For Immediate Release
NSK Inc Offers Summer Support for Tufts
Tufts Health Care Institute hires NSK Inc for development work while in-house staff on leave of absence.
Boston, MA, July 26, 2010 – NSK Inc, a Boston-based IT Consulting firm has been hired by the Tufts Health Care Institute (THCI) for an eight-week project to assist with IT and web support. The in-house developer for THCI is on paternity leave this summer, and the Institute contacted NSK Inc about filling in for two months.
The relationship between the two organizations is incredibly convenient as both share office space at 75 Kneeland Street, in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood. Currently, NSK is providing four hours of development each week. Tasks have included entering and posting HTML content in online learning resources, updating scripts, and general IT support for THCI’s courseware and registration systems.
Project manager, Steve Papaccio says, “I’m excited to continue the relationship between NSK and Tufts Health Care. THCI has developed a strong set of web resources for their users and NSK is looking forward to contributing to and supporting that effort.” THCI Director of Content Development Ralph Halpern finds contracting with NSK to be an efficient and effective way to meet the Institute’s short-term need for IT support. “The NSK staff is both highly qualified and responsive to our requests. NSK offered flexible contract terms and did a good job of coordinating the handoff of work from our staff to their experts.”
About Tufts Health Care Institute
Tufts Health Care Institute (THCI) is a not-for-profit educational organization established as a collaborative venture of Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) and Tufts Health Plan (THP). Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the Institute develops and coordinates a variety of accredited educational activities, including live workshops and online courses, for practicing and prospective health care professionals. The primary content focus of THCI’s training is the cross-disciplinary competencies of Systems-based Practice, Practice-based Learning and Improvement, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, and Professionalism. THCI also provides administrative and infrastructure support to the educational activities of other groups and organizations. For more information, please visit http://www.thci.org.
About NSK Inc
NSK Inc is a leader in information technology consulting, with a focus on IT management for SMB companies. Headquartered in Boston, MA with an additional office in Palo Alto, CA, the company offers a wide array of IT services for business driven information challenges. They provide service and support for small and medium-sized businesses and groups working within large organizations. NSK Inc also creates custom software products for investment banks, equity management organizations, and other specialized industry areas. For more information, please visit http://www.nskinc.com.
Press Contact
For more information, please contact:
Cathie Briggette
NSK Inc.
(p) +1 617 303-0480
(e) cathie@nskinc.com
(w) http://www.nskinc.com
iBusiness
Consumers absolutely love the iPad. Music, videos, documents and eBooks are all wrapped up in a sleek and very attractive package. However, can the iPad cross over into business territory or should organizations stick to using Netbooks while on the go?
The Benefits
- Portability: The sleek, all in one design is ideal for travelers. Instead of having to balance a keyboard and screen (which is difficult to do when the person sitting in front of you insists on reclining their chair all the way back), the iPad is one screen. Oh and did I mention the iPad weighs 1.5 pounds?
- The iPad also doubles as an eReader, ideal for reviewing business reports, dissertations, and white papers, as well as newspapers and magazines.
- Battery Life: The iPad has a 10 hour battery capacity – which outshines most Netbooks, which cap out at about 8 hours.
- Surpasses Smartphones: The iPad allows users to have the portability and power of a standard Smartphone, but with a much larger workspace. Ever try to send a company wide email on a Blackberry? Your thumbs will appreciate the iPad’s virtual keyboard.
- Built in 3G – eliminates the need to be in a Wi-Fi hotspot, which means it is always connected.
The Drawbacks
- Lack of a USB Port: Easy access to a USB port is ideal for transferring large files (i.e. content heavy presentations or videos) via a flash drive. Users can purchase a “dongle” adapter that converts the iPad sync port into a USB port or upload files via a Cloud such as Dropbox, MobileMe, or Gmail.
- Lack of Integrated Video Camera: Some tout the iPad as being an oversized iPhone. Unfortunately, the iPad lacks in the telecommunications department. There is no integrated video camera that could allow for video conferencing with co-workers while telecommuting or traveling.
