Microsoft Offers Discounts On Office and Windows

This month Microsoft has expanded on a program they started not too long ago. They call it the "50 Percent Up-To-Date Discount" and basically for all you small and mid-size businesses using the Open Value Subscription, this allows you to upgrade your older versions of Office and Windows at a 50 percent discount.

In addition, they have decided to expand that to go back TWO versions of the software. So for Windows, go from XP or Vista to 7 and for Office go from XP or 2003 to Windows 7.

The only caveat - you must be upgrading Professional versions of the software so no using Windows Home or Office Student versions.

If you would like to learn more about the upgrade offer or Open Subscription information, call me at 888-222-2054 or email me at russc@colburn.us and we can discuss it.

Colburn Consulting Client of the Week

Well I thought I'd write a post each week highlighting a client of ours. Many of my clients ask about other clients and some even do business with each other. So this week I'm going to highlight ThermalPaperDirect.com.

I started working with David at ThermalPaperDirect.com about 8 years ago. He began by selling thermal paper rolls - the paper that feeds out of credit card machines. Since that time he has expanded the website to include printer ribbons, atm paper, bags, guest checks, money detectors and a lot more. Basically anything a business might need at the checkout counter or back office.

Over the years David has become one of those clients you wish they all were. He has a vision for his company, knows what it takes to get there and surrounds himself with people who have the same vision. He's a great business man, good person and has the right attitude - CUSTOMER COMES FIRST.

So take a look around ThermalPaperDirect.com and see if there is anything David can help you with.

The Apple iPad

Apple demonstrated it's new iPad the other day and I've fielded a number of questions from clients and friends about it the last few days. I watched the demo online as Steve Jobs sat and showed us all the great things it does. But my question is, why?

The iPad is supposed to bridge the gap between the smartphone and the laptop - giving you a more powerful workstation while keeping the intimacy of the smartphone. But I wonder if it's necessary or useful. For the people on the go, who are mostly business people, the laptop is a necessity. They can't use the iPad walking into a client's office for a sales presentation nor, without a keyboard, is it a relevant desktop replacement.

That said, it also isn't a phone, so it won't replace that piece of equipment strapped to your hip or purse.

It may be useful as a more full featured e-reader, but the LCD screen will be difficult on the eyes the same way your laptop is. The e-readers today are using e-ink displays to have the look and ease of use that paper has.

In comparing it to the Window Tablets, which have struggled for many years to catch on, I don't think it comes close. The Tablets allow you to swivel the screen one way and use it much the same as the iPad, then swivel it another and use it as a small laptop - with a full keyboard.

So, where does this piece of technology fit into the scheme of things? I'm not sure, but my feeling is that since it can't do much of the things it's brethren can, and really adds very little in new and interesting features, the iPad will be the first iDud that Apple has produced in many years.