The landscape around mobile devices is changing dramatically. This is one of the things I love about the computer industry. While technology is getting better, faster and just generally more feature-rich, prices are going down.  Even the iPhone now has a regular price point of under $200.  Would it surprise you to know that 2010 brought a 48.7 percent  increase in Smartphone sales with 314.7 million units being sold..   That’s an increase of smart phone sales by 48.7 percent during an economic downturn?

So, why would sales of these funtional but not revolutionary devices be going through the roof during a time when so many are concerned about the economy?   Because  it’s one of the most useful electronic devices that you will ever own and has become a central and portable tool for collecting and sharing information.  Not only is it the primary and sometimes only communication device for, well… everyone, but you can run your calendar, locate and call businesses, pay bills, catch CNN, make note and push social media.  Business can be conducted from just about anywhere.   As a business owner  you’re always looking for ways to to engage customers and be relevant at a time when consumers have more choices than ever.  The rules of engagement are changing. In a few years most people will have a powerful computer in their pocket that knows everything they like and how to help them get it.

The Launch Pad was honored as the 13th fastest growing, privately held company in the Tampa Bay Area by The Tampa Bay Business Journal.  This is the second consecutive year The Tampa Bay Business Journal has selected The Launch Pad as a finalist for the 2010 Fast 50 Awards. The Fast 50 rankings are based on percentage of annual growth over a three-year period.

Having the company recognized as leaders in their industry is not something that the leadership team takes lightly.  ”We have worked hard at building a strong and dependable company that their clients can count on for all their technology needs. Our growth is a direct result of that commitment and a testament to the efforts of our very talented and dedicated team,”  notes Launch Pad Founder and CEO, Ilene Rosoff.

The secret sauce to The Launch Pad’s success is our ability to navigate the challenges experienced by the technology industry and implement important new technologies, such as managed IT services, professional services, and web services, enabling our clients to optimize their technology systems, consolidate their service providers, and better run their businesses.  By streamlining the way managed services are delivered, incorporating more efficient technology tools for cost reduction, and developing programs that benefit area businesses and the community, we have been able to take technology management to the next level for our partners.

The Launch Pad is pleased to welcome Chad Guiney, our newest Client Solutions Manager and Senior Network Engineer. A cold-country transplant from Minnesota, Chad has more than a decade of experience primarily with systems integrators or managed services providers. Chad brings not only engineering talent, but the high energy and people skills our team demands (not to mention some awesome drummer chops). Welcome to the team Chad!

Ask yourself: Are you operating the most efficient and cost-effective infrastructure?  Have you analyzed the efficacy of software-as-a-service for your key applications?  Is managing your IT environment a core competency?  In capital-constrained times, the upfront cash outlay and financial risk of on-premise solutions can prevent many new projects from being funded.   IT executives have been stretching their budgets even before today’s weak economic conditions.   Median IT spending per user this year fell to more than 7%, consistent with the fact that IT managers are supporting an increasing number of users without corresponding increases in IT spending.

Efficiency, patience and being open-minded to new ways of doing things is the approach to technology  that will most benefit your organization in challenging times.   This a a good time to ask some thought provoking questions about your technology management and be open to creative ways to maximize investment.  How can you do more with less in IT?  In this time of economic uncertainty, what strategies should you employ? A creative, cost-effective and out-of-the-box approach can set your company apart from those operating in head-down, panic mode.

1. Implement Cost Reducing Technologies
Selected technologies such as Software-as-a-Service and Virtualization can significantly reduce costs.  SaaS can provide a lower total cost of ownership TCO) if you are paying high software maintenance fees and suffering expensive upgrade processes. SaaS enables organizations to eliminate costs associated with upgrading installed software, acquiring and managing hardware, staffing an IT help desk, and using internal IT staff to configure and code changing workflow or reporting requirements.

2.  Take measures for green IT
The top motivation for pursuing green IT is to reduce costs — and in a down economy, every dollar helps. Becoming more environmentally friendly typically consists of making small changes over a period of time. Little by little, organizations can save money, operate IT more efficiently and reduce their overall carbon footprint by implementing some, if not all, of the suggested “green” IT methods below.
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Through our GreenBack ™ Community Outreach Program, The Launch Pad Repurposes Used Computer Equipment to Local Nonprofits. Join in Today!

Habitat Pinellas has solutions that help parents provide affordable housing for their families.

1) New Laptop computers or netbooks
2) Voice over IP phone system
3) Servers
4) Towers
5) Peripherals

Our Easy-to-Green GreenBack program looks for gently used computers, printers and other electronics equipment to be recycled back into the community and made available to local nonprofit organizations.  If you are a nonprofit organization, you can Submit your Wish List through the Easy-to-GreenIT program form. Businesses can contact us directly or use the GreenBack Donation Form to offer donations for pickup.  You can opt to designate your equipment to be recycled to the local nonprofit of choice or the next in need on our list.   For more information, contact Megan Meisner, Easy-to-Green Program Services Director:  mmeisner@launchpadonline.com or 813-920-0788 x210.