- Capacity and Power: The entry level iPad comes with 16gb of internal storage and a 1ghz processor. Many Netbooks come with at least 1.6ghz of power and have variable hard drive sizes that range from16 to 160 gb of storage.
- Cost: Savvy shoppers can purchase a Netbook between $200 -$300. The lowest priced iPad costs $499.
The Bottom Line
It all depends on what your organization is looking for. If a large percentage of your employees travel or telecommute, iPads may in fact be the tool of choice as portability and convenience are some of the major attributes of Apple’s latest creation. However, if your organization doesn’t host applications or files in the Cloud where users are normally tethered to their desktop, it may be better to skip the iPad and rather rely on Smartphones or other devices for quick email updates when on the go.
The End Of The Internet?
There has been a lot of buzz from people stating we are reaching the end of the internet's capacity. To be honest, all I can ever think of is the episode of South Park where the internet access starts to dry up. In the episode, the "internet" is actually a giant Linksys router and Kyle reestablishes the internet by resetting the device. Although hilarious, the probability of the internet disappearing is pretty low (notice how I didn't say impossible).
Fiction aside, the internet is in essence a network of networks that connects computers and other devices across the globe. The internet isn't one specific device but rather a combination of billions of components. Despite its seemingly endless coverage area, a recent article from CNN.com reported that the internet may be reaching its user limits. Soon we may not be able to add more devices to the current configuration.
Here's the kicker; it all has to do with the internet's current configuration. Right now the internet runs on what is called Internet Protocol Addressing Scheme version 4 (IPv4). Within this particular set up - IPv4 only provides slightly more than four billion IP addresses because it is based on a 32-bit format. These addresses are usually represented with decimal points separating the address into four parts (i.e. 192.0.0.000).
IPv4 operates on two basic functions: addressing and fragmentation. The protocol uses the IP addresses to transmit internet datagrams to their destinations (also known as routing). Then these datagrams are fragmented and then reassembled once they reach the destination address. (More information on IPv4 operations can be found in the IETF Publication RFC 791).
Anything hosted on an IP network (computer, printer, smart phone, etc.) is assigned its own unique IP address. Thanks to advancements in technology, ownership of mobile phones, net books, Ipads, and other web enabled devices has exploded. These new devices are gobbling up IP addresses at an alarming rate.
I spoke with Senior QA Associate Apollo Catlin, at NSK Inc, and he mentioned that a smart phone itself "probably has three different IP addresses associated with it." Numerous reports have speculated that within the next two years, we will run out of IP addresses. According to Catlin, when IPv4 was first instated in the 1970's there wasn't any thought of running out of addresses as "they didn't ever think people would have a personal IP address." Back then, IPs were reserved for mainframe computers used by large organizations not individuals.
So What Can Be Done?
The most viable option is to transition from the current IPv4 configuration to IPv6. IPv6 operates on a 128-bit system meaning there are trillions of new IP addresses available under this protocol.
Unfortunately content providers are reluctant to transition to the IPv6 protocol. Catlin states that the transition would require a complete overhaul of the Internet infrastructure in that the "entire middle structure of the system needs to be replaced."
Although tedious, this transition needs to happen soon. Otherwise in a couple of years, internet access may only be available to current users as we may not have any new IP addresses to hand out. The internet is open to everyone; let's not start having to ration it out.
NSK Inc Receives Woman-Owned Business Certification
Massachusetts State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance recognizes Nancy Keddy as a woman business owner, opens doors for opportunities
Boston, MA, March 26, 2010 - NSK Inc, a leading IT Consulting Firm has just received the Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) certification from the State office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA). As a result, NSK Inc will be listed in both the SOMWBA Directory and in the Massachusetts Central Register. As a member, NSK Inc is now eligible to better compete for government contracts as well as garner better connections through the services available as a WBE certified business.
Nancy Keddy, a veteran of the Information Technology industry, is now recognized by the Massachusetts Government for her achievements as a female CEO. Keddy, founded NSK Inc in 1996 and the company has grown into a leading IT consulting firm for small to medium businesses in the Greater Boston Area. "Since I am a woman-owned IT Service company, I am a minority in this industry," states Keddy. "Having the WBE certification opens up a window of opportunities that otherwise may not have been available to NSK Inc."
