Seeing Double - Practical Productivity
By Jane Cage, HTS COO

Do you have the luxury of doing only one task at a time? If you’re like me, I would guess the answer is probably “No”. I find myself answering email, working on a spreadsheet, looking at an accounting issue and searching for info on the internet all at the same time. It’s just become part of the way that we all work. Most computer users, however, are forced into single-tasking because of the way they see their work – on a single monitor. Windows XP and VISTA provide desktop users with the ability to “spread” their desktop across multiple monitors. Having two monitors has changed and improved the way I work. I’ve seen several study results that state two monitors can improve productivity from 20-50%. I agree. I can cut and paste from one application to another without having to change applications on screen. I can look at the info that I need on the internet and type that information directly into a spreadsheet at the same time. With two monitors, I can read the email with an accounting question and look at the accounting screen at the same time to understand the problem a user is having. I have become so dependent on two monitors that you could never get me to go back to a single screen.

Is it expensive? Well, if you are using a laptop, all you need is the second monitor. You can connect an external monitor to your VGA output and use the screen display settings to stretch your desktop across them. If you use a desktop, you will need to add a dual display video card (less than $150) and a second monitor. Not convinced that your company might benefit from providing dual displays to certain users? Here are some examples that might make you think again. Dual displays are a must for any user that must key in data that resides from application into another application. I’m to the point that I can barely remember a phone number from the phone book to the dial pad. Seeing what you are typing reduces errors. If you rely on the internet for information, its’ easy to understand the importance of seeing what you need as you use it in word processing, spreadsheets, etc.

Dual displays are no longer luxuries – they are necessities as the pace and complexity of our worklife continues to increase. If you’re interested in finding out what it takes to become more productive, contact your NMGI account manager. It’s a small investment that yields big dividends. In the upcoming months, look for more articles that highlight practical productivity for your technology environment – sometimes it’s the little things that make the largest difference!

Seven Rules for Using Laptops in Meetings
By Jeff Wuorio
Reprinted with permission from Microsoft Small Business Center

Not long ago, Frances Altman agreed to present a talk to some of her colleagues. Everyone arrived on time. Unfortunately, at least from her point of view, so did their laptop computers. "Several people came in and started working on their laptops right through my talk," recalls Altman, public relations specialist at Virginia Commonwealth University. "It was very discourteous -- they could hardly be taking notes or listening to you. Next time, I'll request both phones and computers off."

Altman's experience isn't singular. Laptops (and Tablet PCs) are as much an element of business meetings today as any piece of equipment. But rules and protocols for using them are often lacking. Here, then, are seven suggested guidelines to ensure that laptops contribute to productive meetings rather than to distract and annoy participants.

Increase productivity by implementing Microsoft Office 2007 and qualify for up to a $150 per license subsidy. From now until January 31, 2008 qualifying open license purchases of Microsoft Office 2007 can result in up to $30,000 of partner subsidy dollars. These subsidy dollars can be spent on any combination of hardware, software or services from Network Management Group, Inc. See below for potential subsidy amounts.

Qualifying organizations include commercial and government customers. Academic customers are not eligible for this promotion.

1. Qualifying purchases of Professional Desktop and Desktop Pro will be eligible to receive the stated US$ partner subsidy per license for Office Professional Plus 2007.
    
2. Qualifying purchases of Desktop SBE will be eligible to receive the stated US$ subsidy per license for Office Small Business 2007

Please contact your NMGI Sales Consultant at 620-664-6000 to find out additional details on taking advantage of this special limited time offering.