We have seen economic pressures leading to an increasing need for cost control for most of us, whilst innovations in technology seem to emerge at an ever increasing rate. Cloud based solutions are becoming ever more prevalent with Microsoft now committing 90% of their development to Cloud based solutions, and we are beginning to see a sudden and significant interest in tablet computing, largely driven by the success of the Apple iPad. These technologies have a real impact on the way in which IT is delivered to the user and it is essential that we are able keep track and demonstrate we can weigh up the benefits for our organisations.

Emphasis on communication

As a national provider of IT services, it is important that Montal is seen as an organisation that keeps its customers informed, and we are trying increasingly hard to do this. In addition to this regular newsletter, we have started to take advantage of the interest in Enterprise Social Networking to circulate information, regularly ‘Tweeting’ via Twitter on interesting articles and news. I have been amazed at the results achieved from us utilising Facebook and LinkedIn as part of our communication toolset, reaching people that previously had been hard to contact. Perhaps this explains why one of the largest subscribers to Facebook shares is Microsoft. Indeed, Microsoft recently released a statement saying “If you give people the ability to work anywhere, at any time, they will” and Mobile Communications and Enterprise Social Networking is what they are referring to.

Montal welcomes Claire Bayliss

Montal has also expanded the consultancy services it can provide its customers, to go beyond technical advice and include Business and Application Consultancy. To help us to do this, we are very pleased to announce that Claire Bayliss has joined the Montal team as Director of Business Consulting. Claire most recently headed up Tribal’s Housing IT consultancy team and has 12 years' experience as a housing manager as well as 8 years' experience as a consultant. Claire has written an article on some easy steps to take to improve efficiencies and create economies and this is called Achieving Cost Savings. This includes 6 top tips for you to consider. To read a full copy of Claire’s report click here.

I trust you find this edition of the Newsletter useful. If you would like to follow our Twitter articles and news, please go on to Twitter and search for ‘Montal_IT’. Recent articles published include Legal Issues Associated with Data Storage, The Benefits of Private Cloud and Should Employees Buy Their Own Computers.