NSK Inc's broad range of services include:
- Backup Disaster Recovery
- Networking
- Project Management
- Hosting
- Managed Care
- Custom Application and Web Development
The SOMWBA provides resources and referral services for certified firms with opportunities at the federal, state, and municipal level as well as in the private sector. The agency also provides contracting, financial resources, and business membership and networking opportunities. NSK Inc can now take advantage of these benefits to build the company's network outside of the Greater Boston Area as the agency works throughout the state of Massachusetts.
About SOMWBA
The State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance is an agency within the Massachusetts Department of Economic Development which promotes the development of certified minority business enterprises (MBE), women owned (WBE) business enterprises, and minority non-profit (M/NPO) and women (W/NPO) non-profit organizations. It does this by facilitating their participation in Massachusetts business and economic development opportunities. Specifically, SOMWBA offers services in certification, enforcement, business assistance and advocacy. For more information, please visit: http://www.somwba.state.ma.us.
About NSK Inc
NSK Inc is a leader in information technology consulting, with a focus on IT management for SMB companies. Headquartered in Boston, MA with an additional office in Palo Alto, CA, the company offers a wide array of IT services for business driven information challenges. They provide service and support for small and medium-sized businesses and groups working within large organizations. NSK Inc also creates custom software products for investment banks, equity management organizations, and other specialized industry areas. For more information, please visit http://www.nskinc.com.
Press Contact
For more information, please contact:
Cathie Briggette
NSK Inc.
(p) +1 617 303-0480
(e) cathie@nskinc.com
(w) http://www.nskinc.com
For Immediate Release
NSK Inc. IT Associate Receives CCENT Certification
Associate at Boston-based IT Consulting firm is now certified in small network implementation and management
Boston, MA, March 17, 2010 - One of NSK Inc's IT Associates, Michael McGowan, recently announced that he has received the CCENTTM certification from Cisco®. CCENT, short for Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician, validates skills in installing and managing small enterprise network systems, and is a stepping stone towards the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®) certification. McGowan's new credentials demonstrate his knowledge and experience in data networks, IP addressing, wired and wireless networks, and network security in the small enterprise sector.
McGowan states "It took me about four months to prepare for the exam." His efforts have paid off immensely. "Having a CCENT certification will help me provide better support with internet/networking, troubleshooting, and configurations for NSK and its clients." Although time consuming, McGowan says, "The experience was totally worth it, as it is the largest industry-wide certification." He will spend the next four months working towards his CCNA certification.
McGowan isn't the only NSK member who is Cisco certified. Ben R. Howard, a Senior IT Associate, holds his CCNA certification. Howard says that "Having the CCNA Security certification ensures that NSK meets the standards set forth by Cisco to have an understanding not only of how to configure a range of Cisco products, but to recognize security issues and how to effectively configure and deploy the devices to address the issues." NSK Inc is consistently expanding their knowledge base, and with two employees now Cisco certified the company can manage a multitude of network systems for their growing client base.
About Cisco Systems
Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate, this year celebrates 25 years of technology innovation, operational excellence and corporate social responsibility. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.
About NSK Inc
NSK Inc is a leader in information technology consulting, with a focus on IT management for SMB companies. Headquartered in Boston, MA with an additional office in Palo Alto, CA, the company offers a wide array of IT services for business driven information challenges. They provide service and support for small and medium-sized businesses and groups working within large organizations. NSK Inc also creates custom software products for investment banks, equity management organizations, and other specialized industry areas. For more information, please visit www.nskinc.com.
Press Contact
For more information, please contact:
Cathie Briggette
NSK Inc.
(p) +1 617 303-0480
(e) cathie@nskinc.com
The Benefits of Public Cloud Computing
Simplicity and efficiency are the overarching benefits of having a public cloud. Public clouds are offered as a service, usually over an Internet connection. An off-site third party provider hosts and manages the system. Users connect to the system via web applications or services. Public clouds usually charge a monthly usage fee per gigabyte and bandwidth transfer charges.
