Anything You Would Like To Know About Your Business?

Congratulations to Craig, Joe, Liam and Jenny having just completed their annual accreditation courses on sales, and technical to secure our continued Partnership status with QlikView, the Business Intelligence specialists.  We are finding that Business Intelligence is a hot topic for many businesses across lots of industries at the moment as they try to unlock their data to make accurate, timely and informed decisions.

Many reporting tools force you to produce multiple reports and drill-down on data in a highly regimented fashion.

QlikView allows you to get straight to the point by working in a very similar way to the human mind does even allowing you to ask the last question first if that’s what you want.

Whilst at the intensive courses QlikTech took the opportunity to inform us all about their new features and enhancements that they will be delivering in version 10.  Version 10 is due for release at 10.10am on the 10/10/10.

The key enhancements include:-

Performance:- With its in-memory methodology V9 was already impressively quick; during a bench test it displayed results for 2.5 million rows in 95 seconds.  In v10 this waiting time is slashed to just 13 seconds.  Without getting too techie, QlikView achieves this using parallel loads, this means it utilises all available processing cores unlike most of the competitors who would typically only utilise a single processor.  This business intelligence tool really lets you see the full value of the money you invested in your big powerful servers, and when you think that Intel use QlikView to beta test their processors, that kind of says it all!!

Efficiency:-  If your dashboard contains several dials, graphs and charts it will load the results partially, with the fastest report being displayed first.  This means that the users can start to analyse data immediately rather than waiting for the full set of results.

Security:- Previously permissions were defined on a per report basis; the administrators can now apply these across a range of reports rather than one at a time.

Bulk cosmetic changes:- If you change your branding or wish to change your template to align with your corporate image as per the security settings mentioned above you can now do this on bulk rather than one at a time.

Reporting Analytics:- Management can review which users run which reports, when they run them and where they choose to drill down.  Reviewing this information helps you to decide what your Management team are interested in and where it is worth investing your time to get future reports developed so that decisions makers are in the best possible position to make the right choices.

Searching:- Qlikview has Google style search capabilities.  This is easier to show than describe but it is extremely powerful.  If for example you were searching your sales history and you have the capability to simple search by sales rep, before doing so, you can insert some criteria into the free text search box, such as North 2010, the clever software would recognise that you are only interested in transactions that have happened during 2010 where the customers are based in the North and on this selection would reduce the number of sales reps available in the search criteria to only those names that match your search.

If you would like to know more about Business Intelligence or QlikView V10, please email customerservice@atlasbiz.com or telephone our customer services team on 0333 666 3330.  We would be more than happy to email you some informative PDF brochures or alternatively we can organise a “Seeing Is Believing” meeting.

Virtual Desktops, Holidays, Blue Oceans and Citrix

With summer well and truly drawing to a close and Autumn winds of change heading our way, Company Secretary Daphne Butler takes a moment to reflect on the chance for holidays and the Blue Oceans being aimed for in the business arena.



You could be forgiven for thinking that virtual desktops, holidays, blue oceans and Citrix have little in common, but, as so often, there is more to it than initially meets the eye.

In this rapacious, unpredictable recession year, I’ve only managed to squeeze a bare couple of weeks away, and even that was time-sliced with business meetings on the outbound and return journeys.

Blissfully rested, we waved goodbye to a small town in northern France on a sunny Monday morning; a contrast that could not have been more poignant when Dover greeted us with sullen seas, grey skies and persistent rain. We were headed, flanked by bumper-to-bumper mostly articulated lorries, for an overnight stop in Beaconsfield and the Citrix Partner event the following day in nearby Chalfont St Giles.

The Citrix HQ building is enviable, set in Chalfont Park and shielded from the persistent traffic noise of the busy south-east by banks of trees and a golf course. Inside it is as serene and well-managed as a discrete five-star hotel. After coffee we were ushered into a small cinema-style lecture theatre and then followed a couple of fascinating hours (plus by way of a bonus a masterclass in how to present a client event).

