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Live Webinar: Bridging the Gap Between Contact Center and Enterprise Teams
Join us on Tuesday, March 25th for a live webcast about how contact centers are bridging the information gap with their enterprise teams. With real-time information flowing seamlessly from one department to another, you can improve customer experience and build brand loyalty. Click here to register >>
"The TEAMSOS engineering team did a phenomenal job stepping in and understanding exactly what we were trying to accomplish."
Thunder Valley Casino Resort's IT team intimately knows the risks and rewards of gambling when it comes to gaming. However, when it came to a recent infrastructure upgrade, IT management chose the right team and technology to reduce risk and increase reward. Read full case study here>>
TEAMSOS Acknowledged in CRN's Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list
We're proud to announce that TEAMSOS has been named in CRN's Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list as one of the MSP Pioneer 250. Click here to learn more>>
02.18.14 Press Release
TEAMSOS Named in CRN's Managed Service Provider 500 List
09.13.13 Press Release
TEAMSOS Earns Microsoft Gold Competency in Communications
07.24.13 Press Release
TEAMSOS Delivers Grade A Technology
07.19.13 Press Release
TEAMSOS Provides Big IT Win for Thunder Valley Casino and Resort
06.17.13 Press Release
Local Business & Big Brothers Big Sisters Team Up for Race Day Fun
04.11.13 Press Release
National Technology Provider Announces Change in Leadership
06.01.12 Press Release
Regional Technology Provider is Growing... Again
12.22.11 Press Release
Woman-owned business earns national re-certification
09.01.11 Press Release
Technology experts double-down - SOS expands into Las Vegas, Nevada
04.07.08 Press Release
No recession for voice and data expert SOS
11.01.07 Press Release
VEGAS.com Receives International Technology Innovation Award for SOS-Implemented Solution
10.23.07 Press Release
SOS publishes case study: Risse Mechanical plugs in 75+ workers
10.15.07 Press Release
New SOS Division Cuts Carrier Hassles, Costs
10.08.07 Press Release
SOS closing in on record year for revenue; lands new hires, new awards, new building
09.05.07 Press Release
SOS publishes case study: Chapa De upgrades for the future
05.04.07 Press Release
Free SOS webinar shows how to cash in on Unified Messaging
04.30.07 Press Release
Fifteen years and growing for telephony expert SOS
03.26.07 Press Release
Sacramento companies to share insights on IP communications at free SOS seminars
11.20.06 Press Release
SOS Looming Larger in Northern CA Business Scene
03.01.06 Press Release
Gold Certification Shows Growing Status of SOS as Expert for Complete Voice and Data Network Support
06.01.05 Press Release
SOS Teams With Microsoft to Bring Technology Directly to the Doorsteps of Region's Small and Midsize Businesses
February 18, 2014 — Sacramento, CA: Advanced IT firm, TEAMSOS today announced it has been named in CRN's Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list as one of the MSP Pioneer 250. The annual list recognizes the top technology providers and consultants in North America whose cutting-edge approach to managed services puts end-user customers in the best position to improve efficiencies, cut costs and speed time to market for their own products and services.
In today's world of computing power, end users are barraged by options. CRN, the leading media outlet for vendors and solution providers attempting to understand sales and service channels, selected the top MSPs in order to bring clarity to the decision-making process.
This year, CRN's MSP500 is broken down into three groups highlighting the MSP Elite 150, who are large data center-focused solution providers with a strong mix of on-premise professional services as well as off-premise services; the MSP Pioneer 250, who have a business model heavily weighted toward managed services focused on the small- and midsize-business market; and the MSP Hosting Service Provider 100, who own and operate their own data centers, providing a wide array of subscription-based outsourced services.
TEAMSOS's managed services clients receive enterprise-level IT support at a low fixed monthly cost, which allows for greater uptime without the overhead of IT staff. With a vast team of full-time, certified engineers on staff, TEAMSOS has over 21 years of experience providing exceptional service to clients such as Freeway Insurance and Trader Joes. TEAMSOS's consultants learn about the unique needs of each organization to create a personalized IT management plan.
"The managed services landscape continues to evolve rapidly as organizations are discovering they can impact both bottom-line and top-line growth," said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. "When it comes to strong managed services and off-premise solutions, these companies are the industry's proven leaders, showing just how they can change the game for their customers and we congratulate them on their success."
"The fact that CRN included TEAMSOS in its 'Managed Service Provider 500 List' signals that our constant efforts towards excellence are paying off," declared TEAMSOS CEO Lawrence McNutt regarding the distinction. "We are very proud to be included in this recognition."
Coverage of the MSP500 will be featured in the February/March issue of CRN, and online at www.CRN.com.
About TEAMSOS
TEAMSOS provides advanced technology solutions that advance businesses and the lives of people everywhere. TEAMSOS is a nationwide expert in voice and data solutions for business, including Voice over IP (VoIP), multi-media contact center systems, virtualization, managed IT services and more. Since 1992, hundreds of businesses have chosen TEAMSOS for unified communications, collaboration, contact center technology, and managed IT solutions. TEAMSOS clients typically experience 100% return on investment within 2 to 12 months of solution go-live.
About the Channel Company
The Channel Company is the sales channel community's trusted authority for growth and innovation, with established brands including CRN, XChange Events, IPED and SharedVue. For more than three decades, we have leveraged our proven and leading-edge platforms to deliver prescriptive sales and marketing solutions for the technology sales channel. The Channel Company provides Communication, Recruitment, Engagement, Enablement, Demand Generation and Intelligence services to drive technology partnerships. Learn more at www.thechannelcompany.com.
More information about TEAMSOS visit www.team-sos.com and follow @SpecialOrderSys.
For media inquiries, please contact Michelle Pizzo, 888.336.7671 x1711 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
September, 2013 – Special Order Systems, Inc., DBA: TEAMSOS announced it has attained the coveted Microsoft Gold Communications Competency, demonstrating a "best-in-class" ability and commitment to meeting customers' evolving needs in today's dynamic business environment. This mark distinguishes TEAMSOS within the top 1 percent of Microsoft's partner ecosystem.
To earn a Microsoft gold competency, partners must successfully complete exams (resulting in Microsoft Certified Professionals) to prove their level of technology expertise, and then designate these certified professionals uniquely to one Microsoft competency, ensuring a certain level of staffing capacity. They also must submit customer references that demonstrate success, meet a revenue commitment, and pass technical and sales assessments.
TEAMSOS has a longstanding relationship with Microsoft, dating back to 1992 and first achieved Gold Partner status in 2006. TEAMSOS has consistently sought to build its specialization in Microsoft data and voice categories. Most recently, TEAMSOS's Jim Bass was entered into Microsoft's prestigious Virtual Technology Specialist Program (view press release), a select group chosen from the elite in Microsoft's partner community. Furthermore, TEAMSOS holds a Microsoft Silver Competency in Management & Virtualization and is a Cloud Accelerate Partner. These specializations reflect TEAMSOS's unending drive to further its knowledge and position as a market leader in voice and data solutions for business.
"This Microsoft Gold Communications Competency showcases our expertise in today's market-leading technology and demonstrates our deep knowledge of Microsoft and its products," said Lawrence McNutt, CEO of TEAMSOS. "We plan to accelerate our customers' success by serving as technology advisors for their business demands."
"By achieving a Gold Competency, partners have demonstrated the highest, most consistent capability and commitment to the latest Microsoft technology," said Jon Roskill, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft. "These partners have a deep expertise that puts them in the top 1 percent of our partner ecosystem, and their proficiency will help customers drive innovative solutions on the latest Microsoft technology."
About the Microsoft Partner Network
The Microsoft Partner Network helps partners strengthen their capabilities to showcase leadership in the marketplace on the latest technology, to better serve customers and, with 640,000 Microsoft partners in their ecosystem, to easily connect with one of the most active, diverse networks in the world.
TEAMSOS provides innovative technology solutions that advance businesses and the lives of people everywhere. TEAMSOS is a nationwide expert in voice and data solutions for business. Since 1992, hundreds of organizations have chosen TEAMSOS for unified communications, collaboration, contact center, wireless and security solutions that reduce hard costs and drive profitability. TEAMSOS clients typically experience 100% return on investment within 2 to 12 months of solution go-live.
For more information, visit www.TEAM-SOS.com or follow us on Twitter @SpecialOrderSys.
July, 2013 – Sacramento, CA: Advanced IT firm, TEAMSOS (headquartered in Loomis, CA), and StudentsFirst IT Director, Mike Walter, collaborated to implement a stable network infrastructure and industry-leading Cisco Unified Communications platform for the education reform non-profit.
