In a blog piece for Businessweek, Daniel Connolly recommended business schools start teaching business intelligence courses to prepare students for the use of technology across many business-oriented fields. The technological proliferation across departments and industries is prompting not only IT professionals but other professionals as well to invest in computer training and certifications to be more productive in the modern, hyberconnected global marketplace.

According to Connolly, business intelligence makes sense of the ever-growing volumes of data being generated by business networks and mobile devices. Business intelligence enables decision-makers to determine what course of action to take to generate value for the company based on data analytics.

Connolly said the data being generated from information technology can be overwhelming for untrained professionals. Data warehouses are full of information that can lead to a competitive advantage. The important information can only be applied to successful business practices if professionals are able to mine databases to find the influential information.

In addition, professionals should also understand how to leverage business intelligence from mobile devices and cloud-based applications. Forbes reported that many important business decisions are made from mobile devices in between meetings or while on business trips. These decisions often call for access to key metrics on a mobile device to increase business process performance and enable broader input into the decision in real-time.

Published from New Horizons

Author: Sovran – Technology Solutions for Business -

About a year ago, I came across some startling information concerning the nuclear power industry.  It seems that in the early 1950s, President Eisenhower (being a “likable” war-hero) made a fatefully historic decision.  As a part of his “Atoms for Peace” program, he chose to use Uranium instead of Thorium as the fuel for nuclear reactors.  The main rationale was that a byproduct of the Uranium reaction was Plutonium, which was deemed of strategic value to the U.S. defense industry in an increasingly hostile world.  Of course, at the time, no mention was made (or did anyone really know?) of the side-effects of his decision.  As it turns out, even though Thorium is more plentiful, Thorium fission produces no long-lived fissionable atoms like Plutonium. Additionally the products of  thorium fission are less radioactive and less toxic than those of the Uranium fuel cycle.  Wouldn’tFukushimaandThree Mile Islandhave looked different if we had been using Thorium?  I think those two events would have ranked high on the ho-hum scale and we would be powering our cars on small Thorium-based nuclear batteries by now.

More recently, I tripped over a startling article in Wikipedia. According to the article, Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse were waging a “War of Currents” in the 1880s.  The deal was that Edison had invented a direct current (DC) transmission system that would deliver electricity for up to 2.4 km from the point of generation.  His system included other inventions such as huge battery banks that gave the system a built in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) capability that could ride through any “normal” (is there such a thing?) power outages.  During that era, and even today, items such as subways, railroads, elevators, fans, pumps and even cars ran on DC.

Westinghouse countered Edison by showing that alternating current, (AC), a technology created by Nikola Tesla, could be transmitted over vastly greater distances with much less energy loss.  Furthermore, if one needed to utilize DC in an application, an AC motor shaft (a system called a motor-generator set) could be connected to that of a DC generator to satisfy the demand.  Always the great inventor, Edison fought back by inventing the “electric chair” to portray AC’s greater lethality as a smear tactic.  Then, to advertise his point, he went around the country “executing” animals including, in one case, an elephant that had been convicted of homicide.  I guess we know who won the war, but maybe we all lost because high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission was belatedly perfected in 1950.

Today we are dealing with an energy system that requires conversion of voltages, often from AC to DC several times before it reaches us or our appliances (think digital).  The real downside is that each energy conversion is accompanied by an energy loss.  In these days of increasingly more costly energy, losses are something to be avoided at all costs.  With that in mind, let’s look at our typical data center (or, in most cases, our “computer rooms”).  Typically, electricity is supplied by the local power utility as AC, but since we want to have uninterrupted computations it is converted to DC for storage batteries.  Then, once the power goes out for some unforeseen reason, the batteries’ DC is converted by an “inverter” into AC to be transmitted to our server(s).  But, guess what?  Our server’s electronics are run on DC!  Therefore, it’s obvious that AC must be converted back to DC one more time before it gets used.  I think you can see that there is a lot of inherent loss in this system. (I may have lost count of how many conversions were made, which should excuse the fact that I may have missed some).  For this reason, some major data centers are currently examining the possibility of running their whole operation on DC alone (that is, once the outside AC power has been converted).  As novel as that may sound, this system has been in place in laptops, notebook and tablet PCs for some time now.