Cost: Having a cloud computing model in place, organizations can trim their IT budgets because they don't have to purchase physical hardware (which also saves on energy costs), as the servers are virtual - hosted at a third party. Organizations can customize their clouds with specific storage parameters, applications, and security options so that they only pay for what they need. Since the cloud is hosted by a third party, the organization doesn't need to spend money to have an employee monitor the system; it is taken care of by the host.
Time: In house servers take time to maintain. If hardware or software configurations need to be altered, or if a server crashes or needs to be restarted, the process can often take a couple of hours or a couple of days depending on the situation. With cloud computing, because everything is virtualized, reconfiguring the cloud takes minutes.[1]Also - because the servers are hosted on the cloud, if one server fails, another can instantly be activated, reducing down time.
Maintenance: Due to the fact that the public cloud system is hosted off site, internal employees are not responsible for maintaining the system. The design lets users update or introduce technologies into the system at a much faster rate as everything is managed at the host company. Having a virtualized public cloud means never having to deal with a physical server; it can be maintained from a simple configuration screen.[2]
Disadvantages of a Public Cloud
Lack of Control: Due to the fact that third party providers are in charge of storing and maintaining the data systems, many feel as if they don't have enough control over their personal data.
Speed: Public Clouds are based on internet connections, meaning the data transfer rate is limited to that of the Internet Service Provider (ISP), which is usually no more than 10mbps. If an organization is storing and transferring large amounts of data (high definition video for example), a public cloud may not be the best bet.
Lack of Investment: Although a great cost saving method by reducing the need to invest upfront, renting the service from an outside provider also means that there is little capital gained. Having items such as servers and network equipment can pay off in the long run as assets and tax advantages.
The Benefits of Private Cloud Computing
Private clouds are built from software that runs on a piece of hardware at the organization. The difference between a public cloud and a private cloud is that a private cloud is controlled by the organization. The benefits of this system are that although an investment due to the fact hardware is required, it costs considerably less than traditional data management systems. The cost savings is due to virtualization in which one physical server acts as host to several virtual servers, each of which runs on a layer of software.[3]
Control: Due to the fact that the hardware is on-site, organizations have more control over their data. The organization is in charge of monitoring and maintaining the data giving them complete oversight of their data.
Performance: The private cloud is deployed inside the firewall on an organization's intranet, meaning that transfer rates are dramatically increased. Read access off of private clouds can be as fast as 100mbps, or even more if the organization has a gigabit Ethernet connection. Storage capacity is also higher with a private cloud. Private clouds usually start with a few terabytes and can be increased by adding additional disks.[4]
Disadvantages of a Private Cloud
Cost: Private clouds are more expensive than public because they require both hardware and maintenance personnel. To build a private cloud, an organization needs to invest in hardware or use already existing systems whereas a public cloud is all handled off site. Private clouds also require system administrators. However, one system administrator could easily manage a 100-node cloud with a part-time effort. [5]
Maintenance: Since the private cloud is hosted on sight, the organization needs to provide adequate power, cooling, and general maintenance. The host organization also runs the risk of data loss due to physical damage of the unit (i.e. fire, power surge, water damage).
[1] "Seeding the Clouds: Key Infrastructure Elements for Cloud Computing." IBM. Feb.2009. IBM Corporation. 26 Feb. 2010. <http://www-935.ibm.com/services/in/cio/pdf/oiw03022usen.pdf>.
[2] Fogarty, Kevin. "Cloud Computing Definitions and Solutions." CIO 10 Sep. 2009.Wed. 27 Feb 2010. <http://www.cio.com/article/501814/Cloud_Computing_Definitions_and_Solutions>.
[3] Ibid
[4] "Cloud Computing Public or Private? How to Choose Cloud Storage." Sys-Con Media. Sys-Con Media, 2008. Web. 26 Feb 2010. <http://www.sys-con.com/node/707840>.