When StudentsFirst relocated its headquarters to a vacant office in Sacramento, Calif. in March of 2012, the non-profit wanted to optimize its IT spending without constraining its ability to grow. Key to the project was enabling the staff to conduct business seamlessly from anywhere within the office and external to the office. While approximately two thirds of the staff connects from within the office, another third connects remotely. In the design phase, TEAMSOS carefully assessed the floor plan to ensure comprehensive wireless coverage. Then, using the Cisco Unified Communications platform, TEAMSOS deployed a local area network (LAN) that supports the variety of devices StudentsFirst colleagues use in their environment. "Although we have approximately 150 people connecting to the network, it's conceivable that as many as 300 devices can connect at any given time including laptops, mobile phones, and tablets," said Walter. "We needed a robust and reliable infrastructure."
TEAMSOS designed a unified communications system that enabled users instant single point access to all communications. Voice messages arrive in the email inbox making it easier for StudentsFirst colleagues to quickly mobilize their growing membership and get up to the minute information on policies affecting their cause. With the Cisco Unified Communications platform, mobile colleagues never miss a call because a single telephone number can simultaneously ring other devices, including cell phones. "It was a no-brainer to go with Cisco for its robust and reliable phone system and UCS. It helps me sleep at night knowing that I don't have to worry about what's going on with my in-house network," said Walter.
What does keep Walter awake at night is security threats such as Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. He relies on TEAMSOS managed services for security, firewalling and ongoing IT monitoring. A non-profit, StudentsFirst doesn't have the funding to maintain a large in-house IT staff. SOS acts as a virtual IT staff leveraging its extensive Cisco expertise and experience to support StudentsFirst. "TEAMSOS has been outstanding as a partner. They are a diverse crew of talented engineers who know Cisco technology well and are flexible in the way they deploy it. They understand me, my expectations and how we can work together to quickly overcome technology challenges as they arise," said Walter.
Technology is enabling a noble cause through the dedicated people at StudentsFirst, and SOS is helping the StudentsFirst team continue the momentum.
About StudentsFirst
StudentsFirst is a bipartisan grassroots movement of more than 2 million members nationwide, working to focus our education system on what's best for students. Today, too many of America's children are not getting the quality education they need and deserve. StudentsFirst is helping to change that with common sense reforms that help make sure all students have great schools and great teachers. The nonprofit works to ensure educators are valued for the critical role they play in kids' lives, families have high-quality school choices and a real say in their child's education, and our tax dollars are spent wisely on what works for kids. Launched by former Washington D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee in December 2010, StudentsFirst has successfully helped pass more than 110 student-centered policies in 18 states, and our movement continues to grow. For more information visit www.studentsfirst.org.
TEAMSOS helps organizations leverage advanced communications technology to serve customers better, work smarter, and increase profits. SOS is a nationwide expert in voice and data solutions for business, including Voice over IP (VoIP). Since 1992, hundreds of businesses have chosen the SOS team for unified communications, collaboration, contact center technology, and network solutions. TEAMSOS clients typically experience 100% return on investment within 2 to 12 months of solution go-live.
Visit www.team-sos.com/community for more details.
July, 2013 – Sacramento, CA: Advanced technology expert, TEAMSOS (headquartered in Loomis, CA), and Cisco technology deliver upgrade to Thunder Valley Casino Resort in half the time, and 30 percent under budget.
When Thunder Valley Casino Resort decided to upgrade the gaming application at its 250,000 square foot casino, they took the opportunity to also upgrade its server efficiency and capacity. Because the server runs the casino's critical gambling applications, uptime and server availability are key to providing an excellent customer experience. Additionally, the IT team wanted to leverage the latest blade server technology to operate even more efficiently, as well as enable virtualization.
TEAMSOS, however, was not part of the initial specification team for this project. In fact, just six weeks until the go-live date, the initial vendor, who sized and procured the server, was unable to complete the installation and test. Keep in mind that the server would not only house the critical gaming application, which had a non-negotiable upgrade date, but also integrate with Thunder Valley Casino Resort's core network and data center switch infrastructures. To say that this situation presented a major glitch for Eric Rudeen, Technical Services Manager at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, would not be an understatement.
TEAMSOS, a nationwide IT services provider and Premier Certified Cisco Partner, stepped in to successfully complete the project in the 11th hour. The project scope included installing and configuring a Cisco UCS B230 blade server with 128GB of RAM, configurable to 256GB in preparation for migration to the upgraded gaming application and end user training. "The TEAMSOS engineering staff did a phenomenal job stepping in and understanding exactly what we were trying to accomplish, despite not being part of the initial spec team," said Eric Rudeen. He explained that with just a few weeks until go-live, installing the server in time for the application upgrade left little time for configuration and testing, and a very narrow margin for error.
The simplified architecture of the Cisco UCS and TEAMSOS's engineering and project management expertise contributed to the speed of install and server configuration. TEAMSOS compressed the schedule by 50 percent and came in 30 percent under budget on service and support. Due to the engineering expertise of TEAMSOS and Cisco UCS B230 M1 server technology, Thunder Valley Casino is providing an even higher level of performance for its guests while optimizing IT resources.
About Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Thunder Valley is a AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort and casino located 30 miles east of Sacramento, CA. It includes 250,000 square feet of gaming space, 14 restaurants and bars, a 297-room luxury hotel and spa. Visit www.thundervalleyresort.com for details.
About TEAMSOS
TEAMSOS helps organizations leverage advanced communications technology to serve customers better, work smarter, and increase profits. TEAMSOS is a nationwide expert in voice and data solutions for business, including Voice over IP (VoIP). Since 1992, hundreds of businesses have chosen the SOS team for unified communications, collaboration, contact center technology, and network solutions. TEAMSOS clients typically experience 100% return on investment within 2 to 12 months of solution go-live.
For media inquiries, please contact Michelle Pizzo, 888.336.7671 x1711 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
June, 2013 – Auburn, CA: Local IT business, TEAM SOS (headquartered in Loomis, CA), has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters' Sacramento Chapter, to host "Meet the Riders," a family-friendly event at Fast Fridays Motorcycle Speedway, in Auburn, CA. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the Big Brothers Big Sisters cause, as well as provide a fun activity for existing "Bigs" and "Littles." On their way to the track, race fans can visit the TEAM SOS booth for prizes, giveaways, and photo opportunities with a real motorcycle and helmet. Plus, "Bigs" and "Littles" will have exclusive access to the VIP section, where they'll get to meet and take pictures with some of the top Fast Fridays riders in the pit area, get autographs and get a close up look at the rider's bikes. These special activities will take place at Fast Fridays Motorcycle Speedway, 1273 High Street, Auburn, CA 95603 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm on Friday, June 28th, Friday July 12th, Friday, August 16th and Friday, September 20th.
TEAM SOS' vision is to advance the lives of people within our community, and what better place to focus that vision, than with our youth? Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a huge, positive impact in our community by matching children with mentors, or "Bigs," who are well-suited to address the unique needs of each child. Big Brothers Big Sisters goes beyond simply matching children with mentors by providing the "Big," the "Little," and the "Little's" family with ongoing support and supervision. In fact, Public/Private Ventures, an independent Philadelphia-based national research organization, found that Big Brothers Big Sisters' matches consistently spend more time together, and continue as a match for longer periods, than those in other mentoring programs. Moreover the program produces positive results, after 18 months of spending time with their "Bigs," the "Littles," compared to those children not in our program, were 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs; 27% less likely to begin using alcohol; and 52% less likely to skip school.
TEAM SOS has donated their Fast Fridays season tickets to enable Big Brothers/Sisters a fun evening out with their Little Brothers/Sisters, full of excitement, adrenalin, and action packed racing fun. Guests will watch these championship racers, including adults and children as young as 10 yrs old, go from 0 to 60 MPH in less than 3 Seconds… with no brakes!
TEAM SOS has been partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Sacramento for over 4 years to raise money to support the mentorship program. The "Meet the Riders" event represents a continuation of this partnership, and is closely aligned with TEAM SOS' and Big Brothers Big Sisters' common goal of providing our community's youth with positive role models. "Young men and women need role models, and in sports people most often look up to the winners," Lawrence McNutt, CEO of TEAM SOS explained. "But those winning moments are the result of goal-setting, hard work, and perseverance. Regardless of whether they have athletic aspirations or not, these are qualities that we want to cultivate in young people." McNutt, who is a Fast Friday's racer himself, has developed a sense of camaraderie with his fellow riders. "I've gotten to know many of the top riders at Fast Friday's," said Lawrence McNutt, CEO of TEAM SOS and fellow Fast Friday's racer. "They display the key values that are important in a role model: responsibility, sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication." Lawrence McNutt's youngest son, Aiden, also races in Fast Fridays, in the Youth Division.
