Advice

Information Technology Consulting

We are your local IT Consulting / Computer Consulting experts who can assist in all aspects of software implementation, as well as repairing your network and server, whether they run on Windows or Linux.  Like most small business, you may not have the luxury of having your own Information Technology department to take on new projects or tackle complex challenges.  You may be just barely hanging on to what you currently have and praying that your systems do not break down. We are here to come in with our knowledge, expertise, and experience to do the job of the Information Technology Department you wish you had.

911 Emergency Service

We understand that downtime is expensive to your business and disruptive to your operation.  Give us a call so that we may get started right away and evaluate what is needed to get you back up and running.  We have the technical skills and experience to think on our feet and decide what resources we can pull together in order to get you operational as quickly as possible.

Business Software Implementation Projects

Implementation of business software, selection of the right product, working through configuration, customization issues, and following up with proper user training, are all key to successful software implementation.  We can help you implement your software product running on either Windows or Linux.  We have the programming experience to handle complex customization, data migration and conversion, to take the best advantage of your business software.

Is your computer system technology stuck in time?

Computer Technology changes over time and eventually you will need to modernize, or bring your systems up to current specifications.  Is that old server and software that has served you well for many years starting to show signs of its age?  Is your system no longer capable of running the now current version of the software you need to run your business?   We can help with a carefully planned and implemented IT Modernization project.  There is much more to migrating to new servers, workstations, and software than simply replacing machines.  Data has to be transferred, preserved, and updated. End users need to be trained on new software and procedures, and in the end, everyone needs to see the change as an improvement.

Systems Maintenance Will Save you Money.

Our IT System Administration and Maintenance Plans are tailored to your budget and needs.  Computer systems require regular maintenance in order to continue running smoothly and with proper security.  Once we evaluate your system, we will estimate the number of hours needed to be spent on Proactive Maintenance, Administration, and IT Technical Support in order to keep your systems running smoothly and reliably.  This time can also be used for future planning, consulting, and improving your computer environment.  The more time you commit to buying on a quarterly basis, the more discount you receive on our base hourly rate of $150/hour.

Help Desk Technical Support

In the ever changing world of technology, users are expected to be more and more self sufficient in adapting to and using new technology.  The problem is that your business may rely on employees who are more creative in nature or managerial and technology does not come naturally to them.  A question or technical issue can stop a user's  productivity and lead to frustration, unless they have somewhere to turn for assistance from Help Desk Technical Support and Problem Solving.  In larger corporations, this is called the Help Desk, where an entry-level IT person would answer questions and solve problems on technical issues.  Unfortunately it is rare, especially for a small or medium sized business, to have their own Help Desk.  We can fill this void by serving the role of Help Desk Technical Support and provide assistance with problem solving.

Problems in your computing environment can drag down your entire business.

Your business relies heavily on technology.  Technical problem solving is key to keeping your business running smoothly.  When there is a technical problem with your network hardware, server, or software, it can effect employee morale, as well as productivity and ultimately profitability.  Are your employees complaining about the technology they use?  How many times do you have to stop and think about issues with your network server, software or computer hardware?  Are your computing resources being abused or used for personal entertainment rather than business use?  Have you had to shut your business down, cancel appointments, or change your plans because of technical problems or limitations?  Do you have an employee that you cannot fire or are afraid will quit because they are the only ones with the knowledge to keep your systems running?  These are not the type of problems that some technology whiz kid can solve.  You need a team of trustworthy, experienced business IT Consultants, who can be the problem solver to help make management decisions and implement a solution.  We will be happy to meet with you, privately if necessary, and see what we can do to help solve your technology problems.

Specializing in Business and Medical Computing

For over 30 years, CMI has been installing, upgrading, and maintaining business computer systems all over Indianapolis and central Indiana.  We enjoy working with small and medium sized businesses and medical practices, helping them grow, and run smoothly.  We help you take the advantage with the best of available technology.  Our customers include Medical and Dental Practices, Retail Stores, and just about everything else from Accounting to Manufacturing. Installing successful systems and establishing long relationships with our customers, by maintaining those systems, is what we do best.

