News Archives
Hurricane Preparedness Week
May 25th, 2010
With the official start of the 2010 Hurricane Season less than a week away, Bellwether would like to remind everyone that it is Hurricane Preparedness Week and now is the time to prepare.
Don't forget to keep yourself up-to-date with our interactive hurricane tracking map, and for some good general information about hurricanes, check out this website.
Cloud Computing's Gaining Prominence
May 19th, 2010
Cloud computing has gained significant popularity over the past year or so. Some people associate it with the struggling economy, while others believe it has more to do with the agility it creates in an IT environment.
Here is an interesting take supporting the latter argument on why cloud computing is becoming more and more prominent in the IT world.
Microsoft Finalizes Office 2010
April 19th, 2010
The next version of the Microsoft Office family has officially been "released to manufacturing," and Microsoft will hold the launch event on May 12th in New York.
Office 2010 will be made available to busineses next month and will officially hit store shelves in June. Additionally, Microsoft is promising those buying Office 2007 a free upgrade to Office 2010.
For more information about Microsoft's big release, click here.
Introducing Bellwether@Home
April 7th, 2010
Do you suspect that viruses and spyware have clogged your home PC? Do you wish there was someone out there who would protect and maintain your home PC?
Now, there is. Introducing Bellwether@Home, a new computer maintenance solution from Bellwether, now tailored for your home PC.
Click here for more details on our new offering.
FBI Releases Annual Report on Internet Crime
March 16th, 2010
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has officially released its annual report on Internet crime. Included in this report is the FBI's analysis on the top internet scams of 2009.
Some of the more popular scams included fake anti-virus scams, hitman scams, job site scams, and economic stimulus scams. Click here to read more information about the report.
HP Releases New Notebooks, Business Tablet
March 1st, 2010
In its third such product launch since October 2009, HP introduced its new ProBook S-series today.
The chief characteristics of the launch include more "power and storage; stronger, lighter bodies [thanks to new aluminum casings]; improved, near-high-definition graphics, and some useful new software options."
Click here for more details.
Congratulations to the Super Bowl XLIV Champion New Orleans Saints
February 8th, 2010
Bellwether congratulates the Super Bowl XLIV Champion New Orleans Saints.
Who Dat?!
Report Shows Cyberattacks Rampant; U.S. Companies not Prepared
January 28th, 2010
A recent survey conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies shows that cyberattacks are rampant worldwide, and that organizations in the U.S. are at great risk despite having some of the most secure networks in the world.
Click here to read more about the report.
Congratulations to the 2009-2010 NFC Champion New Orleans Saints
January 26th, 2010
Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for their thrilling victory in the NFC Championship over the Minnesota Vikings this past weekend.
We wish our boys in Black and Gold the best of luck in Miami for Super Bowl XLIV. Finish strong, New Orleans! Who Dat!!
Microsoft Offers SMBs Promotional Discount to Upgrade
January 7th, 2010
In an attempt to wean small and mid-sized businesses away from its "older, 'good-enough' releases," Microsoft is now offering SMBs a new liscensing promotion to upgrade to Windows 7, Office 2007, and Office 2010 (once it is officially released).
The promotion is good through June 30th. Here are the details.
Happy Holidays from Bellwether Technology
December 23rd, 2009
From everyone here at Bellwether Technology, stay safe and happy holidays!
We wish everyone a great end of the year and an even better 2010. We are looking forward to a great year next year, our 30th year in business.
Windows 7 Addresses Many Compatibility Issues
December 10th, 2009
Since its release to the public late in October, Windows 7 has received very positive reviews for the most part.
One interesting aspect of the new operating system is its option to use "Windows XP Mode," an option meant to encourage businesses to make the transition to Windows 7 by permitting the use of old Windows XP business software.
IT Industry is Key Player on Road to Economic Recovery
December 4th, 2009
According to a recently conducted survey of global business executives on IT investments, the majority of executives today stresses the importance of information technology significantly more than before the economic crisis, mainly because these executives "view IT as an important part of their economic recovery efforts."
Phishing Attacks on the Rise
November 25th, 2009
Chances are good that you've heard of the term "phishing," but you're not exactly sure what it means. Chances are also good that you're not sure how to recognize an attack or how to avoid one.
With phishing attacks on the rise this year, here's some good advice to keep you safe.
Ten Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 7
November 18th, 2009
Have you been thinking of upgrading to Windows 7?
If you're using Windows Vista, you're probably desperate for a change; if you're using Windows XP, you might just be looking for something new. Here are ten good reasons to take that step forward.
University IT Budgets Dwindling, Likely to Affect Student Recruitment
November 10th, 2009
Information technology is a top priority for most universities today; however, now more than ever, many of these institutions are hitting major obstacles trying to fund IT projects--posing a serious threat to student-recruitment efforts for these schools.