Fast Fridays Motorcycle Speedway is a local community event that has been providing family entertainment and fun for over 21 years. Located at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn, Fast Fridays Motorcycle Speedway offers some of the best speedway racing in the US, every Friday night all summer.
For media inquiries, please contact Michelle Pizzo, 888.336.7671 x1711 or email@example.com.
April, 2013 – Sacramento area, CA: On the On the heels of the most successful fiscal year in Special Order System's (dba "SOS") 20 year history, CEO and co-founder Gia McNutt has announced her retirement. SOS's incoming CEO, Lawrence McNutt will officially start his tenure on May 1st, 2013. "We've exceeded our annual goals, strengthened our customer service, expanded our leadership team, and deepened partnerships with key technology vendors," remarked Gia McNutt. "I am very proud to say that my husband and SOS co-founder, Lawrence McNutt, was instrumental in making each of those achievements reality."
Advanced technology expert, and long-time Sacramento-area business, SOS, has also made key changes to other aspects of its leadership team. As part of the transition, there have been several promotions within their Sales Team. Neal Morgan is now Sales Manager, and Marketing Manager, Michelle Pizzo, is now responsible for vendor relations and sales reporting. The changes go beyond promotions, however. "Another key element of the transition reflects our amplified focus on customer service," explained Lawrence McNutt. "Our Director of Managed Services, Jim Bass and Director of Customer Support, Reba Bullard, have partnered up to take our Support Services Center to the next level by incorporating the most successful aspects of our national account programs."
The incoming CEO himself brings a breadth of experience, including over two decades in strategic technology planning for business. His previous positions at SOS include Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Account Manager, Communications Consultant, Sales Engineer, and most recently Chief Operating Officer. Lawrence McNutt has won numerous awards, including Outstanding Performance in Sales. He is an advocate and partner for SOS clients, helping national and global companies, such as Trader Joe's, Freeway Insurance, RCJ Holdings, and CUBIC Transportation, document their technology roadmap, drive down costs and increase efficiencies. "It's a very exciting time for our company. With Cloud-based solutions becoming mainstream, the cost savings potential is tremendous," exclaims Lawrence McNutt. "It's a thrill to show a business leader how we can trim 30-60% off their bottom line expenses, almost immediately. And in this economic climate, that is a game-changer." Lawrence McNutt also founded the Standardized Methods and Relationship Team ("SMART") within SOS, a team dedicated to rapid, branch office deployments for many of SOS' nationwide and global accounts.
Gia McNutt admits the change will be bittersweet. "As I prepare to vacate my SOS post, I'm filled with so many emotions," explains Gia McNutt. "Excitement for my next adventure, confidence that the team is ready for this, sadness that the change is coming faster than I thought, and pride that I've helped the SOS team prepare so well to take on this change with minimal disruption. Lawrence has prepared extensively for this transition," Gia McNutt explained. "I couldn't be more confident and proud to pass the torch to him." For media inquiries, please contact Michelle Pizzo, 888.336.7671 x1711 or email@example.com.
June, 2012 – Sacramento area, CA: On the heels of announcing it's expansion into the Las Vegas, NV region (see Sept 2011 press release), advanced technology expert, and long-time Sacramento-area business, Special Order Systems (dba "SOS"), is expanding its territory (and teams) yet again.
SOS brought on a new Technical Account Manager covering the greater Sacramento & Bay Area regions, as well as a Pacific Northwest Territory Manager, covering Oregon and Washington states. Both of these new representatives serve the unique business & technology needs of contact center organizations, as well as other small, medium and enterprise organizations in their respective regions.
SOS also hired 4 new Customer Service Representatives for the Inside Sales Team, enabling more personalized account support for its customers, and allowing more senior team members to transition into new positions within the department.
"This growth in our Sales Team represents months/years of hard work, dedication and production from all employees in our organization, including Engineering, Operations, Sales and Project Management!" exclaimed SOS CEO and Co-Founder, Gia McNutt. "It's through these extraordinary efforts that we are able to expand our team in this important way. Our focus has remained on sustainable, strategic growth with a deep-rooted focus on serving clients to the fullest and creating a strong work-life balance for our team… not just 'growth for growth's sake' alone. I'm very proud to say we're poised to achieve substantial success in the months & years to come."
In addition to growing the Sales Department, SOS has also expanded its professional services teams. Recently, 4 new project engineers were hired, who specialize in designing and implementing the advanced communications and networking solutions SOS is known for. SOS also welcomed 4 new team members to its Network Operations Center / 24x7 Help Desk. The resulting hires bring SOS' employee count above 50, a mark they are proud to achieve as they approach the company's 20-Year Anniversary Celebration in the Fall.
SOS recently rolled out a new company website, incorporating one of the advanced, multi-media technologies they sell to contact center customers, "Live Chat". SOS was also recently a finalist for the Sacramento Workplace Excellence Leaders Award, the 2nd year in a row. "Being a SWEL Finalist is an acknowledgement we are so proud to accept. Sacramento is a wonderful region with very reputable businesses, both large and small. It's an honor to be included in the rankings with them," says McNutt of the achievement.
SOS grew gross profits by 18% in fiscal '07; aims to grow gross profits by 33% in '08 with a focus on building long-term business partnerships
Sacramento, April 7, 2008 - Coming off a record 2007, voice and data expert SOS already is planning for more strong growth this year. The company is working to increase gross profits by 33% in fiscal 2008, to $6 million in gross profits -- up from $4.5 million in gross profits last year. The gross profit for 2007 was up 18% from 3.8 million in gross profits in 2006.
Last year the company added 45 clients and more than 500 contacts to its marketing database. "In 2007, SOS benefited from effective marketing, including co-marketing with manufacturers Cisco and Interactive Intelligence," said co-founder and CEO Gia McNutt. SOS moved into larger headquarters in Loomis, and Lawrence McNutt, co-founder of SOS, took the post of chief technology officer. The company also launched a one-stop-shop service for managing IT.
This year SOS expects to add at least 7 positions to its current staffing level of 43. Overall, SOS's staff size has roughly doubled since 2005. SOS recently hired Linda Bradley as Human Resources & Operations Manager. Previously, she was the Human Resources & Operations Manager at Home Depot subsidiary Creative Touch Interiors. SOS brought in Tom Aldine as Senior Account Manager. Previously, he was an Advanced Solutions Executive and Cisco Sales Expert at Nexus Integration.
It is also launching an initiative to move customer ratings up from "consistently great" scores to "consistently extraordinary" scores. "While it's harder to make big gains when a company already ranks high, improvement is still important. So we are making changes in the way that we conduct business," McNutt said. "I am making customer-care calls at random myself, to take a pulse with clients. We have a new system to make sure all client feedback gets to the right managers. We are conducting case-closure surveys. Starting this year, the annual employee award for customer service will be decided by customers. And, when it comes to hiring, we continue to look for people with that spark, that commitment, that belief that they can make a difference."
SOS has refined a methodology of causing minimal disruption at client companies when helping them shift to a new system. "Users are disrupted by a sea change in infrastructure, and we know how to avoid that," McNutt said. "From the client perspective it's not about the technology, and SOS gets that. We have found success in providing total solutions to clients, not just 'things' like software or hardware. We focus on building long-term business partnerships with clients. That's why we continually upgrade our processes for everything from handling leads to helping clients achieve quick company-wide adoption of a new system."
SOS helps organizations choose and use advanced communications technology to serve customers better, work smarter, and increase profits. SOS is a nationwide expert in voice and data solutions for business, including Voice over IP (VoIP). Since 1992, hundreds of businesses including have chosen the SOS team for IP communications and call center technology solutions. Clients can experience 100% return on investment in 6 to 36 months from SOS's simple, smart technology solutions. SOS is headquartered near Sacramento, California. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.teamsos.com or call 916-632-8800 x 1711.
Company wins silver medal, demonstrating "best use of technology" compared to all other contact centers in the world but one
Las Vegas, NV and Sacramento, CA – Nov 1, 2007 - SOS, a provider of advanced communications technology to call centers and small and midsize businesses, announced today that it has helped VEGAS.com win a silver medal in the Best Technology Innovation category at the Contact Center World Global 100 Conference.
Six hundred entries and 61 nations competed in the Global 100 Conference. The win indicates that VEGAS.com ranks second in the world for a contact center's use of technology to enhance business performance and customer service.
Rob Cate, Director of Contact Center Operations, accepted the award on behalf of VEGAS.com. He says that since switching to call center technology implemented by SOS and developed by Interactive Intelligence, he has seen customer satisfaction ratings rise and contact center revenue increase to record setting levels. The upgrade paid for itself within a few months.