Yes, things would have been different had several decisions been different.  We would have had more that 50 percent of our power generation from nuclear, more “fuel” efficient transportation and lower energy bills instead of the threat of nuclear terrorism, radioactive pollution and excessive carbon emissions. Similar technological decisions can have far reaching effects; therefore it is wise to seek the council of the trained sales and engineering professionals employed by SOVRAN.

Written by: Harley Stauffer, Systems Engineer

Author: Sovran – Technology Solutions for Business -

Continuing from last months technical deep dive into System Center 2012, this month I will expand upon the software packages in System Center 2012 and their particular uses in your organization.
First, I will cover Service Manager, which is a component of System Center 2012 that handles service requests and ticketing. Included with this software are the following features:

• Service Requests
• A Self-Service Portal for clients
• Release Management
• Data Warehousing, Reporting, and Dashboarding.

All of these features are designed to be easily accessible to users to help automate and resolve user level service quests and issues.

The second piece of software we will discuss is Data Protection Manager. DPM is designed as a unified data protection solution for Windows servers and clients. This includes supportable restores from disk, tape and cloud. Due to the highly integrated design of DPM granular application restores of Microsoft software including Exchange, SQL, SharePoint, Active Directory, are all actively supported. New features for DPM 2012 include: 

• Centralized data backup management of servers
• Role Based Administration for security
• Item-level recovery for virtual machines

Just like all of the other tools in System Center, all of these features are heavily Windows integrated with familiar interfaces and tools.

The final piece of software I will cover in this series is Endpoint Protection. This software is designed as a security and anti-virus/malware suite designed to integrate into Operations Manager and Configuration Manager.
Some of its features include: 

• Unified Infrastructure
• Simplified Administration
• Central Policy enforcement
• CPU throttling during scans and faster scans through advanced caching
• SQL Reporting Services-based reports of client activity and impacted users.
• Integrated agent

As you have read over the past few articles, System Center 2012 is an advanced set of tools that can be leveraged within your organization to further enhance and expand upon your existing Microsoft and third party software investment.

Written by: Grant Becker, Systems Engineer

Author: Sovran – Technology Solutions for Business -

One of the unsung heroes of early digital history (and world history, for that matter) was Alan Turing. While working for British intelligence at Bletchley Park during World War II, he designed the precursor to modern digital computers in an effort to decode crucial German military messages. During that time, a little-known American colonel, Dwight Eisenhower, had returned to Britain from a stunning victory in Northern Africa against Germany’s best general, Erwin Rommel, to head an upcoming invasion of Europe. By this time, Eisenhower was very used to the extreme military challenges provided by logistics and the presence or absence of infrastructure.

Eisenhower’s next task was to successfully place Allied Forces on the European continent where he knew Rommel would be waiting and able to throw him back into the English Channel with the greatest of ease. To be successful, “Ike” Eisenhower would need the infrastructure of a large seaport. What he lacked in quality of armaments could be made by quantity, if given a good seaport such as Antwerp. However, landing there would subject Antwerp to devastation and thereby eliminate its usefulness. A second choice was the French port of Pas de Calais, which was close to the English coast and had been used by the English military in the past to invade and ignominiously depart from France. It was obvious to both sides that this would be the invasion point, since it allowed for the best Allied air support. In fact, the German spies in Britain (who were “owned” by the clever British Secret Service) had reinforced this idea while American General Patton had his army positioned conveniently to land there. Meanwhile, Alan Turing and his colleagues monitored German encrypted messages for hints that the enemy had any doubts about this obvious battleground. They had none, but Rommel saw a weakness along the Normandy coast and decided to improve its infrastructure. The rest of the German high command told him he was wasting his time because there was not a sufficient infrastructure there to support a landing and, furthermore, it was farther from the Allied goal of Berlin than Pas de Calais. Even with the improvements he made, he could not get adequate reinforcements when the historic D-Day arrived because those over him couldn’t believe that the real invasion was in Normandy wilderness instead of elsewhere.