Here is an interesting article discussing the IT budget issues institutions face today.
Report Shows Colleges are Increasingly Outsourcing IT Services
October 29th, 2009
Educause, the higher ed technology group, recently released a report disclosing that in a survey of 930 colleges and universities, 70% of colleges outsourced at least one IT service in 2008. Moreover, many universities are thinking about "dropping institutionalized email addresses altogether."
To read more about this report click here.
Study Reveals Vulnerability of SMBs
October 16th, 2009
A recent study conducted by Symantec Corp. surveyed over 1,600 small and medium-sized businesses around the world--nearly 300 of them in the U.S.--leading to a very troubling conclusion: the majority of small to medium-sized businesses are not prepared for any type of disaster.
Bellwether Attains Microsoft Hosting Solutions Competency
October 6th, 2009
Bellwether is proud to announce today it has attained the Microsoft Hosting Solutions Competency. This is the third competency achieved by Bellwether under the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Program.
The company's previously fulfilled competencies include the Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency and the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency.
As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Bellwether has repeatedly demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies, and this latest achievement further cements the company as an industry leader.
ALA Vendor Appreciation Party Great Success
September 25th, 2009
Special thanks to everyone who put on the ALA Vendor Appreciation Party at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville last night--great location, great food & drinks, and great people!
Report Shows Managed Services Generating Significant Interest
September 8th, 2009
A recent report finds that small to medium-sized businesses have recently displayed a very noticeable spike of interest in managed technology services.
This article by Nathan Eddy discusses the report's findings.
Windows 7 already Exhibiting Leg-up over Vista
September 2nd, 2009
As Microsoft gets closer to officially launching Windows 7 on October 22nd, the information technology giant recently displayed at a demo in San Fransisco last week one of the new operating system's obvious benefits...better battery life!
Ina Fried explains in depth the details of the demo's findings.
Study Shows SMBs Struggling with IT Support
August 18th, 2009
Here is an interesting article written by Tim Wilson discussing the struggles SMBs are enduring with day-to-day IT support. The study reveals that one of the main problems SMBs have with IT support revolves around disaster recovery protection, leaving these organizations in jeopardy of going under if anything were to happen.
Wilson states, "that SMBs should outsource their IT and security capabilities and focus less on do-it-yourself strategies that require capital expenditure."
Bellwether enters 30th year in Business
August 13th, 2009
August 1st marked Bellwether's 29th anniversary.
Poco Sloss, President of Bellwether, divulges his feelings on entering the company's 30th year. "I can tell you that I have seen an amazing amount of change over the last 30 years at Bellwether. From retailing PCs in a strip mall in Metairie to supporting major enterprises from the Federal Reserve Building in the CBD, it has been a terrific journey and success story."
"Although I cannot attribute our success to any one thing, the most important factor has been our employees, many of whom have been with us for well over ten years. I judge their loyalty and longevity as a hallmark of our success."
SMBs "Virtualizing" at Higher Rate than Big-Business Adversaries
July 29th, 2009
According to a study done by senior analyst Greg Schultz of The StorageIO Group, SMBs are becoming the leaders in server virtualization, "at least in percentage terms."
Watch Schultz explain why SMBs have become the leaders in server virtualization.
Bellwether Proud to be Part of ALA, New Orleans Chapter, Vendor Fair
July 22nd, 2009
The Association of Legal Administrators, New Orleans Chapter, held its annual Vendor Fair last night.
As the New Orleans ALA's Platinum Sponsor, Bellwether would like to thank everyone responsible for successfully putting the event together. The event was a great success.
Bellwether on Facebook and Twitter
July 6th, 2009
In an effort to better service our clients, Bellwether is now on Facebook and Twitter. You can Become a Fan of "Bellwether Technology" on Facebook, and you can also Follow "BellwetherTech" on Twitter.
We will provide company news and updates through these social media outlets. Additionally, these outlets will allow us to better communicate with our Disaster Recovery clients if the region undergoes any future evacuations.
Bellwether Mourns Death of Christopher Gaudet
June 24th, 2009
Christopher Gaudet, one of Bellwether's longest-tenured employees, passed away on Sunday, June 21st. A model employee and an even better person, Chris will be missed dearly by those who had the privilege of working with him.
In remembrance, the Chris Gaudet Fund has been opened at Capital One Bank, and all donations can be made at any Capital One location. Please keep Chris and his family in your thoughts.
"Green Team" Makes Strong Headway
June 15th, 2009
The "525 St. Charles Ave. Green Team," a group consisting of representatives from both the Federal Reserve and Bellwether Technology, one of the bank's main tenants, has reported positive results from it's initiative to promote a "greener" work environment throughout the building.