In a nutshell, Citrix have made a Business Software step-change, and alongside XenApp, their server hosted applications software, have released XenDesktop which serves the entire desktop to each client machine, in fact it can serve different desktops depending on the requirements of the client user. Clever n’est-ce pas?

To achieve this Citrix identified the following business drivers:

• The tough economic climate is driving cost reduction
• Security is imperative to protect intellectual property and data on the move
• Increasing trend to a distributed workforce accessing company systems using a wide range of static and mobile devices
• The traditional desktop model is insecure, inflexible and hard to manage
• Increasing migration to Windows 7 operating system and 64 bit ushering in new application versions

Installation of Citrix Xendesktop addresses all of these drivers, and AtlasBusiness are eager to help you achieve successful adoption. The success indicators for hosted virtual desktop worldwide are huge with the market predicted to surpass $65 billion in 2013.

What might you ask has all this to do with blue oceans – since we have only mentioned grey ones up till now?

Blue Ocean Strategy is to be found in a book of the same name by Professors Chan Kim and Renee Maugorgne. It has been translated into more than 40 languages; is taught as the major strategy at leading business schools; has sold more than 2 million copies.

The book proposes a business strategy for success based on the following logic:

• Industry condition can be shaped
• Create a quantum leap in buyer value to dominate the market
• Go for the mass of buyers and willingly let some existing customers go. Think in terms of embracing key customer value commonalities
• Think free from a company’s existing assets and capabilities. Ask, what if we start anew?
• Think in terms of buyers’ solution even if that transcends the industry. Seek to solve buyers’ major bottlenecks/chief compromises in using the products/services of the industry.

Maybe someone somewhere at Citrix took it to heart!

For more information about Business IT Solutions visit http://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/; http://www.citrix.com/; http://www.atlasbiz.com/

Telephone 0333 666 330

Or Email customerservice@atlasbiz.com

Not just any Financial Statement

We appreciate in most circumstances a Business Financial Statement is nothing to get excited about.... in fact I’ve heard comments along the lines of “I would rather read the Yellow Pages”. But we believe a bit like the Carlsberg adverts “Carlsberg don’t write Management Reports but if they did it would probably be the best Financial Report in the World” or the Marks and Spencer advert “not just any Financial Report, Marks and Spencer Financial Report” we believe our Chairman’s annual statement makes our report somewhat of an exception to the rule.

We’re pleased to announce that the next thrilling chapter of the Atlas Financial Statements has been submitted to the powers that be at Companies House. Over the years we have received a lot of feedback from people who have enjoyed reading the frank and witty writing style of our Group Managing Director in his Chairman’s report. We have Directors from companies whose projects were completed many years ago who still continue to keep a close eye and eagerly await John Butler’s next release. Who can forget John’s scathing attacks on the HMRC over their approach to R&D.

His Atlas Business Group of Companies plc report for year ended 31 December 2009 doesn’t disappoint. Just one of the paragraphs in his introduction includes comments about the Watford Gap, Quantitative Squeezing, Isambard Brunel and guillotines! I might be wrong but I suspect this could be a World’s first where these topics have all been referenced in the same paragraph in any document never mind a Financial Statement. If you didn’t already know John you would be forgiven in wondering what all of this has to do with a Systems Integration company, but John delivers this and brings it all together in his own unique way. I don’t want to spoil your reading but other highlights to wet your appetite include references to the Andrew Marr show, the England versus Slovenia World Cup match and the 2012 London Olympics!

In brief the report has a happy ending highlighting a 50% revenue increase for the 12 months January to December 2009 versus the same period in 2008, as well as a slight 5% improvement in our gross margin. John does however warn that there are numerous external circumstances that could affect all UK businesses and how we perform over the next 12 months, not least Mr Osborne’s budget and the risk of a double dip recession.

What are you waiting for?? Take a look at the report now!!  http://www.atlasbiz.com/docs/A027Dated2009consaccounts.pdf

Atlas Director Celebrates Special Birthday!

