Windows Phone 7 is the Latest Smartphone on the Scene

On Monday, Microsoft launched Windows Phone 7, its smartphone to compete with Apple's iPhone and Google's Android. Microsoft's goal is to bring consumers an easy-to-use "glance and go" screen, which is customizable according to user preference.

Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, nine different phones will be available on sixty mobile operators. Users have a choice of Samsung, HTC, and LG phones, among other options.

The major benefit of this product is its use in business. As a Microsoft product, the phone will be seamlessly compatible with Outlook, PowerPoint, and other services from Microsoft Office.

The phone features 1 GHz processors, a 5 mega pixel camera, and a touch screen face including hardware buttons. Additionally, the popularity of games and applications will also be made available on the new Windows Phone 7. With the use of XBox Live, this phone will be a worthy competitor to Apple.

However, only time will tell if the Windows Phone 7 can compete with the massive popularity of the iPhone and Android in consumer markets. If your business utilizes any of these devices, The TNS Group is qualified to assist in all your Smartphone integration needs.

New Partnership for The TNS Group?

The TNS Group just had a great meeting with Aruba Networks, which could potentially lead to a new partnership.

Aruba is one of the top wireless companies providing wireless mobility to offices. This company is looking for systems integrators to sell and install equipment for them. Knowing that The TNS Group is a leading IT Consulting Firm, Aruba came to us to discuss a potential partnership that is very exciting for our business, and for improving our services to our clients.

One of The TNS Group's five practice areas is Network Infrastructure. Some of our offerings are Blackberry, PDA, and Smartphone Integration, Data Center Consolidation, Remote and Mobile Access Solutions, and Technical Assessments. We are committed to providing our clients with the best and the brightest in the IT world, which is why we are considering this new partnership. Check back here at our blog for more updates about this potential partnership, as well as other TNS-related news.

Dell Unveils New Cloud Computing Software

On Wednesday, Dell launched its new data center known as Virtual Integrated System (VIS) in order to allow businesses to switch to cloud computing. This new system comes as a result for enterprise demands to share data and resources among departments, which ultimately allows a company to decrease spending and increase productivity and workplace solidarity.

According to the senior vice president at Dell's Enterprise Product Group, Brad Anderson, “Dell’s VIS architecture is unique in that it works with a customer’s existing architecture and their current products and investments – whether from Dell or another provider".

They key features of Dell's new cloud software are that it creates virtualized resource pools and automates the way applications are deployed, all on one web-based platform. The Virtual Integrated System architecture is available beginning today.

If your company is looking to outsource its IT department, The TNS Group provides a reliable and effective method for all of your server virtualization needs. Call us today at 203-316-0112.

IT Companies Use Desktop Virtualization To Improve Services

The latest in IT news reveals that Desktop Virtualization is quickly becoming the hottest IT trend. The advantages of desktop virtualization are plentiful, including simplified management, improved ROI, and better security.

For those unfamiliar with this IT trend, desktop virtualization is essentially used to store clients' operating systems, application stack, user profile, and data in one central location.

According to the most recent UBM TechWeb Research Report, 42% of IT companies surveyed are using desktop virtualization, or are planning to implement this method by 2011. Businesses are employing the use of desktop virtualization to enhance data security and improve rates of availability to clients. By allowing users to access programs and applications from desktops, assets are effectively consolidated and IT support can provide more efficient help to clients.

The survey, sponsored by Dell and Intel, found that 84% of IT organizations that utilize desktop virtualization felt that, as a result, technology met or exceeded their expectations.

This is beneficial for clients because they no loner risk losing data because of increased security, and it also becomes easier to access the desktop from a remote location.

As a leading IT consulting firm that provides the highest quality services, The TNS Group also utilizes desktop virtualization. By applying this method, The TNS Group is able to increase customer satisfaction because of easier maintenance and controllability. For our clients, this means less time spent on trouble shooting. The TNS Group will continue to seek out more techniques that will improve business technology.

Consumers Rate Macs Higher Than PCs

In the past several years, more and more Americans have brought computers into their homes. According to a report released yesterday, consumers prefer Apple computers over Windows.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index, who commissioned the report, found that overall, customer satisfaction has been steadily on the rise since 1994, when the study began. This year, Windows users scored their level of satisfaction at 78 out of 100. Hewlett Packard, Dell, and Acer all followed behind closely with a score of 75.

The clear leader, for the seventh consecutive year, was Apple, whose customers rated their computers an 86 out of 100. Many analysts attribute this to a halo effect, resulting from consumer's fixation with iPods, iPhones, and the newest innovation, the iPad.

Although Apple computers are at the top, the lower-priced accessibility of PCs and recent improvements with Windows 7 could change the game and shift popularity back to the PC in forthcoming years.

No matter which type of computer your company prefers, The TNS Group has you covered. Our IT Support staff is competent in both Mac and Windows platforms, and is fully capable of assisting your business' IT needs.

Business is Booming for IT Companies

In the past couple years, the majority of fields in the US economy struggled significantly to stay afloat. However, one market that managed to grow in revenue is the realm of IT Consulting. According to a 2010 survey of 172 CIO’s, CTO’s and Senior IT Executives from different US companies, IT budgets and salaries consistently increased, despite the nature of the downward economy.
The survey, commissioned by The Society for Information Management, found that 65% of CIO’s reported that their IT budgets were larger in 2010 than any previous year, and almost three quarters responded that they expected an even bigger increase in 2011. The good news for consumers is that a bigger IT budget translates to an enhancement in quality. With more available funds, companies are able to afford more IT training for their staff, thus a better-equipped workforce. Additionally, businesses are using their surplus of IT finances to focus on progressing interpersonal communication. Much of the IT budget will go towards improving written and oral communication, as well as marketing and presentation skills.
The TNS Group is no exception to this trend. In 2009, our company’s revenue increased by about 16%, and is projected to carry on this upward path. With this increase in revenue, The TNS Group will continue to seek the highest level of customer satisfaction, and is committed to customer surveys to find the best possible products for our clients.

Social Networking Improves Customer Relations

According to an IT News article, despite the mass popularity of social media websites, a large number of corporations are unsuccessful in providing their clients with an online presence. According to a recent study commissioned by Siemens Enterprise Communications, only about 30% of companies are taking advantage of the benefits of using networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and blogs.

The aforementioned study also reported that 70% of customers desire some sort of online interaction with businesses, and almost 60% affirmed that if there was a social media presence, they would likely increase their loyalty to the business as a direct result of social media communication.

Because of the accessibility of social networking websites, a wide range of consumers can be reached via this outlet. In turn, consumers benefit by staying informed on any updates that would be relevant to them. Businesses that do not extend their expertise into the realm of social networking will lose valuable customers and could eventually become obsolete in the fast-pace technological world. This also could cause a disconnect between the companies and their prospective, and even current clients.

Unlike 70% of companies who neglect social media websites, The TNS Group maintains a Twitter account and, of course, a blog. At The TNS Group, we value our relationship with our clients, and are committed to interacting to improve customer relations. To stay posted on news regarding The TNS Group, be sure to check for updates on our Twitter and check back here at our blog.