Rostie Tech Rescue

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T08:37:00.001-08:00

Your Virtual Butler Launches in Miami

2010-09-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Your Virtual Butler is an innovative new web-based CRM product designed specifically for the Office Business Centre industry. Many of our business centre clients have been saying some a very nice things about this software package, which tracks and streamline numerous industry-specific processes. Your Virtual Butler will be debuting its latest release at OBCAI's Annual Conference, which starts tomorrow. Below is an official press release from YVB, which announces the product’s upcoming launch in Miami.

Your Virtual Butler® is now at the service of Office Business Centers

Online business and service automation solution offers increased revenue opportunities and enhanced customer service for OBC operators

TORONTO, ON – September 20, 2010 – Your Virtual Butler® (YVB), a developer of software solutions for the serviced office industry, today announced the launch of the newest version of its flagship yourvirtualbutler.com Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution.

YVB is a web-based software solution that enables Office Business Centers (OBCs) to automate all facets of their business operations. “Organizations of all sizes are becoming increasingly reliant on Office Business Centers for the business services they need to compete both in their local and global markets,” said Frank D. Cottle, Chairman, Alliance Business Centers Network (ABCN). “OBCs that can provide their tenants and other clients with immediate access to these services will better position themselves for growth and become forerunners in the expanding OBC industry.”

Among the OBCs that have implemented YVB to manage its sales activities, customer information, meeting facilities and virtual offices is Ballantyne Business Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“YVB is the one essential tool which allows us to manage all of our internal processes. Our customers can access information on the availability of facilities and complete their reservations and orders in real time without intervention by OBC staff. By enabling our customers to instantly book services online, we increase revenues while enhancing customer service and have a better view into our entire center operations,” said Amanda Schüss, General Manager, Ballantyne Business Center.

Your Virtual Butler® – How it Works

YVB allows OBC clients to select and purchase services such as meeting room bookings, catering and virtual offices, and to manage their accounts via an easy-to-use web interface. The solution provides OBC operators with 360° account views, billing summaries and invoices based upon the client’s online bookings. It also offers automated lead capture, quote preparation, lease management, order processing, and much more, while providing a single point of knowledge for all OBC business processes. YVB works seamlessly in multiple languages, currencies and time zones, whether you are a single location or operate centers around the globe.

By managing internal and customer-facing operations online with YVB, OBCs can;

• book more meeting rooms - inventory can be easily viewed and booked online
• sell more virtual offices - customers can set up their own presence
• generate more concierge service orders – offer tenants the benefits of 24/7 online ordering
• accelerate lead conversions – help managers stay on top of each phase of the sales cycle
• obtain valuable business insights through robust reporting features

“The development of YVB was guided by Office Business Center owners who needed a single integrated solution to automate both front-office and back office operations, including prospecting, sales activities, billing and account management processes,” said Mark Verdun, President, Your Virtual Butler.

YVB is based on the Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform providing user-familiarity and out-of-the-box installation, and is easily integrated with existing desktop and backend systems. “We have delivered a solution that is easy to incorporate with OBC’s existing systems. Once installed, the solution can be accessed and utilized through Microsoft Outlook, making it very simple for OBC staff to use,” added Verdun.

Experience Your Virtual Butler®
YVB will be featured at the 23rd Annual OBCAI Conference and Trade Show in Miami, FL from September 22 – 25, 2010 and at the ABCN 18th Annual Strategic Summit in San Francisco from October 20 – 23, 2010. OBC professionals from around the world will have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of YVB at these major industry events.

Visitors to the OBCAI event in Miami can participate in live demonstrations of yourvirtualbutler.com at Booth #110. An online introduction to the latest release of YVB is also available at www.yourvirtualbutler.com.