"If you're considering a move to a new technology platform, you owe it to your company, your contact center, and your customers to sit down with SOS." said Cate. "Who you work with day to day to put in new technology makes all the difference."
Contact center managers can hear Cate discuss his company's rollout of IP in a free, on-demand audio summary.
VEGAS.com is the largest city destination travel website in the world with extensive, constantly updated information and a full range of travel products including hotel rooms, air-hotel packages, show tickets, tours and golf. A state-of-the-art contact center provides customer support, expert information and sales 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to complement the information on www.VEGAS.com and www.espanol.Vegas.com. VEGAS.com, through its Casino Travel & Tours unit, operates retail and concierge desks at more than 70 locations including the Palms, Paris, Bally's, Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, New York-New York, Luxor and more. The company also offers a variety of excursions including city tours, the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. VEGAS.com is a member of the Greenspun Family of Companies, privately owned and operating in Southern Nevada for more than 60 years.
SOS helps organizations choose and use advanced communications technology to serve customers better, work smarter, and increase profits. SOS is a nationwide expert in voice and data solutions for business, including Voice over IP (VoIP). Since 1992, hundreds of businesses have chosen the SOS team for IP communications, call center technology, and network security solutions. Clients can experience 100% return on investment in 6 to 36 months from SOS's simple, smart, secure technology solutions. SOS shares its expertise through free, on-demand audio summaries, business briefs, and two newsletters – all accessible at www.teamsos.com. SOS is headquartered near Sacramento, California. To learn more visit www.teamsos.com or call 916-632-8800 x 1711.
Rebekah Donaldson, Business Communications Group LLC, 916-803-5829 or email@example.com
Sacramento, CA – October 23, 2007 - SOS has published a new case study on upgrading the network and phone system of Risse Mechanical. Sacramento contracting firm Risse Mechanical had pushed its old phone system and network beyond their useful life. The network was unreliable, employees were missing calls, and a lot of labor went into managing faxes each day. "With SOS's help, we were able to relieve frustration among our 75-plus staff and increase productivity," says Pat Risse, CEO.
The solution was a new Microsoft small-business server, fast, reliable HP servers, and Cisco network equipment, topped off with a leading edge Windows-based, multimedia VoIP phone system configured by SOS to leverage existing Microsoft office applications to increase the staff's efficiency and allow management to support remote workers the same way they support their internal staff.
"Risse has a more reliable phone system that makes it easy to move offices around and transfer calls, and the annual cost of operations has actually declined by a few percent. The cost of long-distance calls has dropped by about half," notes Risse. "The annual savings on long distance is about $6,000 to $12,000 - even though we're making a lot more long distance calls now."
"The network before was like scrambled eggs," says Risse. "The difference before and after is night and day. When the network was inefficient, chaotic, disorganized, then so was the company. Now the network runs reliably, calls are routed intelligently, and we've become more efficient at handling faxes. As a result, although we've taken on new, large-volume business, things are smooth and organized now. The technology changes were a good investment.
"Thinking of all the measurable improvements and the intangibles, I'm thinking we'll probably get the payback within two to two and a half years."
The full case study is available for free
SOS helps organizations choose and use advanced communications technology to serve customers better, work smarter, and increase profits. SOS is a nationwide expert in voice and data solutions for business, including Voice over IP (VoIP). Since 1992, hundreds of businesses including Trader Joe's and Vegas.com have chosen the SOS team for IP communications, call center technology, and network security solutions. Clients can experience 100% return on investment in 6 to 36 months from SOS's simple, smart, secure technology solutions.
Rebekah Donaldson, Business Communications Group LLC, 916-803-5829 or
New unit helps regional businesses get the best deals from carriers -- by working with an industry insider
Sacramento, CA - OCTOBER 15, 2007 - Voice and data expert SOS has launched a new Carrier Services Division to help clients work with their communications service providers.
"If you want five carriers' bid on your voice services, you have to meet with five different carriers and explain your needs five separate times. For any other services, such as data or Internet, you have to repeat this process. By working with SOS' Carrier Services Division, you only have to take one meeting, and we take care of the rest," says chief executive officer Gia McNutt.
"SOS acts as a broker and directly represents its clients with more than 30 different carriers."
Heading the department is Patrick Wefers. He brings 15 years of telecommunications experience to the job, starting at AT&T in equipment sales. After five years Wefers moved over to the carrier side of the industry. He has since worked in sales, engineering, operations and management at AT&T, MCI/WorldCom and XO Communications.
"Some carriers do a better job than others. Our team knows which ones those are," says McNutt. "And we represent the client's interest, not the carrier's."
The new service works for all sizes of businesses. The division has contracted for as few as three analog lines for a small client, and is also serving an international company spanning the globe.
With a complimentary, no-obligation needs assessment from the SOS Carrier Services Division, companies receive quick free help to calculate how much and how soon they can start receiving better service and lower costs with carriers. To schedule an assessment or learn more email SOS at email@example.com or call SOS at 888-336-7671.
SOS helps organizations choose and use advanced communications technology to serve customers better, work smarter, and increase profits. SOS is a nationwide expert in voice and data solutions for business, including Voice over IP (VoIP). Since 1992, hundreds of businesses have chosen the SOS team for IP communications, call center technology, and network security solutions. Clients can experience 100% return on investment in 6 to 36 months from SOS's simple, smart, secure technology solutions. SOS is headquartered near Sacramento in Rocklin, California. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.teamsos.com or call 916-632-8800 x 1711.
Sacramento, CA - OCTOBER 8, 2007 - As it gets ready to celebrate its 15th anniversary this month, business voice and data systems expert SOS is on track for another record year of success. The company expects to beat its revenue goal of $11.5 million, up from $9.5 million for the previous fiscal year, and $8.7 million the year before. With a full-time staff of 40, including six new hires in the last 60 days and two additional hires coming in October, SOS has outgrown its Rocklin headquarters. The company is preparing to move to a much larger space in Loomis.
And the company continues to add to its list of accolades. Cisco Systems awarded SOS its Customer Service Excellence designation again in 2007. The Sacramento Business Journal named SOS one of Sacramento's 100 Fastest Growing Companies again in 2007. One SOS client, VEGAS.com, was honored in August for having the most innovative call center technology solution in North America.
Lawrence McNutt, co-founder of SOS, has transitioned to the newly created post of chief technology officer.
"SOS is growing very fast in a very difficult industry. We have grown to a point where we need a senior person in the company solely focused on making sure our clients' and our internal teams' needs are being met," said McNutt, who had been serving as director of professional services.
Rob Thornton, who had been wearing two hats -- as business practice manager for a new unit that will be announced later this year, and business practice manager for Cisco products -- is now focused entirely on the new unit. Mike Stewart, who already has been one of SOS's senior Cisco resources, takes over as Cisco business practice manager.
The business practice managers at SOS spend about 70 percent of their time engineering, and 30 percent managing and mentoring the other members of their teams. It's up to the BPM to develop and enforce best practices, and lead by example.
Thornton, who joined the company in 1999, is a never-say-die team member.
"He cannot stand by if a client is having a severe issue, even while on vacation," says SOS co-founder and CEO Gia McNutt. That dedication has earned him the respect and admiration of his team and the entire company.
Stewart has been with SOS for six years, but has been in the telecom industry since 1981. In addition to his decades of experience installing PBX and Key telephone systems, he has acquired certifications for Cisco CIPT 3.0, Cisco DQOS, Cisco IPCC Express, Cisco IPTT and CCIE Voice Written. He has been the lead engineer on VOIP projects of all sizes.
When SOS hosts its 15th anniversary celebration the week after next, it plans to honor a number of clients. Many of its 200-plus clients have been with the company for over a decade. Many were early adopters of IP communications (also called VoIP, IP telephony, or converged communications) among small and midsize businesses.
Those ranks are swelling. According to a 2007 study by Infonetics Research, enterprise adoption of VoIP technology in North America will double by 2010, with almost half of small and two-thirds of large organizations in North America be using it by then.
"Many industry experts think we've reached a 'tipping point,' and the rate of adoption will likely increase from here," said Gia McNutt. "SOS is uniquely positioned to meet the rising demand for VoIP among businesses."
For those who haven't made the switch yet, SOS's most popular Business Brief, "Secrets of the Pros: The SOS IP Communications Checklist," sets out the seven key steps to transitioning successfully to IP, how to calculate the cost of ownership and return on investment, and the 14 things experienced buyers consider as they approach an IP telephony system acquisition. The Business Brief -- and a dozen other tools for business and technology decision makers – is available for free at www.teamsos.com.
Sixty-minute presentation details who can benefit most from Microsoft's Exchange 2007 with Unified Messaging program and how to achieve a seamless transition.