CMI can serve as your your Outsourced IT Department.

As a result of downsizing, cost reduction, or employee turnover, you may no longer have anyone around to take care of your computer systems.  Our services cost a lot less than employing a full time IT person.  We pride ourselves in saving our customers much more money than our services cost.  We help you make the right decisions on how to invest your IT Budget wisely in order to keep your computing environment running smoothly.  We help you keep up with the ever changing technology, IT modernization and computing demands, while at the same time recommending practical, cost effective solutions.  Give us a call.  Tell us what you are trying to accomplish.

There are many choices that need to be made when designing, and setting up a server.

With our experience setting up hundreds of servers over the years, we can navigate the many choices and arrive at a practical solution.  Servers can be expensive and most businesses cannot afford to buy the wrong equipment. Servers require experienced professionals to design and set up, otherwise they can lead to pure misery for all involved.  Since we specialize in small and medium sized business computing, we will have a good idea of what server is right for your business, based on our experience working with other companies like yours.

Installing and Implementing Business Computer Systems is What We Do.

We have suppliers we work with for Servers, Computers, Software, and Networking.  We have Electricians who can install network cable properly.  We are used to taking on new technologies and solving unique problems.  We thrive on challenges.  We know what works well and what does not.  You will benefit greatly from our experience and successful track record working with other businesses that have faced similar challenges.

We have experienced many IT Modernizations and know what it takes to bring you up to date.

It is true that upgrading and migrating to a modernized system is much more difficult than building a system for a new business. We look at your goals and help lay plans to purchase the necessary equipment, networking, and software to implement your new system. This is not a time for learning from costly mistakes.  It is wise to trust your major project to a team with Experience over Many Years and Changes in Technology.  You need someone who understands the old technology you are trying to get away from as well as the new technology you are wanting to migrate to.  You need the seasoned experts at Computing-Management, Inc.

Companies need someone who is familiar with their entire computing environment. Computer systems need Administration.

We provide guidance to help navigate your business through a sea of technology.  We can perform a management, decision making role as a member of your team.

Decisions need to be made, and right or wrong decisions can make or break a business.  Without consistant administration, your computer system will be adrift and eventually show the signs of neglect.  Your system needs someone to keep a watchful eye on changing technology and innovations in Windows, Linux, network security issues, as well as all the hardware and software in use.  Someone needs to make practical recommendations on how to utilize new technology to your best advantage.  Someone needs to be looking down the road at emerging technology and the future of your company.

Many companies no longer have the luxury of their own IT Departments to, or even dedicated, qualified, IT Personnel as a result of downsizing or recent economic hardship.  Your computing environment is unique and it is wasteful to have different technicians come in from time to time and try to fix or maintain a system they are not familiar with. By performing regular maintenance and IT Technical support, we build a level of familiarity that will allow us to diagnose problems and implement solutions much more quickly, thus saving you a lot of money over time.

There is no such thing as a dumb question.

We treat users with the respect they deserve.  We understand that users have other things to do besides keep up with the latest technology and they are not interested in what makes their computers work.  We try to provide assistance and explain answers thoroughly.  When possible we try to go a step beyond answering the question to make sure the user becomes a little more technically proficient from the experience. There will always be people who are "Technically Challenged," but by using our skills and patience, we try our best to be helpful. It is the end users, after all, who we depend on to make a computer system successful.

The tools we use to provide help have advanced greatly.

It is rare, these days, that we need to travel to your location in order to provide technical support.  With just a few keystrokes, you can allow us to access your computer and provide remote support so that we may see and control your computer as if we were sitting next to you.  This eliminates most of the challenge of a user trying to describe a problem sufficiently for a technician to understand what is going on and find the solution.  Questions can be answered quickly over the telephone and maintenance or repairs can be performed on your computer software remotely using a Remote Support program.  We also have the ability to access and monitor servers and routers remotely so being on-site may not be required.