About Your Virtual Butler® (YVB)

Headquartered in Toronto, ON, YVB has developed web-based software solutions for the Office Business Center industry since 2007. The company’s founders include veterans of the technology and serviced office industries, who have collaborated over the last three years to help OBCs enhance their service offerings and increase revenue opportunities. YVB is a member of Office Business Center Association International (OBCAI) and Alliance Business Centers Network (ABCN).

For more information, contact:
Daniel Noble, Marketing Coordinator
dnoble@yourvirtualbutler.com
1 888-YVBUTLER (1 888 982 8853)

Your Virtual Butler® and the Your Virtual Butler logo are trademarks of Your Virtual Butler®. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Toronto Virtual Office Packages from $74.95

2010-05-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Rostie Group is now offering comprehensive virtual office packages from $74.95 per month - the lowest price in the entire Greater Toronto Area!

Perfect for a home based businesses, or for companies expanding into a new markets. A virtual office is an easy, cost-effective way to make a strong impression on current and prospective clients. Enjoy all the benefits of having a fully functioning office without moving from your present location; including priority access to offices and meeting rooms. The Rostie Group offers virtual offices from its 20 Bay Street business centre, located in the heart of Downtown Toronto, and its 2810 Matheson Blvd East location - minutes from Pearson International Airport in Mississauga.

If you are looking for a Toronto virtual office at a convenient and high-profile address, The Rostie Group will offer you the best value and service you will find anywhere in the GTA.

The Rostie Group's full-service virtual office packages can be customized to include the following options:

A Prestigious business address - for use on your business cards, letterhead and marketing materials (Choose either a 20 Bay Street or 2810 Matheson Blvd E. location)

Mail collection and forwarding - Mail is collected, packages are signed for and sent to you according to your instructions

Preferred rates on office supplies and couriers - Receive discounted rates on FedEx and more

Access ready-to-use offices and meeting rooms at preferred rates

On-demand administrative and technical support - Access to expert administrative and technical IT support teams

Use of local fax number for both incoming and outgoing faxes

A local phone number - Provide a local Toronto or Mississauga phone number to all your contacts

Personalized call answering - A professional receptionist answers your calls in your company’s name according to your specifications

Call redirecting - Specialized technology enables call redirection to your primary number.

To order a Toronto virtual office or Mississauga virtual office, or to learn more about available locations and package options, please visit The Rostie Group's website using the link below.

Virtual Offices in Toronto

Videoconferencing Applications are Growing!

2010-03-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Video conferencing has been around for quite awhile now, but advances in technology have made this a very attractive option for anyone looking to lower travel costs and expand their global reach. Recently, access gotten much more affordable and picture and sound quality has improved so much that many industries are taking advantage of the benefits of video conferencing. Video conferencing can allow you to have a real-time conversation with someone across the world, while still being able to see facial expressions and body language. This has been especially useful in mental health services, where patients can be put in touch with the best doctors and psychiatrists available without actually having to travel to hospitals and clinics. The benefits of videoconferencing in the telemental health industry can be read in a recent Time Magazine article found here.

The Rostie Group offers many videoconferencing solutions at both its Downtown and Airport locations. We have conducted interviews, board meetings, press conferences, and even birthday parties through videoconferencing. Videoconferencing is the best way to connect with multiple clients around the world in seconds, without having to step foot in an airport. To find out more about The Rostie Group’s videoconferencing abilities, please visit our website.

Apple's iPad - Will it Help Small Businesses?

2010-02-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

With Apple’s brand new iPad scheduled to be released in the imminent future, the general public and media are fawning over this innovative new product. And why wouldn’t they? Apple has a long history of making cutting-edge products with tons of success. Who doesn’t love their iPod? The iPad seems like a really cool device with a flashy multi-touch screen and vibrant colours, making it a whole new way to experience email, the web, photos and videos.

As much as it will likely have huge consumer success, how will small businesses react to the iPad? Some small business owners are already concerned over the iPad being a huge pain when employees and clients start requesting to use it. The two biggest reasons for concern are Support Issues and Security Headaches.