Sacramento, Calif. - May 4, 2007 - SOS, an expert in voice and data solutions for business, will present a free one-hour webinar on Unified Messaging on May 16 from 10 to 11 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time.
Microsoft's newly released Exchange 2007 with Unified Messaging provides "anywhere access" by integrating e-mail, voice mail, faxes, and calendaring into a single inbox. With it, you can get Unified Messaging within your existing email platform -- the environment you and your colleagues already know. No additional products, no additional staff requirements.
The webinar will include a live demonstration of Exchange 2007 with Unified Messaging and show how Unified Communications (which includes Unified Messaging) quickly pays off.
Presenting the topic will be two experts in the field, Matt Hester of Microsoft TechNet, and SOS founder Gia McNutt. Matt is a seasoned TechNet presenter, an Exchange Server insider who worked as a Microsoft Certified Trainer for more than eight years before joining Microsoft. Gia has built SOS into one of the fastest growing businesses in the Sacramento area and one of America's leading providers of voice and data management solutions for small and midsize businesses. SOS is a nationwide expert in Unified Communications for business, and a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. Fewer than 10% of Microsoft partners attain Gold Certified status.
Those who register for the webinar will receive $1,194 worth of free items, including a voucher good for an SOS Level 1 Assessment (retail value $500); the 2006 Sage Research whitepaper on Unified Communications (retail value $495); "Secrets of the Pros: the SOS IP Communications Checklist" (retail value $199); and several customer case studies.
To register go to
and click the 'register now' button.
Webinar information and registration: Michelle Wolting, SOS, 916.577.1711 or email@example.com
Media contact: Rebekah Donaldson, Business Communications Group LLC, 916-803-5829 or firstname.lastname@example.com
SOS helps organizations choose and use advanced communications technology to serve customers better, work smarter, and increase profits. SOS is a nationwide expert in voice and data solutions for business, including Voice over IP (VoIP). Since 1992, hundreds of businesses have chosen the SOS team for IP communications, call center technology, and network security solutions. Clients can experience 100% return on investment in 6 to 36 months from SOS's simple, smart, secure technology solutions.
Rocklin, CA - April 30, 2007 - As it prepares to celebrate its 15th year in business this year, SOS is adding to its string of successes as a provider of advanced communications technology. * The company gained more than 60 new customers in 2006. To meet this increased demand for its services, SOS has made several new hires in 2007 and plans to continue expanding its staff throughout the year.
* SOS was named one of 100 top women-owned businesses in California by DiversityBusiness.com.
* The SOS Web site at www.teamsos.com has been expanded with 25 free tools, white papers and case studies to help companies make smart choices for their telephony needs. Among the new free tools is Cisco Solution Designer, which demonstrates how Cisco solutions may be successfully deployed in organizations with up to 500 network users; an interactive Secure Business Advisor Tool that assesses a company's exposure to security threats and helps mitigate risk; and a Security Policy Builder to help create a custom security policy.
The SOS web site received 8,838 unique visits in March, demonstrating that it has become a widely used news and information resource.
* SOS launched an additional version of its monthly Convergence newsletter especially for contact centers.
* SOS has partnered with BenchmarkPortal to offer a RealityCheck Report that lets contact centers see in detail how they compare to hundreds of others.
* Forty Sacramento executives attended a pair of April 11 seminars on IP communications, portions of which will be available for replay in May by registering at www.teamsos.com.
* The company earned Cisco Systems' security specialization, which recognizes SOS for its knowledge and expertise in selling, designing, installing, and supporting a comprehensive network security solution.
* SOS has implemented a SmartLaunch system that helps customers implement VoIP solutions. The SmartLaunch package includes a simple marketing plan, a marketing timeline, promotional posters, a custom product brochure, quizzes, prizes, candy giveaways, a table tent promotional piece for the new phones, and Super User buttons to be worn by staff who have learned the system and can help coworkers.
SOS helps organizations choose and use advanced communications technology to serve customers better, work smarter, and increase profits. SOS is a nationwide expert in voice and data solutions for business, including Voice over IP (VoIP). Since 1992, hundreds of businesses have chosen the SOS team for IP communications, call center technology, and network security solutions. Clients can experience 100% return on investment in 6 to 36 months from SOS's simple, smart, secure technology solutions. SOS is headquartered near Sacramento in Rocklin, California. For more information, visit the Company's website at or www.teamsos.com call 916-632-8800 x 1711.
Media Contact
Rebekah Donaldson, Business Communications Group LLC, 916-803-5829, email@example.com
Sacramento, CA - September 5, 2007 - SOS has published a new case study on upgrading the phone system of Chapa De Indian Health Program Inc. The Auburn-based program wanted to replace its 15-year-old phone system and acquire its own integrated network for voice and data. SOS designed and implemented the new system, using the new SOS SmartLaunch program to help new users quickly learn the phones' features. Since the new phone system went live, Chapa De has saved $700 a month on long-distance charges alone, and expects to save $25,000 to $30,000 a year overall.
The full case study is available for free at here.
Attendees receive a demo of the most advanced business communications solutions available, ROI statistics from Sacramento companies that have rolled out VoIP, and 10 tools that help put the day's knowledge to work
Sacramento, Calif. (Mar. 26, 2007) - SOS, an expert in voice and data solutions for business, will present a day of free seminars on Voice over Internet Protocol technology on April 11 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. The day includes case studies on Sacramento-area companies and presentations by local executives.
The first half of the day is titled "
Extend Your Contact Center with IP
"After a free interactive breakfast, attendees will learn about Remote Contact Center Agent Technology Strategies and view a live demonstration. While most contact centers are forced to hire 1 of every 3 candidates just to fill seats, those that use home workers can choose from an average of 20 candidates for each open position, allowing managers to select the best from a broader range of skill sets and experience.
Then Chris Ewing, CEO of Cost-U-Less Insurance Services in Rancho Cordova, will discuss the lessons learned in moving a call center to an IP platform last year, and the dollar-for-dollar return on investment. Sacramento-based Cost-U-Less serves 600,000 Californians from its Rancho Cordova headquarters and 60 offices statewide. A question-and-answer panel will follow.
Following a complimentary lunch, the afternoon session will look at "
Successful Strategies for IP Business Communications: How to Profit from VoIP in 2007
." The afternoon includes a demonstration of Mobile Workforce Solutions. Unified communications gives mobile team members "anywhere access" to corporate files, a single inbox for e-mail, voice mail, faxes, calendaring and more. To explain how unified communications quickly pays off, SOS executives will discuss the mechanics and results of several regional firms' moves to IP communications.
Attendees of each seminar will also receive take-aways worth $1,000 that help put the day's knowledge to work. The tools include a voucher for a RealityCheck Report that shows in detail how a company's call center compares to hundreds of others (retail value $500 and offered in partnership with BenchmarkPortal).
Those who cannot attend are still invited to check off the box "just send me the take-aways" and submit the registration form. They'll get four of the 10 tools to be given out at the seminar.
Seminar information:
Michelle Wolting, SOS, 916.577.1711 or
Media contact:
SOS's staff size increases 52% over 12 months
Rocklin, CA (November 20, 2006) -- SOS, a leading provider of voice, data, and telephony management solutions, has grown from a staff of 23 to 35 employees since this time last year - an increase of 52 percent. It also has collected a host of accolades as it heads toward the end of the year.
In recent months the company has been:
Founded in 1992, SOS has been around longer than most of its competitors, and has been offering VoIP (also called IP telephony) expertise for longer than almost all of them. SOS shares that expertise in "Secrets of the Pros: the SOS IP Communications Checklist," a free business brief written for business owners and executives at midsize and small companies. The brief offers tips on evaluating VoIP for one's business, lists the 7 key steps to transitioning smoothly to VoIP, and gives lessons learned from businesses that already have completed VoIP rollouts. (See the contents and link to get the brief at http://www.teamsos.unisonpc.com/Solutions/IPTelephony/tabid/609/Default.aspx.)
IT-related companies are not easy to sustain economically, notes co-founder and CEO Gia McNutt. For SOS to sustain strong growth, excellent customer service and a good work environment after all this time is an extraordinary achievement.
SOS supplies voice, data, and telephony management services that enable organizations to simplify communications, enhance productivity, and leverage real-time business intelligence. Often deployed over a single Internet Protocol platform, SOS's solutions bridge the gap between legacy phone/data services and sophisticated telephony systems. SOS is headquartered in Rocklin, California with sales offices in the northwest. For more information, call 916.632.8800 or visit www.teamsos.com.
Rebekah E. Donaldson
Business Communications Group LLC
Tel 530-231-5397
Fax 916-200-3904
For more information, press only:
Contact us at 888-336-7671x1711
Rocklin, Calif. - Mar. 1, 2006 - SOS, a leading provider of voice, data, and telephony management solutions for midsize and small businesses, has been named a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, the highest level of certification given by the software manufacturer.
