The web site www.findaccountingsoftware.com (and the services they provide) have been helping people find the right accounting software for many years. They do an incredible job of asking the right questions, so software seekers can get to their ideal results more efficiently. In this short video, they do a nice description of how their service works.

http://findaccountingsoftware.com/video/grow-your-business-with-the-right-software/

CenterPoint Accounting customers, Larson Acres, Scheps Dairy and Dutch Hollow Farm were featured in the August issue of Dairy Today. They are all among the top dairies hosting virtual farm tours. Click here to read the entire article.

Apparently, my number was up. No…..not that number. The number that means it’s time to get a new computer. You see, Larry, our Computer Wizard (his official title is IT Manager) keeps track of every employee’s computer, and has a schedule that determines when they should be replaced. With Larry, you don’t have a choice. When your number is up, your computer WILL get replaced.

As scary as this sounds, it is really a good idea. By upgrading our computers on a predetermined schedule, he makes sure that there are virtually no hardware failures, (no down time, lost data, or lost productivity) and everyone is working with relatively new technology.

With a new computer, sometimes comes a new operating system. My new computer came with the Microsoft® Windows® 8 operating system which, at first, was a little annoying because it was something that I was unfamiliar with. I quickly learned how to use the new features in Windows 8, and how to get the functionality that I didn’t like, out of the way. In just a few hours, I actually liked my new business tool.

How old is the computer you’re using? Is it running on borrowed time? Is its number up? Don’t wait until you have

Yes, Microsoft Windows XP operating system will be reaching its "end of life" or in other words, they will stop supporting Windows XP, on April 8, 2014. Read more about what will happen, and what your next steps should be by reading this story at Foxnews:

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/09/08/death-windows-xp-quickly-approaching/?intcmp=trending

Many Red Wing Customers have spoken with Chad Glover. He helps customers move (”migrate”) to newer Red Wing Software programs. Chad has been with Red Wing Software for eight years. I caught up with Chad to see what he has to say about helping Red Wing Software customers. Do you have any tips for Red Wing Software customers thinking about upgrading to a newer program? Do your homework by attending an online software demonstration. Keep an open mind and stay positive through the process. The new software is going to be different, but different is not a bad thing. Call and ask questions - that’s what we’re here for.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is the people I work with, both my coworkers and customers. I especially enjoy traveling and being able to meet our customers face-to-face.

What is the biggest obstacle customers face when upgrading, and how can they avoid it?

The biggest obstacle in upgrading is the fear of the unknown. This can be avoided by asking questions, viewing our training videos, and following the steps we have in place to make the transition as smooth as possible.

On a more personal note, you and your wife recently became first-time parents. How are you enjoying parenthood?

Yes, my wife Rachel and I have a wonderful six-month-old boy, named Brik. He is growing up fast and things have changed a lot in our house. I love every minute of it, especially that first smile he gives me every morning. I could not think of a more perfect way to start my day.