goals is to be where our clients are and Asia is an increasingly important market for many U.S. businesses," said North Highland CEO Dan Reardon. "Even in the current economy, business needs in China - and Shanghai in particular - remains strong. Having a local presence will enable us to better deliver the guidance and range of services our clients need to succeed there."
The North Highland office will be located in the Luwan District of Shanghai, located on the west bank of the Huangpu River. International business expert Michael Adick will head up the new office. Adick brings 15 years of experience in industry and consulting, including banking, sales and marketing management, and strategy development. Prior to joining North Highland, he was with Volksbank Hoerstel eG, Siemens Ltd. China and BearingPoint China.
North Highland is partnering with HBC Consulting, a Shanghai consulting firm, to help execute business opportunities with local Chinese companies. The partnership will advance North Highland's Chinese business relationships and allow for broader service offerings to clients.
About North Highland
North Highland is a global management and technology consulting firm that achieves exceptional results with the world's largest organizations, using a very different approach - we employ only experienced consultants, we live and work where our clients do, and we guarantee our work.
North Highland is helping business, government and non-profit clients define strategies, streamline operations, empower people, integrate suppliers, leverage technology and maximize customer interaction. We are committed to proving to clients every day why they should always expect more from us. For more information, visit us online at www.northhighland.com.
IT Consulting Firm Q Analysts Named Fastest Growing Staffing Company in America
Q Analysts LLC, a leading information technology consulting firm, has been named America's fastest growing staffing company in 2009 by Staffing Industry Analysts.
With a five-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 104.4%, privately-held Q Analysts generated $17.4 million in sales in 2008. The company, founded in 2003, is a certified minority business enterprise and serves Fortune® 500 and emerging growth companies.
Q Analysts has continued its rapid growth in 2009, with first quarter revenues up by 56% over the same period in 2008.
Q Analysts specializes in software quality assurance and testing, business intelligence, data warehousing and professional services. By combining its focused technology practice areas with its Follow-the-Sun Recruiting Model®, Q Analysts has developed a compelling business proposition: access to high-level talent through a cost-effective and flexible model. This methodology is delivered by customer-facing employees who receive intensive technology training and certifications, becoming subject matter experts in order to rapidly understand manager needs and provide meaningful on-going support.
"We come to work every day focused on the details of delivering the right talent to our customers. We designed our business to leverage client, industry and technical knowledge to make this happen. This #1 ranking is a testament to the commitment of our employees and the quality work of our consultants who make Q Analysts the first choice for our customers. We are honored by this recognition from Staffing Industry Analysts," said Ross Fernandes, founder and President of Q Analysts. "We've grown rapidly because our customers have embraced the way we do business. Building on our roots in software quality assurance and testing, we have worked hard to build a solid reputation and have expanded into other sectors such as business intelligence, data warehousing and professional services as organizations use Q Analysts' people, processes and technologies to develop, implement and support their investments."
The rankings -- published in the July issue of Staffing Industry Report -- are based on the CAGR of U.S.-based companies between 2004 and 2008 that had sales of at least $1 million in 2004. For the first time this year, Staffing Industry Analysts allowed publicly-held staffing companies to be nominated for consideration.
"Growth in this economic environment is a significant challenge. Q Analysts' achievements over the past five years are a real accomplishment," said Dana Shaw, Executive Director of Strategic Solutions for Staffing Industry Analysts. "We're pleased to recognize a company that has grown so rapidly by focusing on its core business and serving its customers."
Q Analysts has an aggressive growth strategy in place for the balance of 2009. In addition to current operations anchored by its headquarters in California, the company plans to launch a presence in Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Washington DC to serve current customers and to expand its reach to new organizations.
About Q Analysts
Q Analysts delivers software quality assurance and testing, business intelligence, data warehousing solutions and professional services to Fortune® 500 and emerging growth companies. A certified minority business enterprise, Q Analysts is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA and is the fastest growing staffing company in America, according to Staffing Industry Analysts. For more information, visit www.qanalysts.com.
About Staffing Industry Analysts
Staffing Industry Analysts is the premier advisory service about the contingent workforce. Known for its independent and objective insights, the company's proprietary research, data, support tools, publications, and executive conferences provide a competitive edge to decision-makers who supply and buy temporary staffing. In addition to temporary staffing, Staffing Industry Analysts also covers related staffing service sectors: third-party placement, outplacement, and staffing leasing (PEOs). Founded in 1989, acquired by Crain Communications Inc. in 2008, the company is headquartered in Los Altos, California, with offices in London, England. For more information please visit www.staffingindustry.com.
With a five-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 104.4%, privately-held Q Analysts generated $17.4 million in sales in 2008. The company, founded in 2003, is a certified minority business enterprise and serves Fortune® 500 and emerging growth companies.
Q Analysts has continued its rapid growth in 2009, with first quarter revenues up by 56% over the same period in 2008.
Q Analysts specializes in software quality assurance and testing, business intelligence, data warehousing and professional services. By combining its focused technology practice areas with its Follow-the-Sun Recruiting Model®, Q Analysts has developed a compelling business proposition: access to high-level talent through a cost-effective and flexible model. This methodology is delivered by customer-facing employees who receive intensive technology training and certifications, becoming subject matter experts in order to rapidly understand manager needs and provide meaningful on-going support.
"We come to work every day focused on the details of delivering the right talent to our customers. We designed our business to leverage client, industry and technical knowledge to make this happen. This #1 ranking is a testament to the commitment of our employees and the quality work of our consultants who make Q Analysts the first choice for our customers. We are honored by this recognition from Staffing Industry Analysts," said Ross Fernandes, founder and President of Q Analysts. "We've grown rapidly because our customers have embraced the way we do business. Building on our roots in software quality assurance and testing, we have worked hard to build a solid reputation and have expanded into other sectors such as business intelligence, data warehousing and professional services as organizations use Q Analysts' people, processes and technologies to develop, implement and support their investments."