"SOS is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner which means that they have demonstrated superior levels of successful implementations, capabilities and certification," according to the Seattle-based software giant. "Microsoft Gold Certified Partners are required to meet rigorous requirements for certification and expertise. SOS has reached the status of Gold Certified Partner by demonstrating increased levels of developer certification, deep real-world experience, and by providing completed customer reference projects that were independently verified by Microsoft."
Through engagement with Microsoft, Microsoft Gold Certified Partners have in-depth access to a variety of exclusive resources and early product information. Resources include priority access to a support team of Microsoft certified systems engineers, non-disclosure evaluation of new products and technologies, as well as planning tools and events to keep up to speed on the latest Microsoft product developments and future direction. Of 14,000 Microsoft Certified Partners nationwide, about 10 percent are Gold Certified Partners.
"Given the number of choices in the data network support and telephony market today, customers want to know, 'Who is committed to quality and best practices? Who offers the best skills and expertise? Who can bridge the gap between my business demands and technology capabilities?'" said SOS CEO Gia McNutt. "SOS has clearly demonstrated that its services are robust and credible."
The latest news reflects the strong momentum that SOS has gained in the past year.
As 2006 got under way, SOS again increased its in-house expertise with the hiring of Jeff Palazzo as Director of Sales. While new on the payroll, Jeff is no stranger to SOS. For five years he was the Cisco channel account manager who worked with SOS and helped bring it to its current status of Cisco Premier Partner and IP Specialized.
Not only are top Cisco experts joining the SOS fold, but Cisco itself looks to SOS for advice. CEO Gia McNutt, a member of the Cisco Advisory Board Council, was invited in early February to Cisco CEO John Chambers' Executive Staff meeting to discuss better ways that Cisco might serve small and medium-size businesses.
Roughly three-quarters of large U.S. companies have already made the switch to IP telephony. As small and medium-sized companies join the trend toward VoIP, SOS has launch a redesigned Web site this month that offers checklists, tips, case studies, and other tools to help visitors evaluate and prepare for the transition to VoIP.
SOS, the leading provider of integrated advanced communications solutions for midsize and small businesses, supplies voice, data, and telephony management services that enable organizations to simplify communications, enhance productivity, and leverage real-time business intelligence. Often deployed over a single Internet Protocol platform, SOS's solutions bridge the gap between legacy phone/data services and sophisticated telephony systems. With 32 full-time individuals on its professional services staff, including pre-sales engineers, SOS has more certified implementers than any other regional firm. The SOS team has designed and implemented more than 100 state of the art IP telephony solutions - connecting tens of thousands of users in dozens of states. For over a decade, SOS has ranked among the 100 Fastest Growing Companies in the Sacramento region. SOS is headquartered in Rocklin, California with sales offices in the northwest. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.teamsos.com or call 916.632.8800.
The names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Rebekah E. Donaldson
Business Communications Group LLC
Tel 530-231-5397
Fax 916-200-3904
Monday Event in Rocklin Will Feature Free Seminars And Hands-On Demonstrations Inside Technology-Equipped Bus
Rocklin, CA - June 1, 2005 - SOS, a leading provider of Voice Over IP and Business VoIP phone systems, today announced its participation in Microsoft Across America, a nationwide road show designed to give small-business people hands-on experience with the latest technology. Microsoft Across America events enable visitors to explore a state-of-the-art bus for live product demonstrations. On Monday June 6th, executives representing area companies can attend a Microsoft Across America event at SOS, located at 575 Menlo Drive, Suite 4 in Rocklin. Representatives from SOS will be on hand to offer one-on-one advice and answer questions. SOS requests that guests pre-register, and a barbeque for SOS guests starts at 11:00am.
SOS helps small and midsize companies out-service their competition, work smarter, and boost profit margins by migrating to custom Voice Over IP and Business VoIP phone systems. Unlike competitors, SOS's top executives consult with every client and put at clients' fingertips a full-time staff of experts in Data/Voice Convergence, Computer Telephony, Unified Messaging, and network technologies. The firm has earned special status with a range of manufacturers. For example, SOS is a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider, Cisco Premier Partner (IP Specialized), and key Interactive Intelligence and NEC system reseller.
"At SOS, we have a passion for helping small businesses make technology decisions that are right for their organization," said Gia McNutt, chief executive officer and co-founder of SOS. "Microsoft Across America allows us to meet face to face with small-business people in our community, customize demonstrations according to their individual business needs, and build a lasting relationship so they know who to turn to as their business grows. Communications technology can be a company's best competitive advantage and the secret to achieving an excellent reputation - the magic behind effortless customer service and consistent business performance," added McNutt. "We work to deliver that advantage."
A fleet of seven Microsoft Across America buses will visit more than 250 cities across the nation through June 2005. Visitors can experiment with programs such as Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003 and the Microsoft Business Solutions Retail Management System.
"At Microsoft, our ability to effectively serve small and midsize customers and offer a program such as Microsoft Across America is due in large part to our strong network of business partners," said Diana Beckman, Northern California General Manager for Small and Midmarket Solutions and Partners, at Microsoft Corp. "We are pleased to partner with local IT providers like SOS because these companies offer many of the tools and advice our customers consistently ask for, including easy-to-use technology, local expertise and integrated solutions."
More information about Microsoft Across America, including the tour schedule and event registration, is available at www.microsoft.com/acrossamerica/.
SOS, the leading provider of integrated advanced communications solutions for midsize and small businesses, supplies voice, data, and telephony management services that enable organizations to simplify communications, enhance productivity, and leverage real-time business intelligence. Often deployed over a single Internet Protocol platform, SOS's solutions bridge the gap between legacy phone/data services and sophisticated telephony systems.
SOS's ability to execute flexible and dynamic solutions around a common management process and to address the whole complete communications business problem, enables enterprises to maximize their return on investment, reduce costs, and deliver improved service to their own end users.
SOS is headquartered in Rocklin, California with sales offices in the northwest. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.teamsos.com or call 916.632.8800.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Location: SOS Headquarters
Address: 575 Menlo Drive, Suite 4, Rocklin, CA 95765
Time: 11:00am-1:00pm & 3:30pm-5:00pm (Open to the public)
To RSVP: Gina Henderson, SOS, 916-632-8800 ext. 1711, or email@example.com
Rebekah E. Donaldson
Business Communications Group LLC
Tel 530-231-5397
Fax 916-200-3904


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EPA Orders Enbridge To Intensify Mich. Oil Spill Cleanup
The EPA issued a proposed order laying out the work it says Enbridge must perform to properly address the environmental damage in the river, including the installation of containment devices and equipment to stop the migration of submerged oil.