[5] Ibid
Senior IT Associate Receives CISSP Certification
Ben. R Howard, a Senior IT Associate at NSK Inc recently took the CISSP Certification Exam and passed, placing him among roughly 64,000 other IT professionals in the world who have the certification.
The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a highly prestigious certification that requires a massive amount of training and credentials in order to be considered to even take the exam.
CISSP candidates must have at least five years of experience in information security as well as experience with two of ten domains of security before they even apply. They then have to train and prepare for a sixty page exam that lasts for six-hours.
Those who pass receive the certification. A CISSP Certified Associate knows how to formally manage an all encompassing security program. The CISSP credential is a testament to the years of experience, knowledge, and competency of information systems, these personnel have achieved.
Howard hopes to broaden NSK's ability to provide security services to its clients with his new certification. Having a CISSP Certified IT Associate, will only help NSK Inc move forward as a premier consulting firm in Boston.
For Immediate Release
NSK INC RECOGNIZED FOR SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
Boston based IT consulting firm gets rave reviews from Earthworm Inc. for their recycling and conservation efforts for 2009
Boston, MA, February 24, 2010 - NSK Inc, a leader in IT consulting for small to medium businesses, has been recognized by
Earthworm Inc. for their recycling efforts over the course of the 2009 calendar year. Based in Somerville, MA, Earthworm Inc. specializes in recycling office waste materials and implementing corporate recycling programs. NSK Inc and Earthworm began a partnership in 2009 to increase the sustainability of NSK Inc's Boston office.
Over the course of a year, NSK Inc completely revamped their recycling program and made numerous positive contributions to the environment. NSK Inc reduced their carbon footprint (the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization) by 1.79 metric tons. Almost two tons of carbon was saved from being released into the atmosphere through NSK's green initiative, helping to reduce their carbon footprint and reducing environmental impact.
In addition to lowering carbon emissions, NSK Inc also saved 180 pounds of bottles and cans, roughly 2400 pounds of paper (the equivalent of 20 trees), and recycled 390 pounds of electronics equipment. According to Tim Lasonde, the President of NSK Inc, "Being green fits within NSK's mission of helping companies use technology to grow their businesses so that they are more efficient and productive. If we can show success and savings within our own organization, we can also help others achieve similar goals."
NSK Inc's efforts towards an eco-friendly business don't stop with the Earthworm partnership. Nancy Keddy, Founder and CEO of NSK Inc, believes that the efforts are an ongoing event. "We must always be improving our processes and considering their impact on the environment." In addition to the Earthworm program, NSK is currently transitioning their billing system to be paperless. Keddy says, "We are forward thinkers, so recycling is a must."
About Earthworm Inc.
Earthworm seeks to conserve natural resources by promoting the recycling of office waste materials. We promote recycling by operating both small and large scale commercial recycling programs, and by serving as an educational resource to the public. This combination of hands-on experience and environmentalism enables Earthworm to be a pioneer in offering sustainable, workplace recycling programs. For more information, please visit www.earthwormrecycling.org.
About NSK Inc.
NSK Inc is a leader in information technology consulting, with a focus on IT management for SMB companies. Headquartered in Boston, MA with an additional office in Palo Alto, CA, the company offers a wide array of IT services for business driven information challenges. They provide service and support for small and medium-sized businesses and groups working within large organizations. NSK Inc also creates custom software products for investment banks, equity management organizations, and other specialized industry areas. For more information, please visit www.nskinc.com.
Press Contact
For more information about NSK Inc, please contact:
Cathie Briggette
NSK Inc.
(p) +1 617 303-0480
(e) cathie@nskinc.com
For Immediate Release
NSK INC MAKES BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL BOOK OF LISTS
Boston-based IT consulting firm makes Top 40 List for 2010; joins ranks of major IT firms in Boston
Boston, MA, February 5, 2010 - NSK Inc, a leader in IT consulting for small to medium businesses, has been included in the Boston Business Journal's "Book of Lists 2010." Considered a "Who's Who in Boston Business," the guide profiles some of the largest corporations in the Greater Boston Area. NSK Inc is featured under the category "Area's Largest IT Consulting Firms," showcasing forty technology companies in the Greater Boston Area.