The rankings -- published in the July issue of Staffing Industry Report -- are based on the CAGR of U.S.-based companies between 2004 and 2008 that had sales of at least $1 million in 2004. For the first time this year, Staffing Industry Analysts allowed publicly-held staffing companies to be nominated for consideration.
"Growth in this economic environment is a significant challenge. Q Analysts' achievements over the past five years are a real accomplishment," said Dana Shaw, Executive Director of Strategic Solutions for Staffing Industry Analysts. "We're pleased to recognize a company that has grown so rapidly by focusing on its core business and serving its customers."
Q Analysts has an aggressive growth strategy in place for the balance of 2009. In addition to current operations anchored by its headquarters in California, the company plans to launch a presence in Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Washington DC to serve current customers and to expand its reach to new organizations.
About Q Analysts
Q Analysts delivers software quality assurance and testing, business intelligence, data warehousing solutions and professional services to Fortune® 500 and emerging growth companies. A certified minority business enterprise, Q Analysts is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA and is the fastest growing staffing company in America, according to Staffing Industry Analysts. For more information, visit www.qanalysts.com.
About Staffing Industry Analysts
Staffing Industry Analysts is the premier advisory service about the contingent workforce. Known for its independent and objective insights, the company's proprietary research, data, support tools, publications, and executive conferences provide a competitive edge to decision-makers who supply and buy temporary staffing. In addition to temporary staffing, Staffing Industry Analysts also covers related staffing service sectors: third-party placement, outplacement, and staffing leasing (PEOs). Founded in 1989, acquired by Crain Communications Inc. in 2008, the company is headquartered in Los Altos, California, with offices in London, England. For more information please visit www.staffingindustry.com.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Nebulas Security’s New Assessment Highlights Risks to Corporate Data
Nebulas Security, the data security specialist has just launched its new Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Assessment to help companies fully understand and address the risks they face from losing their corporate data.
The Assessment helps companies assess the potential security weaknesses in their systems: Verizon’s 2009 Data Breach Investigation Report showed that during last year, 285 million records were compromised and 74% of the data breaches analysed were caused by external parties. It also highlighted that over 90% of the breaches were linked to organised criminal groups.
Aiming to help companies secure their systems against such losses, Nebulas Security’s DLP Assessment qualifies and quantifies the risks to organisations’ data. It also highlights the impact losing or leaking data would have on the business. In addition to looking at data at rest (such as file shares), the comprehensive Assessment shows the risks presented by data in motion, such as email, Instant Messaging, web traffic and FTP file transfers. By analysing data in its different states, the Assessment shows the implications of where data is stored and who can access it; often highlighting unforeseen threats to its security.
Nick Garlick, Nebulas Security’s Managing Director is confident that many organisations will see the benefit of this new Assessment. He commented: “Most organisations have now deployed considerable amounts of security technology to protect themselves from external and internal threats. As a result, the challenge is now to understand the effectiveness of the technology that they’ve installed. This Assessment shows customers exactly where they’re vulnerable, the risks they face, the impact data leaks and losses would have on their business.
He added: “The Assessment gives customers detailed information which they can use as a blue-print to address their security issues before they become a major problem or result in serious financial loss, damage to their credibility or legal action. The Financial Services Authority fining three HSBC companies £3.2 million for not doing enough to protect customer data is a case in point.”
The Assessment takes place over a number of days: a monitoring device is installed on the organisation’s network, which unobtrusively gathers data without any impact on its performance. Following careful analysis of the findings, Nebulas Security produces a detailed report summarising the risks which organisations face.
The report’s management summary gives a high level perspective, which is then broken down into more specific information such as a quantifiable list of the greatest risks to the business. It is accompanied by a full statistical analysis by type of data and activity.
About Nebulas Solutions Group
Nebulas Solutions Group is a security, acceleration and virtualisation specialist. The Group offers sophisticated technology solutions, consultancy and implementation expertise to help organisations address their key business issues of data security, acceleration and availability.
Nebulas Solutions Group comprises three divisions: Nebulas Security is the UK’s leading provider of IT security, data privacy and compliance solutions. Nebulas Xcelerate provides leading WAN optimisation and applications acceleration solutions and Nebulas Virtualise offers market leading virtualisation solutions. The Group’s combined expertise ensures that organisations can maximise the performance, efficiency and security of their IT infrastructure, as well as reducing operating costs.
Based in London, Nebulas Solutions Group has more than 200 customers worldwide, including many blue chip and FTSE 250 organisations. For further information, go to www.nebulassolutions.com.
The Assessment helps companies assess the potential security weaknesses in their systems: Verizon’s 2009 Data Breach Investigation Report showed that during last year, 285 million records were compromised and 74% of the data breaches analysed were caused by external parties. It also highlighted that over 90% of the breaches were linked to organised criminal groups.
Aiming to help companies secure their systems against such losses, Nebulas Security’s DLP Assessment qualifies and quantifies the risks to organisations’ data. It also highlights the impact losing or leaking data would have on the business. In addition to looking at data at rest (such as file shares), the comprehensive Assessment shows the risks presented by data in motion, such as email, Instant Messaging, web traffic and FTP file transfers. By analysing data in its different states, the Assessment shows the implications of where data is stored and who can access it; often highlighting unforeseen threats to its security.
