June 14th, 2010
A couple weeks ago Google unveiled what they are calling a “Go Google Cloud calculator” It can be founded at www.gonegoogle.com. The site will help you make a strong business case for switching to Google Apps. While you there you can create a custom URL to share, a presentation PDF, and even a poster to help foster discussion around the business impact of switching to Google Apps. It is worth checking out.
February 8th, 2010
As someone who watches the Superbowl for the ads, seeing the Google “Parisian Love” was a real treat. With a dash of sugar Google really highlighted the broad features of the Google search engine. The Google Search Appliance provides many of the same functions, securely for the enterprise. It was get to point the the TV and tell friends and family “That is what we do for clients.” Which is pretty much true….well add a dash of Kerburos or a custom SAML interface
December 21st, 2009
From all of us at MC+A. Have a happy and safe holiday season. Best wishes for the new year.
- The MC+A Team
December 10th, 2009
When Google originally announced the features for the most recent refresh of Google Analytics we were excited. But not that they have finished rolling most of them out, to everyone’s analytics accounts, it is pretty awesome. For a free product Google Analytics now is pretty feature rich.
Of all the new Google Analytics features we feel the there are 3 the really stand out.
1. Custom Variables
Finally! Custom variables in Google Analytics will now allow you to set up to five variables per page. This is a vast improvement over the old _setVar. You can set three types: visitor, session or page. The flexibility this will allow is amazing. This feature is even more compelling when you consider that you can now also use custom variables in advanced segments.
2. Annotations
This is very helpful. Add notes to data that will allow you to keep better track of external marketing’s effect on traffic.
3. Expanded Goals Functionality
Let’s me honest, four goals was never enough. Not a problem anymore! You now have 20 goal that are segmented into Goal groups for 5 each. This is great for grouping conversion actions. In addition to an expanded number of goals you can also track site engagement through goals.
Head over to Google Code to get all the documentation on these new features.
December 2nd, 2009
Yesterday, Google announced a new Asynchronous Tracking Code for Google Analytics. While initially in Beta, the code will allow for tracking of events before all the scripts on your page load. Should be a great improvement for rich media or large content site tracking.
The new tracking snippet offers the following benefits:
If you’re ready to dive in head over to the Asynchronous Tracking Code Section on Google Code.
November 9th, 2009
The MC+A team will be hosting a webinar to discuss the new features of the recently released Google Search Appliance version 6.2 software. We will be covering the business impact of these features and making recommendations for upgrading your appliance.
November 3rd, 2009
We believe in the benefits of effective search. At MC+A, search is more than an add-on or after thought. We strongly feel that search should be at the core of your IT efforts to help you work better. It today’s market, even with talk that the worst is behind us, reducing cost of technology investments is important. IT investments need to produce results and justify their cost.
Along these lines we’re proud to announce a new Search Hardware Renewal Program, design specifically to help our current Google Search Appliance users to renew their solution along with the services they need to maximize their return on investment. Effective November 1st we’re offering all renewing Google Search Appliance customer a discount on our renewal hardware packaged with our Search Best Practices service review. We are hoping to help our clients continue their enterprise search initiatives, maintaining a substantial ROI and competitive edge due to less wasted time and resources searching for documents.
What is the Search Hardware Incentive Program?
The program is straight forward. Current customers will have an opportunity to trade in their old end of license GSA for a discount credit toward their renewal.
Simply turn in your old GSA for a brand new yellow box (GB-7007 running version 6.0) and MC+A will provide a 10% discount on renewal hardware with our Search Best Practices package. We’ll even cover the shipping for your old GSA.
What is in it for you?
Keeping up with the latest Google search technology. There have been three major releases in the past 12 months and a new appliance platform the GB-7007.
MC+A implementation experience. Over 75 implementations in the past two years. We’ll help you maximize your ROI and leverage your search technology so that you’re effectively using it shortly after your purchase.
So, how does it work?
Truly see what the Google Search Appliance can do for you an your business. Renew today.
September 10th, 2009
A few weeks back Google announced a “Welcome Package” for new customers who purchase a Google Search Appliance with a 1 Million document license. As a Google Enterprise Partner we are excited to be participating in this promotion.
Return on Information
We believe very strongly in enabling clients to manage their technology solutions, and because of this have always offered and strongly suggested our Jumpstart services to all our clients. What is exciting about this promotion is that new customers will be getting 2 days of consultation on getting your Google solution up and running, for FREE.
The Specifics
From Google:
“With this ROI JumpStart, new GSA users will accelerate their onboarding experience, from purchasing to deploying to getting relevant results to end users. Our partners will work with your team on site for two days, at no cost to you, sharing proven expertise and the GSA’s out-of-the-box results and getting your new GSA indexing repositories across your organization.”
Interested in more information about the ROI Jumpstart Offer?
Contact MC+A and we’ll be happy to discuss the Jumpstart in detail.
September 9th, 2009
MC+A has announced that it will be sponsoring a CIO Chicago event in partnership with CIOsynergy.
Security is always a major area of interest in the enterprise. The event will feature Frank Abagnale, security and fraud expert, whose life was made famous by the 2002 film Catch Me If You Can. The evenings presentation and discussion will center on the latest technologies for detecting and preventing cybercrime.
“E-Discovery and effective knowledge management are at the heard of technologies providing insight into information that would otherwise be ignored. We’re happy to participate again with CIOsynergy Chicago to bring great speakers into Chicago to discuss topics that matter,” said MC+A President Michael Cizmar.
It should be an informative and entertaining evening. For more information on this and all MC+A event be sure to check out our events page.
September 8th, 2009
Monopoly powered by Google Maps
An interesting project is set to launch on September 9th. Hasbro, the toy and boardgame maker, will be launching Monopoly City Streets. Their description:
A live worldwide game of MONOPOLY using Google Maps as the game board. The goal is simple. Play to beat your friends and the world to become the richest property magnate in existence.
We’re excited to see what they’re going to be doing with the Google Maps API. Monopoly fans, looks like your going Google.