We just thought we'd share a few pictures with you today: from company secretary, Daphne Butler's birthday celebrations no less! Daphne was presented with several items of bird-related paraphernalia to adorn the garden of her and John's new house in Hay-On-Wye, which no doubt they'll enjoy upon their return from holidaying on the continent. Everyone at Atlas would like to pass on their best wishes to Daphne for her birthday and the people who run the blog would particularly like to point out that nowhere in this article does it reveal her exact age... we take it the cheque is in the post?!

15 Years Service For Atlas Sales Manager

This month we celebrate Joe’s 15th anniversary of working at Atlas. Joe joined Atlas back in August 1995 straight from school when he was just 16 years old. We recruited Joe as a junior administrator performing day to day clerical tasks such as answering the telephone, reception duties, sending sales statements etc. As part of his remuneration package Joe successfully completed a two year BTEC National course in Business Studies at South Cheshire College and we were delighted with his Diploma result.

Joe displayed a keen interest in computers and was very customer focused and as such after just a short period of time we promoted him to the help desk team. Joe picked up the product portfolio very quickly not only showing a good understanding of how the products worked but also the forensic approach on how to investigate problems when customers experienced issues. Joe proved very popular with our customers many of whom passed on lots of complimentary feedback. On a couple of occasions the sales team recruited Joe’s assistance for demonstration preparation, one thing led to another and before we knew it Joe was joining them for customer account manager meetings, and then prospect demonstrations.

When asked, Joe said that he quickly caught the bug for the sales life when some of the prospects gave him tours around their offices and factories to explain who they were, what they do and the nature of their requirements. This helped him to piece together how the clients use the Atlas solutions on a day to day basis and the important role the applications play in helping management make informed decisions. Joe has now been part of the sales team for approximately 8 years and currently wears the Application Sales Manager’s hat. “I really enjoy getting out and about and meeting representatives at organisations from a wide spectrum of industries. No two days are the same. The thrill of the chase and the tight deadlines keep me on my toes, and as the software industry is so innovative there is always something new to learn”.

Atlas have an excellent reputation as a local employer, with a majority of the team having worked at the company for over ten years. We would like to publicly thank Joe for his long and loyal service, and again congratulate him on the birth of his first child Sofia. John Butler, Group Managing Director said “Joe has been with us man and boy, over the years we have seen him achieve many goals and he has picked up many high achiever awards along the way. He represents an excellent role model to others.”

Atlas Swap Keyboard & Mouse For Cheese At The Nantwich Show

Atlas joined other local firms at The Nantwich Show this month, the largest single day agriculture show in the UK, which was set in the beautiful grounds of Dorfold Hall in the heart of the rich Cheshire countryside.

As a member of the South Cheshire Chamber Atlas sent Ruth Doe, our Customers Service Manager, to take advantage of our VIP tickets and attend the pre-show evening event where she got to see a sneak preview of all the exhibitors from around the country and a chance to sample some of Cheshire’s finest foods. The Nantwich Show attracts tens of thousands of visitors each and every year and is a must attend event in the horticultural calendar.

At the pre show Ruth was not only networking with other South Cheshire Chamber members such as Bentley, Wulvern Housing, Banks Sheridan Ltd (one of our customers) etc, but she was also 'hob-nobbing' with the Chain of Mayor’s of Crewe & Nantwich. Atlas always enjoy supporting local events, but especially those that provide delegates with fine food and wine!

Talking of fine foods, this year’s pre-event was sponsored by another of our customers: Joseph Heler Cheese.... 'I highly recommended their Original Reserve' Ruth said whilst wiping the crumbs off her keyboard!!! Nantwich Show is now the biggest Cheese show in the world with 3,200 entries coming from 25 countries and Atlas were once again, delighted to be a part of it.

Picture courtesy of The Nantwichnews Blog

Special Delivery For Sales Manager!