Assumedly, Eisenhower’s “mistake” was to choose Normandy, a place devoid of necessary infrastructure and more suited to beachcombers enjoying their European holidays. Eisenhower, however, didn’t need infrastructure because he was planning on bringing his own, which would be sufficient to set up a seaport and cross any blown-up bridges. He also had his Air Forces and friends in the French Resistance concentrate on sabotaging the German transportation infrastructure to delay the inevitable German reinforcements’ arrival in Normandy, even though the Germans remained fooled about Pas de Calais until it was too late. After all, in spite of the “feint” in Normandy, Patton hadn’t yet arrived and would, therefore, be poised to attack Pas de Calais. In the end, the Allies’ infrastructure and the German lack thereof was the decisive factor in the Allied victory.

Today, the heritage of Alan Turing’s code-breakers lives on in our computers and personal communications devices. Just as in warfare, their presence (or even absence) can be crucial to your organization’s success or failure. If one compares them to the infrastructure of warfare, we see that personal computing devices are the “bridges” between the world of humans and the Internet. In a similar way, a company’s web server is a “beachhead” on the vast ocean of the Worldwide Web (not to mention, the air force resources embodied in the “Cloud”). While these analogies sound rather peaceful, we need to be mindful that this infrastructure will likely be the terrain of the next World War by an enemy who utilizes it to paralyze its highly technologically advanced opponent. More than likely, our first (and only) clue that the next war has begun will be when the lights go out and then do not come back on for a very long time.

Therefore, now is the best time to bolster and secure your infrastructure against cyber-attacks. Consult with the professional engineering and sales staff at Sovran.

Written by: Harley Stauffer, Systems Engineer

Author: Sovran – Technology Solutions for Business -

There is a new Cisco IT training certification course that teaches students how to implement Cisco IOS Network Security and prepare for the exam. Companies interested in protecting their networks with valuable Cisco technology should look for IT professionals with the Cisco certification to develop a comprehensive security policy to affect the posture of the network.

The certified professionals will understand how to analyze and mitigate attacks and how to perform basic tasks to protect office networks running Cisco IOS security features. Leveraging the benefits of web-based GUIs and the CLI on Cisco routers and switches, the IT professionals will develop refined skills and hands-on experiences to make them invaluable assets to a company’s network operations.

In addition, companies are also looking to transition to cloud-based unified communications networks for improved collaboration and cost-reduction. It is important, therefore, that new hires are comfortable and experienced in cloud computing technology and mobile applications. Many educational institutions are using mobile applications and other cloud-based programs to better prepare students for future careers.

Computerworld reported students at the University of Southern California, for example, can connect to course resources from their smartphones and tablets via mobile applications. The apps enable students from remote locations to take classes and conduct coursework online through a unified communications network.

Reprinted from: New Horizons Computer Learning Centers News

Author: Sovran – Technology Solutions for Business -

According to the Green IT Council, whose goal it is to educate, motivate, and transform IT professionals and organizations into sustainable IT practitioners, Green computing, or green IT, refers to environmentally sustainable and energy efficient computing. The Council conservatively defines Green IT as “the study and practice of designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated devices efficiently and effectively with minimal or no impact on the environment.”

Green IT is a worldwide concern as digital products and usage becomes exceedingly pervasive. Green IT can be achieved through cloud computing, data center innovation, desktop virtualization, energy management, energy efficient hardware and telecommuting.

One of the several ways in which Sovran pursues Green IT is by cooperating with utility providers that incentivize companies for building and maintaining energy efficient infrastructures. Sovran also provides recycling services to clients who need to dispose of unwanted hardware and cables. Sovran regularly discusses Green IT initiatives with clients during business consultations so that they can make environmentally conscious choices in their expansion, upgrade or migration plans. In addition to helping the environment, clients also benefit from cost savings due to lower energy consumption and greater performance with a smaller investment in hardware.