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SWAT Round-Up 2004
Written by Jim Weiss
0 Comments
Orlando, FL is home to the greatest law enforcement jousting tournament of the year, the SWAT Round-Up. The dragons come in the form of targets, obstacles and the clock, all while not breaking safety rules. SWAT Round-Up—a competition of the best of the best—has been around since 1983. It is held at the Orange County, FL Sheriff's Office's year-round training facility which features an obstacle course, classrooms, high-bermed firing ranges, and a landmark, prefab rappel tower. For six days each year, this Velcro-and-ballistic-armor-rich environment stays busy with police, special operations officers, deputies, and military personnel. Foreign teams from Hungary, Germany, Sweden, and Bosnia also return year after year. They borrow what firearms and gear they need from the American teams or from SWAT Round-Up International and compete, all in the spirit of professional camaraderie. Several mornings during SWAT Round-Up, educational training sessions are offered. In 2004, for example, Tony Blauer taught "SPEAR System: Applications for the Gun Fight;" Captain Tom Foster, of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, taught "Advanced Rappelling Techniques—Self & Buddy Rescue;" and Mike Chin and Fred Yates of Heckler & Koch Defense gave instruction in "Tactical Submachine Gun." Out of the classroom, competitors compete in the five challenging main team events, in addition to individual events such as Super SWAT Cop and those sponsored by vendors. Sixty-five teams attended SWAT Round-Up 2004, and 99 companies showcased and sold their merchandise in the vendors' area. Hostage Rescue Except for the sniper's rifle shots in this event, hand gunners on each team used frangible ammunition. Frangible ammunition rules also applied to other handgun events as well as those requiring subgun usage. Each hostage rescue team consisted of one sniper and four entry team members. Entry team members wore gas masks and were armed with handguns and four rounds of ammunition. As with all of the other events except the obstacle course, eye and ear protection and body armor were mandatory. Ballistic helmets were not required for any Round-Up event. This year SWAT Round-Up International provided ballistic vests for the members of each team, which were then passed on to the next team. The sniper, in addition to his unloaded, optically sighted precision rifle, carried an unloaded, holstered handgun. He was permitted to carry as many rounds of ammunition as he thought might be necessary to successfully engage targets. At the start/finish line and on the command of "Go," the sniper proceeded to the sniper's platform at the top of the exterior shoot house stairs, faced his downrange target in his final firing position (prone, sitting or low kneeling), and loaded his weapon. He was permitted to use a sling, fire unsupported, or use the firing port and deck for rifle stabilization. No mechanical rest was allowed. The target then began moving at a "prescribed time" (a matter of seconds) after the team left the Start Line, whether the sniper was in place and ready or not. The sniper then engaged his two targets: one stationary and one moving. The dynamic target moved across an open door, an open window and a smaller open window before stopping. Targets were 75 yards away. While the sniper moved to his firing position, the four-member entry team ran to its position just outside the shoot house entry door. Upon the sniper's first shot, the grenadier threw a flashbang device through a doorway and the members entered once the device exploded. Each entry team member was assigned a shoot house room. Only when members entered his/her own room could weapons be drawn. Team members engaged eight targets located in four separate rooms—two rounds per target. Handguns had to be holstered before leaving the shoot rooms. After clearing the rooms, entry team members rescued two hostage dummies (two 80-pound bags) and carried them back to the start/finish line. Meanwhile, as the entry team entered the shoot house, the sniper engaged his second and last target—whichever one was not downed with his first shot, with as many rounds as necessary. When finished or a judge-confirmed weapon malfunction, he cleared his rifle of all ammunition, dismounted the firing platform and returned to the finish line. The last team member to cross the line stopped the clock. Points were totaled, with penalties for violations. Inappropriate weapon handling was a major safety violation and could bump the team to last place plus thirty seconds for this or any event. In Germany, all SEK (SWAT) are full-time teams. According to SEK Polizeioberkommissar (Captain) Oliver Jansen of the Lower Saxony, Germany, State Police, they borrowed some weapons from the Coral Springs, FL, Police Department and other guns from the SWAT Round-Up International table. They trained at Coral Springs (FL) PD one week before the Round-Up, where there were dynamic targets and an O-course. Safety violations were uppermost in their minds because in Germany, handgun rules are not as strict as at the Round-Up. They had to make a conscious effort to not touch the holstered handguns until in the marked firing areas. At the shooting platform, the fact that his rifle scope did not have his familiar rubber eyepiece threw POK Jansen. Team members brought their own Draeger gas masks from Germany. Pritcher Scramble As in other events, this was a five-team-member challenge, but this time with no snipers. Body armor, gas masks and ear protection were mandated. Basic requirements were for the team to work together in traversing obstacles and for each team member to engage a moving target. At the on-deck area, gas masks were checked and secured in carriers. Three team members were each armed with subguns with four rounds secured in a magazine; the subguns were not actually loaded until the team member arrived at the firing box. The team's grenadier was armed with either a 37 mm or 40 mm gas launcher; the team's door breaker was equipped with a battering ram. Both were also armed with a handgun with one magazine loaded with four rounds. The start line for this event was inside a SWAT van. Upon "Go," the team sprinted from the van and traversed a series of four-foot walls to take cover behind an armored personnel carrier where they put on gas masks. Once the gas masks were on, the grenadier loaded and fired a practice round through a downrange window. The rest of the team moved on his shot. The grenadier caught up with his team as it ran across the range to a closed, freestanding door. The door breaker breached the door using the ram and then dropped it. All team members ran to their individual firing boxes. Each box was centered on a 24-foot wide firing lane with an orange can inverted over a stake. Each member had to remove this can with his or her shooting hand, draw and load his handgun or subgun, and prepare to engage the moving target that was activated when four of the five shooters had removed their cans. When the running man paper silhouette target entered the member's lane at the speed of a jog, from left to right, each shooter had two seconds to engage it with four rounds. After shooting, all weapons were made safe and handguns holstered. Then the course was run in reverse—back through the door while picking up the ram, back around the armored vehicle, over the walls, and to the Finish Line. Time, target hits, grenadier shot, and penalties were assessed for the final score. According to Orange County Sheriff's Office Assistant SWAT Team Commander Tom Stroup, their team is not full time. They trained for the Round-Up two weeks before the competition by working it into their other training schedules. They did have a home field advantage, but other agencies were also invited to use the Orange County facility two weeks before the Round-Up. Team subgunners used H&K UMP, .45 caliber, with .45 caliber Glocks being the preferred handgun. The gas gun used was a 40mm SAGE. The team wore traditional vests and tennis shoes to make it easier to get over the 4-foot walls. They felt that transition time to gas mask and shot placement were important factors for this event. Their suggestion for the Pritcher Scramble is that the door beaker can make faster time by carrying the ram over the hurtles by himself. Officer Rescue A lottery determined which members of the five-officer assault element would fire subguns and shotguns, and which member would become the downed officer to be rescued. A team alternate at the firing range pre-positioned the subguns (bolts back and magazines removed), the shotguns (bolt back and empty), and the ammunition. Team members wore unaltered gas masks along with ballistic vests and ear protection; the gas masks' lens served as range eye protection. All rescue equipment used had to be carried throughout the event. From the start/finish line, the team ran to a ditch filled with water. All team members, including the downed officer, traversed the pre-rigged line using devices of their own choosing which could be anything from a hook or pulley system to some kind of secret contraption. The downed officer went to a designated individual shotgun table. There he engaged an eight-inch head plate target, 20 to 25 yards down range, using as many rounds as necessary to hit the target. The downed officer then returned over part of the course to the downed officer box where he lay down. The four remaining team members proceeded through a sewer—a black ribbed culvert pipe with a 90-degree turn—to the shooting tables based upon his or her predetermined weapon assignment. There they engaged eight head plate, downrange targets through a firing port, which could not be used as a rest. When their primary weapon's ammunition was exhausted, they could transition to a handgun and complete the downing of targets. One team member was allowed to assist another in engaging any remaining targets if the first shooter stepped out of his position and the assisting shooter took up that position. They then holstered the handguns, went back through the smoke-filled culvert, and ran to rescue the downed team member. At the side of the water ditch, the shooters lifted the downed officer—who had to remain limp—and hooked him up to the traverse line. Once all team members and the downed officer were safely across the ditch, he was unhooked and carried by one or more team members to the finish line. The alternate team member then retrieved all weapons left at the shooting tables while judges tabulated any penalties and the total time. According to team member Eric Hawlk of the Poughkeepsie, NY Police Department, to negotiate the traverse line, his team members used a tandem pulley made by Petzl, with wrist lanyards. They found it faster and more efficient than using caribiners and no team member fell into the water. Most team members wore tennis shoes, although one officer wore tactical boots. They began working toward the competition two months before the Round-Up, increasing workouts to two or three days a week. Shooting with gas masks takes a lot of eye/hand coordination, so they trained with emphasis on shouldering their stock-sighted H&K MP5 subguns with their Millennium gas masks on, working around any sight distortions caused by the bubble lens. The filter can be placed on either side of the mask, but there is a nub to get the weapon stock above it. The team found that running, shooting, and traversing with the mask on required excellent cardiovascular fitness. Also, the bend in the culvert was tight, and teams tended to pile up into each other. Their recommendation was to keep a smooth pace in going through it. This team had no weapons malfunctions. Tower Scramble Wearing body armor and carrying rappel ropes, each five-member team consisted of two elements: a two-member sniper element and a three-handgunner assault element. The snipers had to run to the tower and climb a cargo net to the first window, enter, exit through the side door on that level, run up the stairs to the top floor rappel platform and engage two targets 230 to 235 yards down range. Snipers