We have many years of experience successfully installing networks for small and medium sized business all over Central Indiana.

Typically a network install is the beginning of a long relationship with our customers.  We take the care and time to plan and do the job right.  We do not compromise quality on something that will wind up being so critical to the running of your business.  We stick to well established wiring and installation standards and follow best practices, which will make your network reliable and easy to expand and maintain in the future.  The last thing we want is for a poorly installed network to come back and haunt us.

We recommend what we know and use based on our own experiences.

We have experience setting up both Windows and Linux Servers.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both and they each have their own place in your computing environment.  We view a server as a tool which is used to perform a particular function or functions, usually serving as a platform to run a specific program like an accounting system, or practice management system.  Software companies like to sell their own servers to customers who do not have any IT Support, but these servers are generally overpriced and under powered.  Have them quote you a price and we will show you what we can do for the same money and will exceed their requirements.  In other words, with us, you get more bang for the buck!

Users need to know that they are supported.

The most frustrating thing for a user is not having someone to go to when they have a question or concern.  Leaving users to figure out a system on their own, or handing them a stack of manuals is not the right approach.  Proper training and ongoing support will lead to a comfort level that will assure success.  Users need to know that they are not alone, that help is available, and they should know where to go and be encouraged to seek that help.  Sometimes we need to come in and assist in working with the technical support services of your software vendor.  By allowing us, your technical people, to work with their technical people, we can work together to find a solution that we can bring back and implement in a non technical way.  In other words, we can fight the technical support challenges for you.

We know how to deal with Security Related Emergencies.

Has your system been hacked?  Is your Internet connection under attack?  Are your computers infected with a fast spreading virus?  Has someone taken over your server?  Do you need your system secured after an employee change?  These are all issues that we have dealt with in the past and know how to get under control.  We have the tools and experience necessary to figure out what is going on and find a solution.  We will repair the damages, find the source of the problem, and implement preventions to secure your systems.

We are not afraid to ruffle feathers in order to bring about positive change.

Some of the most difficult problems may be caused by your own employees.  Users generally do not like and are resistant to change or restrictions.  End users may be too used to having the freedom to do anything they want with company computers, regardless of the problems they may cause.  Many viruses and security problems are a result of employees using their work computers the same way the do their personal computers at home. Acceptable Use Policies need to be developed, implemented, and enforced with backing from top levels of management.  We can help by installing tools to keep your employees and their computer use under control.  We are not interested in corporate drama, politics, or winning popularity contests.  We are here to solve problems.

The technology we deal with is not just limited to computers and networks.

We understand how to integrate different technoloies so that they work together.  We are versitle enough to work with practically any technology and interface multiple technologies together for an overall solution.

Any kind of technology can be intimidating.  We are also capable and have experience installing medical equipment, phone systems, security systems, cash register point of sale systems, and sometimes become involved in the technical design of customer products.  We can work with your vendors and their technical specifications to make sure their products will interface with your computing environment and make any adjustments necessary.

We are used to reading manuals, working with technical specifications, and applying technology to any type of business application.  Bring us in and let us look at what you are trying to accomplish.  We can help with the research and evaluation of the next piece of equipment you are wanting to buy.  We may know of another customer who is facing the same challenge or using the same technology.

We are not afraid to take on new technology.

All technology starts out as new technology.  Every project and solution is unique.  We are not afraid to try something that nobody has done before in order to give your business a competitive edge.  We are constantly absorbing new technology as technology itself evolves with time.  There are several companies around Indianapolis where we installed their first personal computers.  We installed the first PC Network in Indianapolis.  We were pioneers when the Internet first started by setting up one of the first Internet Service Providers in the area.  Doctor and Dentist offices are constantly having us integrate new medical equipment with their practice management software and servers. Just because something has not been done before, does not mean that it can't be done and we can't do it.  We are also available to help you evaluate new technology to see if it is necessary and will actually improve your business.  We can help in the decision and evaluational process to help decide which new technology to take on.