Nick Garlick, Nebulas Security’s Managing Director is confident that many organisations will see the benefit of this new Assessment. He commented: “Most organisations have now deployed considerable amounts of security technology to protect themselves from external and internal threats. As a result, the challenge is now to understand the effectiveness of the technology that they’ve installed. This Assessment shows customers exactly where they’re vulnerable, the risks they face, the impact data leaks and losses would have on their business.
He added: “The Assessment gives customers detailed information which they can use as a blue-print to address their security issues before they become a major problem or result in serious financial loss, damage to their credibility or legal action. The Financial Services Authority fining three HSBC companies £3.2 million for not doing enough to protect customer data is a case in point.”
The Assessment takes place over a number of days: a monitoring device is installed on the organisation’s network, which unobtrusively gathers data without any impact on its performance. Following careful analysis of the findings, Nebulas Security produces a detailed report summarising the risks which organisations face.
The report’s management summary gives a high level perspective, which is then broken down into more specific information such as a quantifiable list of the greatest risks to the business. It is accompanied by a full statistical analysis by type of data and activity.
About Nebulas Solutions Group
Nebulas Solutions Group is a security, acceleration and virtualisation specialist. The Group offers sophisticated technology solutions, consultancy and implementation expertise to help organisations address their key business issues of data security, acceleration and availability.
Nebulas Solutions Group comprises three divisions: Nebulas Security is the UK’s leading provider of IT security, data privacy and compliance solutions. Nebulas Xcelerate provides leading WAN optimisation and applications acceleration solutions and Nebulas Virtualise offers market leading virtualisation solutions. The Group’s combined expertise ensures that organisations can maximise the performance, efficiency and security of their IT infrastructure, as well as reducing operating costs.
Based in London, Nebulas Solutions Group has more than 200 customers worldwide, including many blue chip and FTSE 250 organisations. For further information, go to www.nebulassolutions.com.
Clive Maclean Consulting Launches New 'Ad-Agency Growth Fundamentals' Online Survey; Results to be Shared with All Survey Participants
The philosophy that drives Clive's consulting approach is that it takes more than just a focus on new business development to drive consistent ad-agency growth. It actually requires an integrated five pillar strategy that includes:
1. Minimizing current client turnover.
2. Delivering organic new business growth from existing clients.
3. Building an agency "New Business Machine."
4. Optimizing internal agency resource allocation and utilization
5. New agency capability development and deployment.
Clive maintains that if agency leadership fails to include all five pillars in their growth plan, they will find themselves unable to deliver consistent agency growth and above average profitability.
Most agencies tend to believe that new business growth is the silver bullet when it comes to driving growth. Clive points out that poorly targeted, aggressive new business strategies exacerbate the agency's financial situation through unmanageable new business strain.
Senior leadership from all advertising and marketing agencies are encouraged to particpate in the survey. A comprehensive report on the findings will be shared with all participants.
To participate in the survey please go to:
http://surveys.verticalresponse.com/a/show/462069/396d97edc1/0
1. Minimizing current client turnover.
2. Delivering organic new business growth from existing clients.
3. Building an agency "New Business Machine."
4. Optimizing internal agency resource allocation and utilization
5. New agency capability development and deployment.
Clive maintains that if agency leadership fails to include all five pillars in their growth plan, they will find themselves unable to deliver consistent agency growth and above average profitability.
Most agencies tend to believe that new business growth is the silver bullet when it comes to driving growth. Clive points out that poorly targeted, aggressive new business strategies exacerbate the agency's financial situation through unmanageable new business strain.
Senior leadership from all advertising and marketing agencies are encouraged to particpate in the survey. A comprehensive report on the findings will be shared with all participants.
To participate in the survey please go to:
http://surveys.verticalresponse.com/a/show/462069/396d97edc1/0
Cathexis Partners Becomes an Authorized Convio Solution Provider
Cathexis Partners today announced that it is now an authorized partner in the Convio Solution Provider (CSP) program designed for companies wanting to deploy Convio software and provide related services. With this formal authorization, Cathexis Partners can now provide nonprofits with high-quality consulting and implementation services around Convio online marketing, fundraising and advocacy products so that the charities can maximize their return on investment in technology.
Cathexis Partners launched in fall 2008, and has already completed more than 25 Convio deployments.
"We are excited to be an authorized Convio Solution Provider because it allows us to deepen our knowledge around Convio’s methodology, products, and best practices that makes our consultants more valuable to our clients,” said Mark Becker, founding partner of Cathexis Partners. “Having the Convio Solution Provider seal, combined with our deep knowledge and experience in Convio products, gives us a competitive edge within Convio’s base of more than 1,400 clients and gives our clients peace of mind that we understand how to implement and consult around Convio Online Marketing."
Cathexis has invested in having three people become authorized on methodology and best practices, basic product topics, and advanced product implementation around Convio.
“We believe that the Convio model delivers results for nonprofits and is a powerful and efficient platform, thus our significant investment in people and expertise to support both our growth and that of the nonprofits we serve,” added Becker.
In the second quarter of 2009, Cathexis Partners received the highest level of customer satisfaction among CSPs working on Online Marketing implementations.
In addition to ensuring that authorized partners provide the same level of consistency and service that Convio clients have grown to expect, the CSP program also gives nonprofits the flexibility to choose the applications, providers, and approach that are best suited for their needs.
”In a short period Cathexis Partners has proven itself as a valuable resource for ideas, innovation and implementation for many of our clients,” said Fred Waugh, vice president of alliances at Convio. “By having three Consultants and Technology Specialists now authorized on Convio Online Marketing, Cathexis Partners has made a strategic investment in deepening its expertise with Convio products that will pay off for its nonprofit clients today and for years to come.”