Atlas are delighted to be able to pass on our best wishes to Sales Manager, Joe Jardine and his wife Marilys, who gave birth to their first child on Thursday 5th August.

Sofia Louise was born weighing 6lbs 10oz and both mother and baby are doing well, although Joe is beginning to think that there is something wrong with his eyes as everything continues to turn pink!

Everyone at Atlas would like to pass on our warmest wishes and loving congratulations to Joe and Marilys and look forward to seeing Sofia grow up over the next few years!

Don’t Be An ADSL Salmon - Get Upstream Faster With C2!

Excellent Hot News! As of today Atlas can offer (via our Business Networking company C2 Internet) increased and enhanced upload broadband capabilities to our clients.

ADSL is always geared for downloading files, and so, if your need is for uploading data you will regularly experience bottleneck frustrations. Those of you who subscribe to C2 ADSL2+ can benefit from a new option now provided to C2 by BT Wholesale across their network.

Annex M is the name of this new product which allows the user to substitute a portion of their download speed to increase their upload speed.







Who would benefit from more upload speed?

Annex M is most suited to customers that require greater upload speeds, such as:

- Remote Workers – Companies that have remote workers connecting through either VPNs or Remote Desktop Services / Citrix

- CCTV - Companies who have CCTV security systems linked to central monitoring via ADSL2+.

- e-commerce - Companies with an online presence requiring frequently uploading of images to catalogues.

- Upstream Guarantees - Companies needing guaranteed upstream throughput are particularly suited to Annex M as most throughput guarantees only apply to downstream traffic. Annex M carries a BT guarantee ensuring an upstream throughput of 85% of the upstream sync rate, 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding UK public and bank holidays).

What will this upgrade give me?

Annex M provides up to 3Mbps upstream.

What are the costs?

The additional charge for Annex M is only £10 per month.

How do I find out if it is available to me?

If Annex M is a service you need, call 0333 666 3330 and ask to speak to an Atlas engineer, or email tsm@atlasbiz.com .

It takes about 24 hours to activate Annex M onto an already-active ADSL connection. Also your router needs to support Annex M; when you talk to us we can confirm the status of your existing router.

Annex M is currently only available on selected exchanges.

Testing Times For QA Engineer

Atlas are delighted to announce that our QA Engineer, Samantha Moss, has had a bouncing baby boy. Harry arrived weighing 8lbs 2oz. Both Mother and child are well (albeit already feeling sleep deprived).

Sam works as part of our Quality Assurance team (QA) ensuring that all our customised solutions or Atlas developed products meet their original specifications and exceed our customer’s expectations. Sam will be off on maternity leave for the next couple of months. In the meantime Steve Webster and Kelvin Redmile have been sharing her workload. Steve is reported to have less hair as each day goes by, and there has been mutterings heard along the lines of “come back Sam all is forgiven, I’ll even share my doughnuts!”.

Congratulations Sam! Enjoy these valuable first few months bonding with your baby!

A Fond Farewell

Atlas would like to take this opportunity to pass on our best wishes to Kelly Owens. Many of our customers will know Kelly as she has worked as a vital part of our accounts team for over six years and has probably spoken to most of you at some point in time. Kelly played an instrumental role in streamlining all of our annual renewal invoices and in particular the ADSL rental fees where there is a lot of volume. Daphne Butler, Atlas Company Secretary, said “Kelly has always been meticulous, professional and very efficient in the way she has gone about her job, we will certainly miss her.”

Kelly has decided to spend more time with her family, and although we will really miss her we respect and understand her decision. Kelly’s son, Josh who is 5 years old and growing up fast, has a busy and demanding schedule with friends birthday parties, out of school clubs, football and swimming all of which keeps Mum's taxi service very busy.

Not that some people can’t wait to see the back of Kelly because she does have a very enviable desk in the office, and she has already started to notice some of Roger’s belongings in her drawers!

We wish you all of our best for your future and you know where we are if Josh starts to drive you mad, the door is always open.

Kelly’s last day at Atlas will be on the 30th July.