A server is generally a more powerful computer that is designed to run continuously for years. Windows Server is the most common and most expensive.

Recent versions of Windows Server include Windows Server 2008, and the newer Windows Server 2012.  Your major software package may require one of these Windows Server Operating Systems.  Windows Server Operating Systems require licenses from Microsoft, or something they call CAL's (Client Access Licenses). The cost and number of CAL's you need to buy is based on things like the number of users who will be using the server.  Different features within the Windows Server Operating System can be turned on or off, and often require their own CAL's.  Just to illustrate the complexity of Microsoft Licensing, check out the following information from Microsoft Licensing CAL's. If that information does not give you a headache, you can then look at the pricing involved and start shopping!   These are all waters that we have navigated and are familiar with, based on servers we have installed.  We will save you a great deal of time and money by simply showing you what you need to buy and prevent you from making costly mistakes.  The major software application that you need may require that your server runs Microsoft Windows Server.

This is not our first trip to the rodeo.

Over the past 30 years, we have implemented and gained working knowledge with supporting business software packages of all types around central Indiana.  We know what it takes to get the job done and done right.  We will make sure you have all the tools and guidance you need to get that software package fully implemented.  We then continue to support your system well into the future.  The old saying of "Garbage In - Garbage Out" has never been more true.  We will show you how we implement software and systems the right way.

Many companies have downsized and no longer have their own IT Technical Support staff to go to help.

Unfortunately, many companies do not realize until. after they have let their IT People go, how critical they actually were.  We do not advocate downsizing IT Staff, but we are available to fill in the void that they leave behind.  Help Desk Technical Support is critical to the ongoing operation of your business.  We can provide Help Desk Technical Support so that your employees have someone to turn to for help their occasional questions and technical problem solving needs.

We have the skills and tools to find and correct problems on your network.

We have the ability to perform a full analysis of your network and find out what is going on. We can find and correct connection problems due to bad cable, connectors, or electrical interfearance.  We analyze your network traffic to abnormalities, traffic restrictions, or signs of virus activity.  We make sure your network is secure from attackers and hackers and that your corporate and customer data is protected.  We often implement QOS or Quality of Service Policies to make sure that your Internet connection is shared in a way that nobody can hog all the Internet bandwidth.  We monitor your network remotely and are alerted whenever a problem arises.

Your network may not be limited to just one location.

We have experience installing Point to Point networks on Dedicated T-1 Lines or Virtual Private Networks.  We can bridge multiple locations and make them all work together.  We understand how to set up routers and efficiently direct traffic to where it needs to go.  We know how to set up Terminal Services and make your applications accessible over the Internet.  Your network may no longer be Local at all.  We can help you expand beyond your single location.

Give us a call so we may meet and discuss your server needs.

We have experience setting up both Windows and Linux servers and maintaining them in production environments.  We have solutions for all the different types of servers commonly used in small and medium sized businesses.  We know what works and have the ability to duplicate our successes and make them work in your computing environment.

There is a silver lining in every cloud.

Emergencies are unfortunate, but usually our customers are better off once the problem is solved.  You may wind up with a better system than you had before.  You may learn and take corrective actions that will make your system more reliable.  When we fix something, we fix it right and leave our customers in better shape as a result of the experience.

Give us a call so we may meet and discuss your needs. We will give you a fast and honest answer whether or not we can help.

We do not pretend to do anything and everything.  The things we know best are computers and computer networking.  Chances are that your problem is not all that unique and we have worked on something similar before.  Most of the time our the solutions we recommend are based on real life experiences or things we know we can handle.  Just as importantly, we are also honest enough to let you know our limitations and avoid the disaster of taking on something we are not ready to handle.