As an authorized partner that has received advanced product training, Cathexis Partners is well-versed on the implementation methodology and best practices around Convio solutions, and also offers post-deployment services and consulting. Cathexis Partners is authorized to provide services for Convio Online Marketing (eCRM) products.
To learn more about the services that Cathexis Partners provides, interested parties can visit www.cathexispartners.com. To learn more about the Convio Solution Provider program, visit www.convio.com/our-partners.
ABOUT CATHEXIS PARTNERS
Cathexis Partners helps nonprofit and other socially minded organizations raise funds, expand house files, and spread the word about their mission more effectively and more efficiently.
Our services include website development (design, migration, integration, implementation, and CSS or template deployment), reporting, database management, IT consulting, technical support, custom training, copy writing, and project management.
Our extensive experience in CRM and CMS software solutions can help your organization to maximize the tools you have, identify gaps, and find the best new tools and strategies to accomplish your mission. In addition, we have extensive expertise in desktop, server, and application support as well as technical instruction creation and delivery. Collectively, our core team has over 25 years of experience in customer support, IT project management, nonprofit volunteerism and IT support in the nonprofit, private and military sectors.
As an authorized Convio Solution Provider, our team has the experience and knowledge to provide end to end project management to include strategy, design, migration (content and data), integration, deployment and ongoing support for any size non-profit. We can provide as much or as little support as you need, and we can do all of this at a very competitive rate due to our virtual organization and partnership structure.
Cathexis Partners launched in fall 2008, and has already completed more than 25 Convio deployments.
"We are excited to be an authorized Convio Solution Provider because it allows us to deepen our knowledge around Convio’s methodology, products, and best practices that makes our consultants more valuable to our clients,” said Mark Becker, founding partner of Cathexis Partners. “Having the Convio Solution Provider seal, combined with our deep knowledge and experience in Convio products, gives us a competitive edge within Convio’s base of more than 1,400 clients and gives our clients peace of mind that we understand how to implement and consult around Convio Online Marketing."
Cathexis has invested in having three people become authorized on methodology and best practices, basic product topics, and advanced product implementation around Convio.
“We believe that the Convio model delivers results for nonprofits and is a powerful and efficient platform, thus our significant investment in people and expertise to support both our growth and that of the nonprofits we serve,” added Becker.
In the second quarter of 2009, Cathexis Partners received the highest level of customer satisfaction among CSPs working on Online Marketing implementations.
In addition to ensuring that authorized partners provide the same level of consistency and service that Convio clients have grown to expect, the CSP program also gives nonprofits the flexibility to choose the applications, providers, and approach that are best suited for their needs.
”In a short period Cathexis Partners has proven itself as a valuable resource for ideas, innovation and implementation for many of our clients,” said Fred Waugh, vice president of alliances at Convio. “By having three Consultants and Technology Specialists now authorized on Convio Online Marketing, Cathexis Partners has made a strategic investment in deepening its expertise with Convio products that will pay off for its nonprofit clients today and for years to come.”
As an authorized partner that has received advanced product training, Cathexis Partners is well-versed on the implementation methodology and best practices around Convio solutions, and also offers post-deployment services and consulting. Cathexis Partners is authorized to provide services for Convio Online Marketing (eCRM) products.
To learn more about the services that Cathexis Partners provides, interested parties can visit www.cathexispartners.com. To learn more about the Convio Solution Provider program, visit www.convio.com/our-partners.
ABOUT CATHEXIS PARTNERS
Cathexis Partners helps nonprofit and other socially minded organizations raise funds, expand house files, and spread the word about their mission more effectively and more efficiently.
Our services include website development (design, migration, integration, implementation, and CSS or template deployment), reporting, database management, IT consulting, technical support, custom training, copy writing, and project management.
Our extensive experience in CRM and CMS software solutions can help your organization to maximize the tools you have, identify gaps, and find the best new tools and strategies to accomplish your mission. In addition, we have extensive expertise in desktop, server, and application support as well as technical instruction creation and delivery. Collectively, our core team has over 25 years of experience in customer support, IT project management, nonprofit volunteerism and IT support in the nonprofit, private and military sectors.
As an authorized Convio Solution Provider, our team has the experience and knowledge to provide end to end project management to include strategy, design, migration (content and data), integration, deployment and ongoing support for any size non-profit. We can provide as much or as little support as you need, and we can do all of this at a very competitive rate due to our virtual organization and partnership structure.
Freeborders Extends Consulting Capabilities for Business Transformation
Freeborders, a leading provider of consulting, technology and outsourcing services to the financial services, high tech and travel industries, today announced that it acquired Global Sourcing Advisory Group (GSAG), a leading strategic and technology consulting firm, based in New York.
GSAG focuses on high-impact advisory, benchmarking and transformation consulting services, including shared services, as well as offshoring and outsourcing advice. In addition, GSAG possesses extensive experience providing technology strategy and planning, and program and project management services.
"We welcome the GSAG team to Freeborders. This acquisition expands our consulting capabilities and represents part of our ongoing strategy to provide world class consulting, technology and outsourcing services," said Jean Cholka, CEO, Freeborders. "The blend of GSAG's strong business advisory services and Freeborders' global delivery and implementation capability provides an exceptional opportunity to enhance our business - and the value we deliver to our customers."
"We are very pleased to join the Freeborders family," said John Stacey, CEO, GSAG. "The combination of our proven consulting expertise coupled with Freeborders' leading global delivery capability from China provides clients with a unique and cost-competitive partner for delivering large, end-to-end programs. We found a great cultural fit between both companies in terms of commitment to unparallel client satisfaction, entrepreneurial spirit, corporate culture, and overall vision for the future of the global services industry."