If your company is anticipating a change or update to its IT infrastructure, explore the energy and cost efficient alternatives that are available to you. Contact your Sovran representative for a complimentary business consultation that emphasizes Green IT.

Written by: Linda Ruhland, Marketing Communications Manager

Author: Sovran – Technology Solutions for Business -

Last month I introduced each of the software packages for System Center 2012 and a high level overview of their purpose. This month I will take a deeper look into each of these pieces of software and how they may be of advantage to your organization.I will start with Configuration Manager, which is a core component of System Center 2012 that handles many different aspects of client machine management including:

• Asset / Inventory
• Software Distribution
  • User-centric application delivery
  • The administrator defines the application once and targets it to a user or group
  • Software Updating
    • Automatic deployment rules to automate the identity, download and deployment of updates.
    • Randomization of deadlines to reduce VM host impact in VDI scenarios.
    • OS Deployment
      • Image capture
      • Image delivery
      • Integrated driver catalog
      • Full unattended mode with media
      • Compliance and Settings
        • Ability to define standard configurations for applications and act appropriately to drifts.
        • Mobile Device Management
          • EAS-based policy delivery
          • Discovery and inventory
          • Settings policy
          • Remote wipe
          • Across Windows, Andorid, and Apple
          • Device Management
          • Remote Tools
          • Power Management
          • Security Management

 All of these features are heavily integrated into Windows operating systems for maximum effectiveness with enterprise reliability and scale.
The second piece of software we will discuss is Operations Manager. This consists of a simple and powerful monitoring platform across Windows and non-Windows devices. Some of its features include:

• Easy-to-create Dashboards and Widgets accessible from a Windows console or Webpage including Sharepoint.
• Consistent experience – a one pane of glass approach to monitoring and management for all the devices in your network including network devices, switches, firewalls, etc.
• Application Performance Monitoring of .NET applications

Just as with Configuration Manager all of these features are heavily Windows integrated with familiar interfaces and tools.

The final piece of software I will cover in this newsletter is Virtual Machine Manager. This software consists of a flexible and cost-effective management of virtualized infrastructures across different platforms including VMware, XenServer and Hyper-V. Some of its features include:

• Multi-vendor hypervisor support
• Service templates
• Server application virtualization
• Dynamic optimization based on workload demands
• Power management based on policy
• Expanded PowerShell support

These are just a few of the different software packages included in the upcoming release of System Center 2012. As we continue to close in on the final release candidate, I will continue going over each of these solutions and how you might be able to leverage them in your organization.

Written by: Grant Becker, Systems Engineer

Author: Sovran – Technology Solutions for Business -

What Does A Cloud Feel Like? Reach For The Sky At Microsoft Technology Center on March 26th

I hope that most of you have read at least one of my numerous articles about Office 365 or the recent article in Redmond Magazine, but if you have not, MAKE SURE YOU READ THIS ONE! Sovran is extremely excited to host the Office 365 Game Changer events at the Microsoft Technology Center once a month for the entire year, but we have had some requests from our audience.  If you are a current customer of Sovran’s, you know that the number-one priority is customer service and we have acted upon your request.

Introducing Microsoft Office 365: The Game Changer Hands On Event! We hear about cloud this, cloud that, all day long. However, almost everyone we talk to does not know what it’s like to feel the cloud. I’m guessing most of you have not either. You can now, if you attend this very limited-seating event. Act now and sign up or contact your sales consultant.

At this event not only will you be able to tour the unbelievable Microsoft Technology Center, but you will be able to have a hands-on experience with Office 365. That’s right, you will be able to have your own PC, Office 2010, Lync, Exchange, and SharePoint site with real data. It’s one thing to see Sovran demo Office 365 or view the online videos, but it is much different to get your hands on the technology that is customized for you. Even better, a professional instructor from the world’s largest independent training company, New Horizons, will be walking you through the components of this real-life implementation. Only with Sovran and Microsoft will you be able to attend an informational seminar that enables you to reach for the sky and feel the cloud while receiving direction from an experienced applications trainer. 
Time is running out and space is limited, so sign up today!