Support Issues

Most companies’ IT departments are already stretched thin keeping up with the technology they already have – such as PCs, Macs, Blackberries, and iPhones – if they even have an internal IT department. Many small businesses do not, leaving non-tech savvy people to learn as they go or pay for expensive external support. Often, there just aren’t the resources to support new technology. So when an employee or client starts using their new iPad for work and have connection or printing issues, the small business owner is forced to step up and help so they remain productive. Which in turn means incurring more IT costs, either from their IT department or from an outsourced IT support network. And since this is such a new product, the turnaround time will likely be much longer (and thus more expensive) as the team learns how to support the iPad.

Security Headaches

New iPad users are bound to be so swept-away with the media ability of their new toys that they will likely forget about the new security issues that will come along with it. With a new way to access data on their networks, it opens up new channels for security breaches. When things start to go terribly wrong – disappearing databases, stolen information – there will be downtime while the problem gets sorted out. Downtime equals lost productivity which equals more incurred costs.

Now, this is not to say these problems will not be handled. They will. Apple is probably working around the clock to get support members trained and security up to snuff. The iPad will be a consumer hit, and justly so. But for a business owner, it all comes down to Return on Investment. And as it stands, it doesn’t look like the iPad will be on the profitable side of the fence.

If you want to read more about this subject, please read the complete Business Week article here.

The Many Benefits of Telepresence

2009-11-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

As we prepare for the arrival of The Rostie Group's state-of-the-art Telepresence videoconferencing system, a common question from our clients is "What exactly is Telepresence?". Telepresence technology is one of those things that is much easier to show than explain. Once experience it first-hand, you will immediately understand why Telepresence has the almost limitless potential to change the way the world conducts business. Usually when a client asks us about Telepresence, we refer them to one of the many very engaging demonstration videos available online, however, Entrepreneur magazine has just published an article which also does a nice job of summarizing the many benefits this unique technology.

Below is a great excerpt from the Entrepreneur Magazine article...

"Have you ever tried to shake hands with a business partner sitting directly across from you, even though you know he's in his own office 2,000 miles away? Telepresence makes you want to do just that. It's no hallucinatory drug, though the sensory experience it provides via ultra-realistic, life-size videoconferencing does make it seem as if someone spiked your java. it's like interacting with a hologram from "Minority Report."

Telepresence is souped-up videoconferencing , complete with giant high-def screens, powerful codecs, multi-aspect cameras and enriched audio speakers. The gear is offered by companies such as Polycom, Cisco Systems, Tandberg, Lifesize Communications and others. Service packages are available from the likes of AT&T and other business providers that provide videoconferencing.

While basic videoconferencing has been around for decades, it never really took off due to clunky equipment, glitchy performance, poorly synchronized video and audio. It was nothing like meeting someone in person. Telepresence is as close as it gets.
The recession makes a pretty good case for telepresence: Companies need to cut travel costs but also need to keep globalizing to reach new partners and customers."

Click here to read the complete article

Also, check out this promotional video from Polycom. The Rostie Group will soon be installing a full-sized system similar to what you see at the 1:37 mark during the video.

Learn How to Better Protect Your Computer

2009-03-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

HP is offering a great series free online courses for small businesses. These classes cover a wide range of topics, including everything from securing your computer against online threats, to learning how to use such applications as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access.

If you worried about falling victim to computer viruses, spyware, malware, unauthorized network access, or online identity theft, you might want to take advantage of the free Internet Security course.

The class covers four topics:

1. Establishing a security policy

2. Identifying and mitigating reconnaissance and access attacks

3. Identifying and mitigating DoS (Denial-of-service) attacks

4. Identifying and mitigating malware threats

For more information about this comprehensive education program, visit HP's website

Low-Tech Fixes for High-Tech Problems.

2009-02-24T10:15:00.000-08:00

The Globe and Mail just posted a great article featuring some very simple solutions for common tech problems. Before giving Rostie Tech Rescue a call, you may want to give some of these handy tips a try.