GSAG will operate as an independent business unit with access to global delivery capabilities as required by their clients.
About GSAG - www.gsadvisory.com
Global Sourcing Advisory Group, a global strategic advisory firm, is a leader in best practice advisory, benchmarking, and transformation consulting services, including shared services, offshoring and outsourcing advice. Founded in 2000, the company utilizes best practices and implementation insights from more than 1,000 benchmarking engagements. Executives use GSAG's empirically based approach to quickly define and prioritize initiatives to enable world-class performance.
About Freeborders - www.freeborders.com
Freeborders provides specialized expertise to solve the most complex business challenges for the financial services, travel and high tech industries. The company provides global consulting, latest technologies and outsourcing services that leverage its deep domain expertise, innovative thinking and strategic execution through its integrated China to US delivery model. Freeborders is uniquely positioned to cost-effectively enable its clients to achieve their business objectives.
GSAG focuses on high-impact advisory, benchmarking and transformation consulting services, including shared services, as well as offshoring and outsourcing advice. In addition, GSAG possesses extensive experience providing technology strategy and planning, and program and project management services.
"We welcome the GSAG team to Freeborders. This acquisition expands our consulting capabilities and represents part of our ongoing strategy to provide world class consulting, technology and outsourcing services," said Jean Cholka, CEO, Freeborders. "The blend of GSAG's strong business advisory services and Freeborders' global delivery and implementation capability provides an exceptional opportunity to enhance our business - and the value we deliver to our customers."
"We are very pleased to join the Freeborders family," said John Stacey, CEO, GSAG. "The combination of our proven consulting expertise coupled with Freeborders' leading global delivery capability from China provides clients with a unique and cost-competitive partner for delivering large, end-to-end programs. We found a great cultural fit between both companies in terms of commitment to unparallel client satisfaction, entrepreneurial spirit, corporate culture, and overall vision for the future of the global services industry."
GSAG will operate as an independent business unit with access to global delivery capabilities as required by their clients.
About GSAG - www.gsadvisory.com
Global Sourcing Advisory Group, a global strategic advisory firm, is a leader in best practice advisory, benchmarking, and transformation consulting services, including shared services, offshoring and outsourcing advice. Founded in 2000, the company utilizes best practices and implementation insights from more than 1,000 benchmarking engagements. Executives use GSAG's empirically based approach to quickly define and prioritize initiatives to enable world-class performance.
About Freeborders - www.freeborders.com
Freeborders provides specialized expertise to solve the most complex business challenges for the financial services, travel and high tech industries. The company provides global consulting, latest technologies and outsourcing services that leverage its deep domain expertise, innovative thinking and strategic execution through its integrated China to US delivery model. Freeborders is uniquely positioned to cost-effectively enable its clients to achieve their business objectives.
"Local Consulting Firm Starts Business by Giving It Away!"
In the spirit of using your best talents to give back to the community, The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and their volunteer consulting team Executive Service Corps call on experienced and dynamic business executives and consultants to donate their time to improve the Strategy, Finances and Operations of Arizona Nonprofits. Sonora Strategic Partners (SSP), LLC owned by Phoenix resident Marc Corkins was honored to join this great organization this month.
"This will be a great partnership," says Corkins. "The great thing about this is the synergies for my practice. I have an opportunity to give back and at the same time develop a dynamic network of local business leaders."
When asked why he was giving away what he can sell he said, "I'm in a great position to make volunteering a part of my business plan, to make giving back a part of my firm's culture and values."
Mr. Corkins opened SSP just this January and is developing a portfolio of clients. He joined the Executive Service Corps in July and will be donating a portion of his time on an ongoing basis.
Marc Corkins is a Principal at Sonora Strategic Partners Management Consulting (www.SonoraPartners.com), a Phoenix, AZ-based firm focused on business solutions in the areas of Strategy, Business Process Improvement and Project Management. He can be reached at corkins@SonoraPartners.com, or via phone at 602-330-9176.
Executive Service Corps (ESC) Arizona helps nonprofits improve their operations with consulting services from a team of experienced executives. ESC is affiliated with the National Executive Service Corps (www.escus.org) which has over 30 other Executive Service Corps organizations in major cities in the U.S.
"This will be a great partnership," says Corkins. "The great thing about this is the synergies for my practice. I have an opportunity to give back and at the same time develop a dynamic network of local business leaders."
When asked why he was giving away what he can sell he said, "I'm in a great position to make volunteering a part of my business plan, to make giving back a part of my firm's culture and values."
Mr. Corkins opened SSP just this January and is developing a portfolio of clients. He joined the Executive Service Corps in July and will be donating a portion of his time on an ongoing basis.
Marc Corkins is a Principal at Sonora Strategic Partners Management Consulting (www.SonoraPartners.com), a Phoenix, AZ-based firm focused on business solutions in the areas of Strategy, Business Process Improvement and Project Management. He can be reached at corkins@SonoraPartners.com, or via phone at 602-330-9176.
Executive Service Corps (ESC) Arizona helps nonprofits improve their operations with consulting services from a team of experienced executives. ESC is affiliated with the National Executive Service Corps (www.escus.org) which has over 30 other Executive Service Corps organizations in major cities in the U.S.
Ernst & Young Q3 2009 Oil and Gas Outlook
While little evidence exists to demonstrate marked increases in demand driven by an improving economy, general optimism and signs of recovery in key US indicators such as housing prices, car sales, business investment and consumer confidence have driven oil prices steadily higher over the past quarter, according to Ernst & Young's Americas Oil & Gas Center.