were not permitted to share weapons or ammunition. They could use any ancillary support equipment for their rifles, but all such support equipment and rifles had to be carried through the whole course. They then rappelled down. At the same time, the assault element ran it out to shooting boxes and used their handguns to engage 10 falling plate targets placed downrange at five to ten yards. One handgunner could help another engage any remaining plates by following safety procedures before leaving his own shooting box to enter another's. Once the plates were down, the assault element ran to the rappel tower, climbed the cargo net to the first window, entered through it and did the stairs to the rappel platform. Most teams moved in two different directions at the beginning of the event, with the sniper element tackling the tower and the distant targets while the assault element ran first to the shooting boxes, then ascended the tower, rappelled down, rang the bell and ran to the finish line behind the sniper element. Other teams moved together to the top of the tower where the handgun-armed assault element rappelled down first, then completed its assigned shooting, and ran to the finish line, leaving the two snipers at the top of the tower to engage their targets. By the rules, each team member in this event had to use approved harness seat/seat, locking carabiner/stubai/ snap-link, figure eight device, and gloves. All equipment carried in with the team needed to leave with the team. According to Sergeant Jim Nagy of the Pasco County, FL Sheriff's Office, the big issue for this event is cardiovascular fitness. If the sniper was winded after doing his initial run, cargo net and stairs, he would not make his two downrange shots. Pasco County began training individually for the Round-Up two months ahead, but the whole team trained together for just a few hours. They ran the event in tennis shoes. The snipers used a bipod, and the rope bag was used as a backrest, since they had to take the rope bag up anyway. The shooting platform in the tower was above the range's berms. Wind could have been concern, but was not, mainly because the range was lined with high earth, funnel berms. Snipers made their shooting calculations before the event. For rappelling the team used a CMI rappel seat, horned rescue figure eights, quick release carabiners. The team's suggestion for the event was to know your gear placement so you don't have to think about anything but performance. Obstacle Course Team members began the course together. They were allowed to help each other in the event, but if someone moved backward to help a teammate, he had to repeat the course from that point on. The event wasn't over until the entire team crossed the finish line. The team members wove their way through the Jacob's Ladder; climbed the rope to touch the crossbar; alternated over and under the cross members of the Over/Under; made the Attic Entry and exited off either side; did the Dirty Name by mounting one cross member and jumping up to and over the next higher cross member; assisted one another up and over the 12-foot wall. Then they went up one side and down the other of the A Frame; did the Hand-Over-Hand Incline; low crawled under the mesh cover of the Rock Crawl; and traversed the Parallel Bars; climbed up one side of the Cargo Net and down the other; crossed the Balance Beams; climbed up all platforms and slid down the pole of the High Climb Slide; crawled through the mud and water of the Worm Pit. Then they propelled themselves through the Pipe Slide; pulled themselves along the Rope Traverse; negotiated the Tangle Foot, and finally ran it out to the Finish Line. Usually, if a team had a problem, it was at the beginning with the Rope Climb or near the end with the Rope Traverse. According to Sergeant Ruben Garcia of the Lakeland (FL) Police Department, his team trained on its own O-Course, which had somewhat the same apparatus as Orange County's O-Course. They began training on off-duty time 60 days before Round-Up. Each team member knew the team's standard and worked on their own throughout the year. Physical training centered on running and weight lifting: aerobic and anaerobic. They concentrated on staging the right member in the correct place in line to best complete the event, playing on the strong points of each team member to make the entire team as strong as possible. For example, when climbing the Rope, the last officers boosted the first team members up by forming a pyramid with their bodies. Their suggestion was to stay with it, since preparing for Round-Up builds upon skills that relate to field operations Results Top Scoring Teams: first—Orlando, FL Police Department (Black Team); second—Lakeland, FL Police Department; third—Hungary's Neutron Police Team, and; fourth—Indian River, FL County Sheriff's Office. Jens Kohler of the SEK Baden-Wurttemberg team won the Super SWAT Cop title. Jim Weiss is a retired lieutenant from the Brook Park, OH, Police Department and a frequent contributor to LAW and ORDER. Mickey Davis is a Florida-based journalist.
Published in Tactical Response, Jan/Feb 2005
Rating : Not Yet Rated
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Mixed Movements for ARM IndicesAuthor: // Category: Mortgage
The Cost of Funds Index moved 5 basis points lower during September, the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco reported.
The yield on another index used for adjustable-rate mortgages, the one-year Treasury, was 2 BPS higher than August.
But the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate fell 6 BPS during the same period.
Read more here:
Mixed Movements for ARM Indices


text:
Property Description
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text:
Disclaimer: "NCIS" and its characters do not belong to me they belong to CBS and are being used without permission. Please don't sue because I have no money.
Christmastime In The City
Tony grabbed the presents that he was going to take to Ducky's house to put under the tree. He also grabbed his favorite Christmas movie It's a Wonderful Life. They had watched it last Christmas and would do so this year too. He put them all in a bag, then turned off the lights in his apartment, then walked out the door and then locked it. He got into his car and as he made his way towards Ducky's house he noticed that it started snowing. It looked like they were going to have a white Christmas as the song said.
He pulled up into the driveway and noticed that he was the first one there. He grabbed his things and knocked on the door and then was let in and put the presents under the tree for later after dinner. He loved Christmas time. He didn't when he was a child, but he did now. This was his true family.
He remembered when he was a child he was left alone with just the staff. When his Mom was alive she would be off around doing society stuff. He was just glad that he didn't have to be stuffed into a sailor suit and paraded around. His father was off at work doing whatever he did at work. When he opened the presents they weren't want he put on his Christmas list. They were presents that he hadn't wanted and he was not a happy boy. The staff gave him presents that he had wanted and for that he was glad. At least he had gotten what he had wanted, but he wished that his parents would celebrate Christmas with him. He was alone and he didn't like that. He had told them that it was a DiNozzo family tradition to watch A Wonderful Life, but he was lying. It was his tradition because he was alone and wanted to do something that he liked.
He sat on the couch and then let in the rest of the team that had came after him. He smiled as they all sat down around the table. This is what Christmas with family was supposed to be like. His family that was his by choice and not be blood, but he loved them just the same.
The End


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I so cherished the last evening of our hospital stay last month when I gave birth to my second daughter. That's because we got to enjoy a celebration meal offered for free by the Hospitality Management of the hospital. The food was wonderful, and yes, there was a sparkling grape juice that seemed like a wine for us to have a cheer with. That sparkling grape juice is accordingly made of a green grapes. It was perfect because kids and adults can enjoy it.
Did you know that green components of a wine are actually good? There is an infographic which I would like to share below for everybody's knowledge:
Presented By Wine.com, Purveyors of fine green Wine
Pretty interesting, isn't it? And the fact that green wines are mostly organic surely contributes to enjoying the benefit to yourself and the environment as well!


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Breast milk is awesome!!
Posted by + Show Post
Ok, so I'm ashamed to admit that I like the Kardashian shows..... Anyway one of the sisters stole one of her sisters breast milk to try and treat her psoriasis.... She read it helped with skin rashes. I have this area on the side of my nose that is dry and flaky. I believe it is some sort of dermatitis. I've used all sorts of stuff and nothing works. It peels and leaves my skin red.... So, I tried my breast milk and in two days its GONE!!! I've researched and its really hard to get rid of! Not with breast milk though!!! So, breast milk among all it's other awesomeness can help with your skin!!! Just thought I'd share!!!
Replies (11-17):
Breastmilk really is amazing! Nothing has worked better on my rosacea, and one of the other mods has had great success using it for acne.. :o)
♥♥ Join us in Crunchy Moms - make friends and share advice
on breastfeeding, babywearing, bedsharing, and natural living! ♥♥
I use it on kitchen burns- takes the sting out and heals the burn quickly. I have also let friends use it for minor cuts and burns lol.
Omgosh. I'm so putting some on my babes eczema patch tomorrow.
I love the Kardashians too!!!! Watching that episode made me look into used for bm and there are so many!!!
by Group Admin - Amy on Feb. 1, 2013 at 1:58 AM
I used my milk on my face for my acne for 4 1/2 years. I only stopped because I couldn't hand express anything anymore.
Posted on CafeMom Mobile
by Group Admin - Amy on Feb. 1, 2013 at 2:01 AM
I was very sad when I could no longer hand express anything anymore. I had to go back to using a cream.
Quoting catholicmamamia:
Breastmilk really is amazing! Nothing has worked better on my rosacea, and one of the other mods has had great success using it for acne.. :o)
Posted on CafeMom Mobile
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text: After months of researching and looking for deals and lurking in all the RM threads here, I have finally joined the RM club. And let me tell you...I TOTALLY get it. I got the MAB in chestnut from Active Endeavors. The leather on this bag is amazing. It is very smooshy (it collapses onto itself, see pics) but yet it's this thick, pebbly leather. The chestnut color is great, I didn't own a brown bag and something about this one spoke to me. I think it will go well with blacks and browns. I can totally see this bag getting even better with age and I know I will use it forever. It is just a totally classic shape. The black and white interior is a fun extra touch and there are lots of interior pockets, which I love. Thanks to everyone that filled out numerous polls for me over the last couple months and helped me on the path to this bag. I am really, really happy with my choice. Hope you like the pics! The ones without flash are more true to the color, but the one with flash does a great job of showing the texture of the leather. PS - And to anyone on the fence about RM because you haven't seen them IRL...go for it!


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Baxter Escapes Wrongful Death Suit In Heparin MDL
Judge James Carr of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on Friday granted Baxter's unopposed motion for summary judgment, while remanding remaining claims against health care providers to state court where they commenced prior to being transferred to the...
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