Microsoft Office 365

• Exchange
• SharePoint
• Lync
• Office 2012

Written by: Patrick Gibson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Author: Sovran – Technology Solutions for Business -

With the speed at which business operates these days, being environmentally conscious is more important than ever before. Fortunately, improvements in IT have also resulted in more efficient use of our natural resources. If your organization has virtualized its IT infrastructure, you may have seen some of the results firsthand. Where it once took several servers to support a business, the same amount of support can be accomplished with a single box or two. Fewer boxes occupy less space and require much less power to operate and cool. Furthermore, virtualized workspaces require far fewer components because critical operations now take place at the server instead of the desktop. 

Virtualization has made low-profile thin clients a popular alternative to PCs. Thin clients have very few operating parts. They don’t generate heat, therefore they don’t need to operate a fan and they have no moving parts. With few components to wear out, thin clients can last a very long time. These energy efficient devices are increasingly replacing PCs at workstations.

Innovations in business applications, too, are improving environmental efficiency. For example, Microsoft SharePoint, collaboration software that helps simplify content management, enables multiple people to work on a single file, thus eliminating the need to store numerous versions and copies of the same document. Printed files also continue to decline, now that documents are easier to centralize, backup and retrieve.

Hardware obsolescence continues to be a fact of life. However, Sovran has taken measures to reduce its impact on the environment. Sovran accepts and recycles outdated hardware for the business community. For a nominal fee to help defray expenses, outdated computer devices are accepted onsite at our Eagan location. A courtesy call prior to drop-off is always appreciated.

While environmental efficiency is always good for the soul, there also may be times when it is good for the bank account. Sovran consults with customers on data efficiency opportunities offered by their local utility providers and helps them to qualify for rebates whenever possible. If you are anticipating a green initiative that may involve your IT infrastructure, contact a Sovran representative for information on environmentally friendly projects including data efficiency, recycling, virtualization and data centralization. See, for yourself, how easy it is to be green.

Written By: Linda Ruhland, Marketing Communications Manager

Author: Sovran – Technology Solutions for Business -

System Center 2012 

As many organizations continue to look for solutions to manage and monitor end user devices and services, Microsoft has introduced System Center 2012, which continues this trend with a fully Windows integrated product. The following is just a quick technical summary of some of the packages included in System Center 2012 along with their purpose and features.

App Controller
This software is designed as a single interface for managing both Windows Cloud services and your own internal virtual machines.

SCCM (Configuration Manager)
Configuration Manager is one of the main pillars of previous and upcoming versions of System Center. It helps deploy operating systems, software applications, software updates, as well as inventory software and hardware (Asset Management).

DPM (Data Protection Manager)
Designed as a simple backup and recovery tool, DPM can also provide continuous data protection via agents. It also integrates into Operations Manager.

SCOM (Operations Manager)
SCOM was primarily designed as a large scale monitoring and management solution that integrates with first or third party management packs. It allows you to monitor services, devices and operations through a single interface. This also includes network monitoring of routers, switches and other devices via third party management packs from industry leading vendors. (i.e. Cisco, HP, Juniper, etc)

Service Manager
Service Manager was created as a service desk ticketing system to provide a more organized way of managing support processes.  It allows the tracking of support tickets and features a self-service portal.

VMM (Virtual Machine Manager)
VMM was designed to manage virtual data center servers across different hypervisor platforms including VMware, vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V.

These are just a few of the software packages that make up the System Center 2012 release. Currently the first Release Candidate is out for public beta. As it gets closer to final release, I will go more in-depth with each of the software packages and how they may be of advantage to your organization in the upcoming SovCast Newsletter.

Written by, Grant Becker, Systems Engineer

Author: Sovran – Technology Solutions for Business -