"In the past few years, there was a $20 to $25 per barrel 'risk premium' added to oil prices. That premium has been replaced by a 'hope premium', as markets believe an improving economy will spur significant demand increase," said Marcela Donadio, Ernst & Young LLP, Americas Oil & Gas Industry Leader. "Major players in the energy industry are preparing for the upturn."
While oil has more recently settled in the low $60 per barrel price range, the run up to $70 per barrel last quarter made oil prices $20 to $25 higher than market demand supported. With relatively weak demand and no marked change in production, it is believed that the run up was attributable to anticipated recovery.
"While recovery will be slow and gradual, there is a great deal more optimism in the markets going into the third quarter and that is reflected in oil and gas industry activity," said Marcela Donadio.
Other areas of the energy sector have yet to be impacted by the ''hope premium."
Natural gas
Big increases in upstream spending, drilling activity and infrastructure expansion created major growth in natural gas production in recent years. Now, due to a depressed economy, demand is weak.
When commodity prices collapsed at the end of 2008, leaving gas at $6 per million BTUs, oil and gas prices were aligned in the $30 per barrel of oil equivalent (boe) range. While oil prices have bounced off the bottom and climbed as high as $70 per barrel, natural gas prices have continued the downward march and are currently around $3.50 per million BTUs or $21/boe. On a barrel of oil equivalent basis, oil is now approximately three times the value of natural gas.
Refining and marketing
The outlook for the refining and marketing industry is still quite bleak. Several refinery expansions, planned in a high commodity price environment, were completed last year and more capacity is coming soon. Global refining capacity increased by about 1 million barrels per day in 2008. Another 1.5 to 2 million barrels per day are anticipated to be online this year with another 1 to 2 million next year.
Oilfield services
The oilfield services sector -- traditionally last to feel the effects of a down economy -- is feeling the brunt of the credit crunch now. They also are experiencing the effects of exploration and production spending cuts and pressure to renegotiate contract rates for all drilling and production services. However, there is some optimism for oilfield services companies. Rig counts have increased the last three consecutive weeks.
"There is a trickle down effect for oilfield services. The volatility or ups and downs hit this sector hard and last," explained Charles Swanson, Houston Office Managing Partner for Ernst & Young LLP. "Earnings go through the roof in the good times, when demand for equipment and services is high, driving up the price. Likewise, earnings bottom out when E&P companies cut back spending."
Transactions
The transactions landscape appears to be stable. Arguably, things are improving and the start of the recovery may be at hand. Deal activity is down only slightly over first half of last year when prices averaged $125 per barrel. For the first half of 2009, transaction value was only about 7.5 percent lower than the first half of 2008 when commodity prices were twice as high. Deal volume is almost identical. The fact that transactions values are only slightly lower than the same time last year, demonstrates continuity, consistency and long term vision on the part of industry.
"We anticipate the next wave of transactions coming soon," said Jon McCarter, Ernst & Young LLP, Transaction Advisory Services Leader for Ernst & Young's Americas Oil & Gas Center. "There are weakened companies out there, ripe for the picking and companies with strong balance sheets looking for quick growth opportunities."
About Ernst & Young's Americas Oil & Gas Center
The oil and gas industry is faced with complex issues and constant change. Volatile prices, business consolidation, difficult operating environments, ever-increasing customer demand, continuously evolving regulatory environments and the reliability of supply all present significant challenges. The Ernst & Young Americas Oil & Gas Center can draw upon a network of energy professionals in the Americas and around the world to work closely with clients to facilitate the development of coordinated approaches to managing risk, improving performance and increasing operational effectiveness. The Center works to anticipate market trends, identify the implications of and develop points of view on relevant industry issues. Our deep energy industry focus helps Ernst & Young make a difference.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 135,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.
For more information, please visit www.ey.com.
"In the past few years, there was a $20 to $25 per barrel 'risk premium' added to oil prices. That premium has been replaced by a 'hope premium', as markets believe an improving economy will spur significant demand increase," said Marcela Donadio, Ernst & Young LLP, Americas Oil & Gas Industry Leader. "Major players in the energy industry are preparing for the upturn."
While oil has more recently settled in the low $60 per barrel price range, the run up to $70 per barrel last quarter made oil prices $20 to $25 higher than market demand supported. With relatively weak demand and no marked change in production, it is believed that the run up was attributable to anticipated recovery.
"While recovery will be slow and gradual, there is a great deal more optimism in the markets going into the third quarter and that is reflected in oil and gas industry activity," said Marcela Donadio.
Other areas of the energy sector have yet to be impacted by the ''hope premium."
Natural gas
Big increases in upstream spending, drilling activity and infrastructure expansion created major growth in natural gas production in recent years. Now, due to a depressed economy, demand is weak.
When commodity prices collapsed at the end of 2008, leaving gas at $6 per million BTUs, oil and gas prices were aligned in the $30 per barrel of oil equivalent (boe) range. While oil prices have bounced off the bottom and climbed as high as $70 per barrel, natural gas prices have continued the downward march and are currently around $3.50 per million BTUs or $21/boe. On a barrel of oil equivalent basis, oil is now approximately three times the value of natural gas.
Refining and marketing
The outlook for the refining and marketing industry is still quite bleak. Several refinery expansions, planned in a high commodity price environment, were completed last year and more capacity is coming soon. Global refining capacity increased by about 1 million barrels per day in 2008. Another 1.5 to 2 million barrels per day are anticipated to be online this year with another 1 to 2 million next year.
Oilfield services
The oilfield services sector -- traditionally last to feel the effects of a down economy -- is feeling the brunt of the credit crunch now. They also are experiencing the effects of exploration and production spending cuts and pressure to renegotiate contract rates for all drilling and production services. However, there is some optimism for oilfield services companies. Rig counts have increased the last three consecutive weeks.
