Happy Holidays from ABS!

We wish all of you a very happy and festive holiday season and best wishes for a prosperous 2009!  Below is the latest news from our company, including a new white paper as well as a letter from our president.  Enjoy the following updates!

ABS Publishes New White Paper

ABS has published a new white paper entitled, "Virtual Show and Tell:  Using Remote Tech Support to Save Time and Money."  The paper delves into how today's help desk support teams can quickly and securely access PCs online without traditional deskside visits through remote technology.  In a closer look at this growing trend, we examine user needs that are powering the demand for instant online assistance as well as specific areas of cost reduction.  Click here to view this white paper.

Corporate Support for Education

ABS recently sponsored a table at the Illinois Institute of Technology Stuart School of Business luncheon hosted by Power Engineering. The event honored Terry Duffy, CEO of the CME Group. The luncheon was a fundraiser for IIT's Stuart School of Business, successfully raising over $100,000. ABS is committed to supporting educational institutions as well as other not-for-profit organizations and contributes a portion of its income to these important enterprises. The photo includes from left to right: TJ Mitchell (ABS), Donald Hollis (DRH Strategic Consulting), John Schladweiler (Integral Systems), Stefan Schurman (ABS), and Jim Tesch (ABS).

A Series of Help Desk Myths and Truths

Myth #6:  A firm needs to be in "top shape" before considering an outsourcer for the help desk function.  

Truth:  Most firms decide to outsource because they know their help desk isn't functioning effectively.  Engaging experts in the help desk industry can resolve inefficiencies and other issues more quickly than if internal resources are charged with bettering the system before bringing in outside help.  By adopting the outsourcer's technology, ITIL framework and processes, and knowledge of best practices,

A Very Good Year - Letter from ABS President

As we bring 2008 to a close, we have much to be thankful for in spite of all the global economic chaos. ABS has  continued to move forward and has made significant progress in key strategic areas that will serve us well in the future.  A few of our achievements this past year include:

A. Sales Growth - Our business has grown 20% this past year with over half from very satisfied customers who are anxious to expand their relationship with us.   We expect to continue this trend into 2009, thanks to the new members of our sales team and investment in new lead generation tools.

B. Cost Management - Significant new initiatives are underway to enhance the productivity of our people and our systems.  ABS has always been the quality leader in its field, and we expect to be even more efficient next year.  The premier product at a cost-effective price will succeed in any economy.

C. Finance - Unlike many companies, ABS is a valued client for its bank which not only continues to support our current efforts but is anxious to help our future growth.  That's not an accident.  It is the result of 25 years of solid performance under sound management.

D. Business Cycle - The IT services industry has always been counter-cyclical to the general economy.  When the economy turns down, the initial reaction is for decisions to be tabled.  However, we are now seeing signs of increased interest in outsourcing with our key accounts and new customers as well.

While all of this optimism seems inconsistent in light of the economic news, the more I learn about the strengths of ABS, which is directly related to the strengths of its people, I can't help but remain excited for the future. 

Best wishes for a joyous, healthy, Holiday Season and continued success in the New Year.

About ABS

ABS Associates, Inc. serves clients across the nation with comprehensive outsourced help desk, desktop, managed hosting, and network support and solutions. For more than 25 years, ABS certified support professionals have expertly delivered IT solutions, helping hundreds of companies control capital expenses and support costs, improve company focus, and increase end-user productivity. ABShelp™, the company's Web-enabled knowledge center, assumes the burden of IT support, eliminates distractions, and allows firms around the world to concentrate on achieving strategic business objectives.