Low-Tech Fixes for High-Tech Problems

Free Rostie Tech Hour

2009-01-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

Rostie Tech Rescue will be hosting its first ever Lunchtime Tech Support Hour on February 5th at 12:00pm. The Tech Support Hour will be held in the 11th floor kitchen of our 20 Bay Street location (WaterPark Place). This event is completely free, and open to all Rostie Group and WaterPark Place tenants. Our team of skilled techs will be available for the whole hour to help answer all of your computer or electronics-related questions.

Betting on Telepresence

2009-01-20T14:01:00.001-08:00

Forbes just published a great article on Telepresence videoconferencing technology; a state-of-the-art advancement in global business communication. Telepresence creates an almost flawless simulation of a traditional face-to-face business meeting, allowing you to interact virtually with associates and clients, while still maintaining a very “lifelike” meeting atmosphere. The Rostie Group looks foward to offering this amazing technology in the very near future.

Betting On Telepresence (Forbes.com Article)

Funny Cisco Telepresence Commercial

Tech Gift Guide

2008-12-18T07:58:00.001-08:00

Find the perfect tech gift for everyone on your list. For some great ideas, visit

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/giftguide/

Tech Tip

2008-11-27T07:07:00.000-08:00

Here is a great Tech Tip from the Globe and Mail, follow these simple steps to recieve a performance report from Windows Vista.

Just as a flu shot can help avoid misery later in the season, a little preventive maintenance on the computer can help stop lurking system problems like low disk space or damaged drivers from becoming real headaches. Windows Vista can generate its own diagnostic System Health Report that points out potential problems.

1.To receive the report, type “Performance” (without the quotation marks) in the search bar on the Vista Start menu and click on Performance and Information Tools.

2.Click on the Advanced Tools item and then on Generate a System Health Report.

After about a minute of data gathering, Windows Vista will provide the full report on screen.

Rememberance Day Vigil.

2008-11-07T09:01:00.001-08:00

With Remembrance Day fast approaching, we thought you might want to check out the Government of Canada's online WW1 vigil. If you have a few minutes, please take some time to remember the over 68,000 Canadians who lost their lives in The First World War.

http://www.1914-1918.ca/

Also, please note, that WaterPark Place will be holding a building-wide moment of silence at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 11th. If you are aware of any other remembrance day events or memorials you would like us to mention on the blog, please email dnoble@rostiegroup.com.

Freaky Friday at Rostie Group

2008-10-31T06:47:00.000-07:00

Your Virtual Butler

2008-10-09T12:06:00.001-07:00

This year the OBCAI’s conference was held in the sunny Lake Buena Vista, Florida at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Rostie Group’s Your Virtual Butler team attended the conference. Your Virtual Butler is a web-based application that provides you with the tools that help you manage the day-to-day operations and give your customers access to your services without slowing down their business. It is a Business Services Platform that was developed to help businesses work more efficiently, allowing them to maximize employee productivity and serve the needs of their customers.

To find out more about Your Virtual Butler, please visit our website: www.yourvirtualbutler.com or contact us at our toll free number 1 800 462 7027 or by email at info@yourvirtualbutler.com

Dont Drink and Email

2008-10-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

Gmail is now offering “Mail Goggles”, where it tests the sender's sobriety by prompting them with a series of math problems (48-38 =?, 11x2=?, and so on) which must be solved within a time limit. Making sure that you don't send any emails, as google says you might later regret.

For more information check out http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/new-in-labs-stop-sending-mail-you-later.html

Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Computer Healthy

2008-08-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Now that you’ve enjoyed a great summer and you feel ready to take on new challenges, why not make sure your computer is ready to back you up?