The group is reporting that the building has ordered an additional 96-gallon container because the existing ones were consistently getting filled up before the pick-up day. This is a testament to all of the employees in the building who fill up their personal (desk) recycling bins on a daily basis.
The building has also added paper/plastic/metal collection bins in each conference room, as well as plastic/metal collection bins at the bottom of each stairwell and also in the cafeteria. Additionally, a bike rack has also been added to the building's main parking lot, accomodating those who choose to ride their bikes to work.
Bellwether is proud to be part of this initiative, and the building's "Green Team" will continue it's efforts to be part of a growing trend throughout the region.
Hurricane Season Begins Today
June 1st, 2009
Today marks the first official day of the 2009 hurricane season. Projected by experts to be an average hurricane season, now is the time for businesses, firms, and all other organizations of all sizes to start preparing for the unthinkable.
To stay updated on all current storms as well as Bellwether's business continuity efforts, check out our 2009 hurricane season alert page.
Bellwether Prepares for Approaching 2009 Hurricane Season
May 22nd, 2009
With the 2009 hurricane season looming less than two weeks away, Bellwether Technology is ready to implement its clients' business continuity plans if our region is threatened by tropical systems again.
Considering there is already a weak disturbance approaching our area this weekend, this year is bound to be another active hurricane season.
Is your organization prepared to take on another round of storms? Don't risk any downtime. Let Bellwether protect you from the storm.
For regularly-updated information regarding the 2009 hurricane season, check for tropical updates on our 2009 hurricane season alert page.
Bellwether Technology and Federal Reserve Bank go "Green"
May 7th, 2009
In an effort to become a better corporate citizen, the Federal Reserve Bank has reached out to one of its main tenants, Bellwether Technology, and put together a workgroup charged with implementing an environmental program within the building.
The building's "Green Team" will be asked to seek out opportunities to increase recycling efforts within the building, establish environmental education and communication programs to encourage staff to employ sound environmental practices.
Bellwether is proud to be a part of this effort in hopes of being a part of a growing trend throughout New Orleans.
New Benefit Added to Advanced and Complete Plans of activenet
March 11th, 2009
We have added regular Virtual CIO (vCIO) meetings to the benefits of our activenet complete and activenet advanced managed service offerings. The purpose of the vCIO meetings is to start a continuous dialog with our clients to ensure that they employ information technology strategically and successfully.
Whitney National Bank Presents Bellwether Technology with Award
January 9th, 2009
Bellwether Technology is proud to announce it has been presented with the 2008 Making a Difference Award presented by Whitney National Bank. Bellwether received this award for superior service while participating in the bank's business continuity plan during Hurricane Gustav and its aftermath.
Whitney National Bank is one of Bellwether's most valued clients, and everyone at Bellwether looks forward to assisting the New Orleans-based bank with keeping its systems and networks running smoothly throughout 2009 and for many more years to come.
Worldox Certification Update
October 9th, 2008
We are certified in Worldox document management software and are official authorized resellers of this powerful product. Please contact our sales department @ 504.588.2000 if you are interested in how Worldox can get you the right information at the moment you need it.
Branch Office Grand Opening
October 7th, 2008
Bellwether is pleased to announce the opening of our new satellite office on the Northshore in Covington, LA. Many of our clients have offices on the Northshore, and our new office allows us to serve them more efficiently than ever. This opening marks one of many targeted markets that Bellwether will be expanding into during the near future.
Hurricane Gustav Update
September 4th, 2008
Bellwether's Disaster Recovery plans were executed very well, and we are now operating normally. All of our DR customers experienced little or no unexpected downtime due to Hurricane Gustav. Call 504.588.2000 if you would like more information about what we can do for your company before the next hurricane heads our way.
Hurricane Gustav Preparations
August 29th, 2008
Bellwether is closing at 5 PM today in preparation for Hurricane Gustav's arrival Monday. Our Disaster Recovery clients have received instructions regarding their DR plans. If you are a client and have not received any communication, call us ASAP at 504.588.2000. If you are not a client but would like more information about our Disaster Recovery options, contact us via phone or email. Please stay safe.
Microsoft Truck Across America Tour
April 22nd, 2008
We will host the Microsoft Truck Across America vehicle on Wednesday, May the 7th from 5-8 PM at Lafayette Square. The Zydepunks and Porter-Batiste-Stoltz will be playing at the "Wednesday at the Square" concert series. The truck will be on Camp Street behind the concert. If you are interested in touring this impressive truck, please register by clicking here.
Cisco Certification Update
March 4th, 2008
Today, we are proud to announce that Bellwether Technology is now a Cisco Premier Certified Partner. Bellwether Technology is proud to be working with Cisco, and we look forward to a great partnership between both companies.