"There is a trickle down effect for oilfield services. The volatility or ups and downs hit this sector hard and last," explained Charles Swanson, Houston Office Managing Partner for Ernst & Young LLP. "Earnings go through the roof in the good times, when demand for equipment and services is high, driving up the price. Likewise, earnings bottom out when E&P companies cut back spending."
Transactions
The transactions landscape appears to be stable. Arguably, things are improving and the start of the recovery may be at hand. Deal activity is down only slightly over first half of last year when prices averaged $125 per barrel. For the first half of 2009, transaction value was only about 7.5 percent lower than the first half of 2008 when commodity prices were twice as high. Deal volume is almost identical. The fact that transactions values are only slightly lower than the same time last year, demonstrates continuity, consistency and long term vision on the part of industry.
"We anticipate the next wave of transactions coming soon," said Jon McCarter, Ernst & Young LLP, Transaction Advisory Services Leader for Ernst & Young's Americas Oil & Gas Center. "There are weakened companies out there, ripe for the picking and companies with strong balance sheets looking for quick growth opportunities."
About Ernst & Young's Americas Oil & Gas Center
The oil and gas industry is faced with complex issues and constant change. Volatile prices, business consolidation, difficult operating environments, ever-increasing customer demand, continuously evolving regulatory environments and the reliability of supply all present significant challenges. The Ernst & Young Americas Oil & Gas Center can draw upon a network of energy professionals in the Americas and around the world to work closely with clients to facilitate the development of coordinated approaches to managing risk, improving performance and increasing operational effectiveness. The Center works to anticipate market trends, identify the implications of and develop points of view on relevant industry issues. Our deep energy industry focus helps Ernst & Young make a difference.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 135,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.
For more information, please visit www.ey.com.
AHIP Selects Deloitte as ICD-10 Training Provider for Health Insurance Plans
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) has selected Deloitte to be a provider of subject matter experience, knowledge and training content related to ICD-10 and HIPAA 5010 compliance learning programs for the upcoming year. These regulations involve the coding system that doctors and hospitals use to code diagnoses and procedure information on medical claims and other fundamental health transactions.
The upgrade to ICD-10/HIPAA 5010 is a mandated regulatory change overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services. The health care industry must update the current ICD-9 coding system to comply with the new ICD-10 regulation, marking some of the largest and broad sweeping operational and technology impacts affecting the industry since Y2K.
"The leadership and international experience Deloitte has in this area made them a natural fit to provide training opportunities for health plans," said Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of AHIP.
"The United States currently lags behind other countries in upgrading to ICD-10, which is vital to facilitating virtually all financial aspects of the health care business, including claims and reimbursements," said John Bigalke, vice chairman and U.S. Health Sciences & Government Industry leader, Deloitte LLP. "AHIP has recognized the significance of this change for its members, and we are honored to provide the training support critical to help health insurance plans convert to ICD-10 by 2013."
Deloitte and AHIP will develop a co-branded series of webinars related to various ICD-10/HIPAA 5010 topics available to AHIP's member plans, which are designed to provide guidance, education and recommendations on ways to effectively cope with the potentially massive impacts to their operational and technical infrastructure.
David Biel, a principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP in its Health Sciences practice, leads Deloitte's ICD-10 service offering and will lead Deloitte's participation in the development of AHIP's ICD-10 training program, and can be reached at dbiel@deloitte.com. To register, please visit http://www.ahip.org/virtual/hipaaicd10/. The first session will be conducted on August 4th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.
About AHIP
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) is the national association whose members provide health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. The major policy goal for our members is to expand access to high quality, affordable coverage to all Americans. We have developed innovative proposed solutions to promote universal coverage, raise the bar on quality, and make health care services more affordable. For more information, visit the Web site at www.ahip.org.
About Deloitte
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte Consulting LLP and Deloitte Services LP, separate subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
The upgrade to ICD-10/HIPAA 5010 is a mandated regulatory change overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services. The health care industry must update the current ICD-9 coding system to comply with the new ICD-10 regulation, marking some of the largest and broad sweeping operational and technology impacts affecting the industry since Y2K.
"The leadership and international experience Deloitte has in this area made them a natural fit to provide training opportunities for health plans," said Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of AHIP.
"The United States currently lags behind other countries in upgrading to ICD-10, which is vital to facilitating virtually all financial aspects of the health care business, including claims and reimbursements," said John Bigalke, vice chairman and U.S. Health Sciences & Government Industry leader, Deloitte LLP. "AHIP has recognized the significance of this change for its members, and we are honored to provide the training support critical to help health insurance plans convert to ICD-10 by 2013."
Deloitte and AHIP will develop a co-branded series of webinars related to various ICD-10/HIPAA 5010 topics available to AHIP's member plans, which are designed to provide guidance, education and recommendations on ways to effectively cope with the potentially massive impacts to their operational and technical infrastructure.
David Biel, a principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP in its Health Sciences practice, leads Deloitte's ICD-10 service offering and will lead Deloitte's participation in the development of AHIP's ICD-10 training program, and can be reached at dbiel@deloitte.com. To register, please visit http://www.ahip.org/virtual/hipaaicd10/. The first session will be conducted on August 4th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.
About AHIP
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) is the national association whose members provide health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. The major policy goal for our members is to expand access to high quality, affordable coverage to all Americans. We have developed innovative proposed solutions to promote universal coverage, raise the bar on quality, and make health care services more affordable. For more information, visit the Web site at www.ahip.org.