Here’s a quick and easy computer health checklist:

1. Make sure all important files and information are stored securely in more than one place. For example, save to your hard drive and to an external disk or drive.
With proper back-up lost files can always be retrieved.
2. Complete a thorough computer scan. A proper diagnosis can help you detect viruses or spyware that may be lurking, slowing your computer down.
3. To protect your computer on an ongoing basis, install and update virus/spyware protection software.
4. Remove unused software. Most computers come with pre-installed programs, which you will never use. Delete them, so they don’t eat up memory.
5. Perform a file clean-up. Defragment your computer; remove cookies and temporary files. Most systems will walk you through this process.
6. Update your operating system. This will ensure that your system can accommodate new software and perform efficiently to current standards.
7. Maintain your hardware. Make sure everything is running properly, fans are operating, moving parts are clean and components are protected against possible power surges.
8. Add memory to maximize your computer’s processing speed. Running programs “eat” memory. Feed it the same way you would yourself.
9. Make sure you have effective internet security by maintaining firewalls and passwords, especially if you use a wireless connection. There is no such thing as “safe surfing”.
10. Seize the day. File emails into organized folders and delete emails that do not require your attention. Keep your inbox clutter-free.

It takes very little effort to give your computer the attention it needs.
One last tip, though: when working on your computer, click “NO” if you’re unsure. It is better to ask a professional than to be sorry later. For more information or questions go to www.rostietechrescue.com or call Rostie Tech Rescue at (416) 915 - TECH (8324)

UPS virus

2008-08-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

There is a virus circulating under the name of UPS - United Parcel Service.
Read more about the virus at http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/about/news/service_updates/virus_us.html
If you can any tech diffculties, contact us at (416)915-TECH (8324)

Rostie Group Client Testimonials

2008-08-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

Our clients reveal their thoughts about The Rostie Group’s services. Check it out!

Events Around the City

2008-07-18T05:54:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of some events happening around the city this weekend:

July 18: Beaches International Jazz Festival in the Toronto "Beach" community (until July 27)

July 18: The Unforgettable Tour, a Bollywood theatrical performance, at the Rogers Centre

July 18: Mamma Mia! starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan opens in theatres

July 19: Vans Warped Tour 2008, a traveling international rock festival at Downsview Park, 11:00 am

July 19: Canadian National Dragon Boat Championships at Marilyn Bell Park (until July 20)

July 20: Rock the Bells 2008 Concert, a traveling hip-hop festival, at the International Centre, 11:00 am

i-phone hits Canada

2008-07-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day!

2008-06-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Canada Day provides an opportunity to celebrate Canada! Everyone at Rostie Tech Rescue wishes you a very happy Canada Day! Below is a fun quiz to test your knowledge on Canada, the answers are provided at the bottom. Enjoy!

1.What are Canada’s two national sports?
A. Ice Hockey, Basketball
B. Baseball, Tennis
C. Basketball, Lacrosse
D. Lacrosse, Ice Hockey

2. How many lakes are there in Canada?
A. Unknown
B. 500 thousand
C. 1 million
D. 5 million

3. Who was the first Prime Minister of Canada?
A. Alexander Mackenzie
B. John A. MacDonald
C. Louis Riel
D. Wilfred Laurier

4. Canada has two national symbols. What are they?
A. Beaver & Maple Leaf
B. Maple Leaf & Moose
C. Beaver & Grizzly Bear
D. Moose & Salmon

5 Andrew Bonar Law was the only Canadian ever to do what?
A. Win the Indianapolis 500
B. Serve as Prime Minister of Great Britain
C. Board the MIR space station
D. Win the Tour De France

6 How many National Parks are there in Canada?
A. 84
B. 25
C. 40
D. 59

7.How many time zones are there in Canada?
A. 6
B. 8
C. 4
D. 5

8. What is the highest mountain in Canada?
A. Mount Forbe
B. Mount Logan
C. Mount Kitchener
D. Mount Lefroy

9. What is the longest river in Canada?
A. Fraser River
B. St. Laurence River
C. Mackenzie River
D. Red River

10. When was “Oh Canada” proclaimed as Canada’s national anthem?
A. 1870
B. 1935
C. 1999
D. 1980

Answer key: D,A,B,A,B,C,A,B,C,D

Why do you need Tech Rescue?