Nancy Swan Keddy, CEO and Senior Partner of NSK Inc, is thrilled to be a part of this year's selection. "It is a privilege this year to have NSK Inc recognized in the BBJ Book of Lists, 2010. NSK has always strived to be one of the top IT firms in Boston and this notoriety substantiates this accomplishment." Keddy started NSK Inc in 1995, and the company has expanded since, boasting a workforce of almost thirty employees along with an extensive client list. According to Keddy, NSK Inc was founded on the idea that she "didn't want to assist just one, but multiple organizations in growing and/or increasing their knowledge of both Information Technology and Development."
About The Boston Business Journal
The Boston Business Journal is Greater Boston's premier business newspaper, providing breaking news and comprehensive coverage of the region's business community. Each weekly issue includes in depth articles covering a variety of industries, corporate profiles, executive spotlights, as well as our exclusive Top 25 Lists. BBJ also publishes daily business news through its robust website, BostonBusinessJournal.com, and daily email updates.
About NSK Inc
NSK Inc is a leader in information technology consulting, with a focus on IT management for SMB companies Headquartered in Boston, MA with an additional office in Palo Alto, CA, the company offers a wide array of IT services for business driven information challenges. They provide service and support for small and medium-sized businesses and groups working within large organizations. NSK Inc also creates custom software products for investment banks, equity management organizations, and other specialized industry areas. For more information, please visit www.nskinc.com.
Press Contact
To schedule a press briefing, please contact:
Cathie Briggette
NSK Inc.
(p) +1 617 303-0480
(e) cathie@nskinc.com
(w) www.nskinc.com
IT Associate at NSK Inc. Receives VMWare Certification
NSK Inc now certified in VMware vSphere 4 virtualization
Boston, MA, February 1, 2010 - NSK Inc. recently announced that one of their IT Associates, Justin Etling is now a VMware® Certified Personnel. VMware software allows system administrators to run multiple operating systems on one CPU and lets users create virtualized servers. Etling is certified in VMware's vSphereTM 4, a cloud computing application designed to manage large pools of virtualized computing infrastructure including hardware and software components. According to Etling, "virtualization is the future of the IT industry."
"Virtualization is going to be a huge project driver for small to medium businesses (SMB) in 2010," comments Timothy Lasonde, President of NSK Inc. "As small businesses begin to realize that they can get more out of their equipment by implementing these new technologies, the demand for qualified technicians who understand SMB companies and how to correctly utilize this technology is skyrocketing. Justin is leading NSK Inc in its virtualization efforts and his certification helps to position us appropriately."
In order to become VMware certified, Etling completed a fifty hour training course which culminated in a certification exam. He says the course was very beneficial and that VMware is "really easy to use and implement." Once a technician becomes a VMware Certified Professional, they are officially licensed to use, install, and configure VMware solutions. Etling claims his new credentials are a huge asset to NSK Inc. "A lot of our clients use [VMware] to save money on hardware and software costs. Our clients also use the application for disaster recovery. If a server dies, you can instantly bring it up on another server, which minimizes downtime."
About VMware
VMware delivers solutions for business infrastructure virtualization that enable IT organizations to energize businesses of all sizes. With the industry leading virtualization platform - VMware vSphereTM - customers rely on VMware to reduce capital and operating expenses, improve agility, ensure business continuity, strengthen security and go green. With 2008 revenues of $1.9 billion, more than 150,000 customers and 22,000 partners, VMware is the leader in virtualization which consistently ranks as a top priority among CIOs. VMware is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the world and can be found online at http://www.vmware.com/.
VMware, VMware vSphere and VMware vCenter are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
About NSK Inc
NSK Inc is a leader in information technology consulting, with a focus on IT management for SMB companies. Headquartered in Boston, MA with an additional office in Palo Alto, CA, the company offers a wide array of IT services for business driven information challenges. They provide service and support for small and medium-sized businesses and groups working within large organizations. NSK Inc also creates custom software products for investment banks, equity management organizations, and other specialized industry areas. For more information, please visit NSK Inc