About Deloitte
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte Consulting LLP and Deloitte Services LP, separate subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
CSC Study Shows Life Insurers Business Value of Security Initiatives
SC (NYSE: CSC) today announced findings of a study, entitled "Digital Trust for Life Project Report," that conclude life insurance companies have the potential for significant enterprise value creation through more strategic emphasis on security initiatives.
The 18-month study, undertaken jointly with the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), addresses how carriers can better target their security investments to support growth and efficiency initiatives while also meeting compliance requirements. The study extends research CSC conducted in 2008 to examine the impact of "digital trust," which refers to the trust information technology (IT) fosters by improving the security and reliability of electronic transactions. Organizations that create digital trust position themselves for market gain through enhanced customer confidence, repeat business and referrals.
"Now more than ever, all parts of the enterprise, including IT security, must contribute real value to the organization without elevating information risk or jeopardizing compliance," said Ron Knode, the study's principal investigator and a director in CSC's Leading Edge Forum. "When executed correctly, a digital trust strategy can become a source of competitive advantage and help insurers both grow their business and adhere to the inevitable tide of new regulations."
This examination of digital trust for life and annuity insurers found that while carriers have traditionally treated the security function as a cost center focused on compliance, there are opportunities for them to reap significant payoffs using the security function to create digital trust. By shifting their focus to security as a "value creator" rather than "gatekeeper," and implementing proven digital trust principles and practices, carriers can increase revenue, raise productivity, enhance efficiency, improve sales conversion rates and gain new market access. Documented results of such measures range from 20 to 70 percent improvement.
The report recommends that insurers adopt a digital trust strategy, which requires changes in security organization, security team composition, IT risk governance and project definition, and offers two steps insurers can take now to start realizing benefits. The steps, in summary, are:
-- Alter the organizational IT risk governance model to include enterprise value creation as an objective; -- Apply a digital trust projection to existing system investments in order to extend their value.
To access a copy of the "Digital Trust for Life Project Report," visit http://www.csc.com/digitaltrustforlife. The original 2008 research, organized into eight sections by theme, is available at http://www.csc.com/aboutus/leadingedgeforum/mds/mds436/844.shtml.
CSC provides a full array of business and technology solutions designed specifically for financial services companies and offers a consulting practice to help clients develop their digital trust strategies.
About ACLI
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association whose 353 member companies account for 93 percent of the life insurance industry's total assets in the United States, 93 percent of life insurance premiums and 94 percent of annuity considerations. In addition to life insurance and annuities, ACLI member companies offer pensions, including 401(k)s, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance and other retirement and financial protection products, as well as reinsurance. ACLI's public Web site can be accessed at www.acli.com.
About CSC
CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled solutions and services through three primary lines of business. These include Business Solutions and Services, the Managed Services Sector and the North American Public Sector. CSC's advanced capabilities include systems design and integration, information technology and business process outsourcing, applications software development, Web and application hosting, mission support and management consulting. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., CSC has approximately 92,000 employees and reported revenue of $16.74 billion for the 12 months ended April 3, 2009. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.csc.com.
The 18-month study, undertaken jointly with the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), addresses how carriers can better target their security investments to support growth and efficiency initiatives while also meeting compliance requirements. The study extends research CSC conducted in 2008 to examine the impact of "digital trust," which refers to the trust information technology (IT) fosters by improving the security and reliability of electronic transactions. Organizations that create digital trust position themselves for market gain through enhanced customer confidence, repeat business and referrals.
"Now more than ever, all parts of the enterprise, including IT security, must contribute real value to the organization without elevating information risk or jeopardizing compliance," said Ron Knode, the study's principal investigator and a director in CSC's Leading Edge Forum. "When executed correctly, a digital trust strategy can become a source of competitive advantage and help insurers both grow their business and adhere to the inevitable tide of new regulations."
This examination of digital trust for life and annuity insurers found that while carriers have traditionally treated the security function as a cost center focused on compliance, there are opportunities for them to reap significant payoffs using the security function to create digital trust. By shifting their focus to security as a "value creator" rather than "gatekeeper," and implementing proven digital trust principles and practices, carriers can increase revenue, raise productivity, enhance efficiency, improve sales conversion rates and gain new market access. Documented results of such measures range from 20 to 70 percent improvement.
The report recommends that insurers adopt a digital trust strategy, which requires changes in security organization, security team composition, IT risk governance and project definition, and offers two steps insurers can take now to start realizing benefits. The steps, in summary, are:
-- Alter the organizational IT risk governance model to include enterprise value creation as an objective; -- Apply a digital trust projection to existing system investments in order to extend their value.
To access a copy of the "Digital Trust for Life Project Report," visit http://www.csc.com/digitaltrustforlife. The original 2008 research, organized into eight sections by theme, is available at http://www.csc.com/aboutus/leadingedgeforum/mds/mds436/844.shtml.
CSC provides a full array of business and technology solutions designed specifically for financial services companies and offers a consulting practice to help clients develop their digital trust strategies.
About ACLI
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association whose 353 member companies account for 93 percent of the life insurance industry's total assets in the United States, 93 percent of life insurance premiums and 94 percent of annuity considerations. In addition to life insurance and annuities, ACLI member companies offer pensions, including 401(k)s, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance and other retirement and financial protection products, as well as reinsurance. ACLI's public Web site can be accessed at www.acli.com.
About CSC
CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled solutions and services through three primary lines of business. These include Business Solutions and Services, the Managed Services Sector and the North American Public Sector. CSC's advanced capabilities include systems design and integration, information technology and business process outsourcing, applications software development, Web and application hosting, mission support and management consulting. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., CSC has approximately 92,000 employees and reported revenue of $16.74 billion for the 12 months ended April 3, 2009. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.csc.com.
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