2008-06-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

Check out this hilarious video on our love-hate for Technology! Please note there is some coarse language.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=k6C_HjWr3Nk

Rostie Tech to the Rescue

2008-06-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a great tid-bit that a happy client wrote on their blog for the Tech Rescue. Enjoy!

So my computer isn’t broken anymore, thanks to Chris Ciavarella from Rostie Tech Rescue. Yay Chris! Rostie Tech Rescue rules!
Their ad in the Yellow Pages reads, “we come to you, on short notice” and it’s totally true! I called and left them a voicemail on Sunday, they called me back Monday morning so I could explain what in the name of god was wrong with my damn computer, and they were totally at my place by 2:30pm the same day … and with replacement parts in tow! At which point, Chris opened up the machine and figured out that my power supply was a 450w but he’d only brought a 430w, so he went to the store, picked up a 500w and brought it back. Then, the gigantor fan I had installed last year was impeding the installation of the new power supply, so Chris thought it best to bring the machine back to the office so he could disassemble it and install everything proper. Which he did, in less than an hour! He promptly returned with my now-properly-functioning machine and plugged it all back in for me! Magic!
It was the smoothest tech support experience I’ve ever had. EVAR! I definitely recommend this company. Top drawer! (And their rates are totally reasonable too.)
Thank u Rostie Tech Rescue heroes! :)

http://daysleeper.joannedillinger.com/?p=96

Live Video Reception

2008-05-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

Rostie Tech Rescue Installs First Real-Time Live Video Reception

In another case of futuristic ideas becoming reality, Live Video Reception has arrived. Rostie Tech Rescue has utilized cutting-edge video conferencing technology to create the first Live Video Reception system for The Rostie Group’s Airport Executive Offices in the Toronto area. The team at Rostie Tech Rescue has created a system to connect reception areas via live video feed. Now companies can maximize the value of reception/support staff more effectively through video technology.

Live Video Reception (LVR) positions the main reception desk to greet and assist visitors in other reception areas, just as if she/he was sitting in front of them. A camera and screen in each reception is set up as a live audio/video interface between the two areas. The main receptionist can see visitors arriving in the second area and can greet them as she/he would someone entering the main reception. Visitors see a video monitor with a live person, who can answer their questions in real time, announce them to the party they are to see, etc. Where appropriate, the visitor is asked if they would like to take a seat and if they would like coffee, water, etc. If they wish to be served, an administrative staff member can bring them a beverage.

Companies can benefit from LVR in a variety of different ways: Financially, the LVR can replace an “extra" receptionist, saving the company the cost of a full salary for a one-time cost that is a fraction of an annual administration wage. For customer service, reception areas are never left unattended and centralized reception means better information on foot traffic, with less hand-off of details. Employees/tenants can more easily check on their visitors, as the system allows them to connect online to view the reception area.

Live Video Reception is a great idea for companies where constantly staffing a reception desk can be an onerous proposition. Corporations with offices on multiple floors, or where there are several entrances (main desk, shipping/receiving, etc.) can more efficiently attend to visitors.

Additionally, many companies are seeing the value of Pandemic Planning. The LVR makes it possible to staff a reception area easily in the event of labour shortages. Connections can be set up between a reception screen and any manned area within the offices, or even offsite. The technology can be adapted to meet the special needs of many staffing scenarios.

Computer Help In Toronto

2008-05-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

For computer help in Toronto, the Rostie Tech Rescue team will come to you. Whether you need computer help in Toronto for your home computer, software, internet, peripherals, or chip-based entertainment equipment, our experienced technicians are available to assist you. We provide computer help in Toronto on your schedule and at your convenience. Our mission is to make technology work for you.