IsAware From InterSoft Associates

Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group have been successfully helping taxpayers across Nassau County in Long Island, New York, maintain a fair assessment of their homes for 30+ years. Today we're exploring more real-world results and impact as we're joined by Shalom Maidenbaum, Founder of Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC. Shalom shares the origin story of his company, how the company has grown and changed in response to both market dynamics and Nassau County law and tax changes, and how InterSoft Associates has been a powerful partner in not just keeping up with change but driving innovation that helps create a more powerful marketing engine and customer experience.

We've all been on a website, using an app or working on an application that frustrates us. Best case, we roll our eyes and persevere. Worst case, we stop using the thing altogether. Meanwhile, customers are more concerned than ever about how their data is being used and who's using it. In today's episode, we're talking about how customer experience is impacted by the software and technology decisions you make in your company. Putting off that upgrade or staying with slow (or even obsolete) software might feel like it's saving you some time or money, but it could be costing you customers. Having a transparent relationship with your customers about their data isn't just a legal or security concern; it's good business practice. Today we'll explore some real-world scenarios where the wrong tech choices created lost customers and business impact. We'll also talk about what you can and should do to manage your customer-centric software and data for the best experience possible.

We don't often think of how the technology we use at work impacts employee engagement and company culture - yet technology is maybe the one predictable constant across any department and the full scale of a business. When employees are frustrated with inefficient systems, cumbersome software or frustrating redundancies, their overall satisfaction at work declines. When they feel time is wasted because of outdated or poorly performing software and technology, employees disengage or leave for someplace else. Today's episode talks about the often-overlooked relationship between your employees, their engagement and your technology, and how all three together are an essential facet of your company culture.

As data and software become more sophisticated and as Big Data becomes increasingly relevant to today's companies, it's essential to know - who's in charge of this stuff? Especially in small and mid-market companies, we usually have leaders in departments like HR, Sales or Operations - but what about tech? Is a Chief Technology Officer the same as an IT pro? Does our "IT guy" understand data and how it can be an asset for your company? We're answering these questions and more today as we discuss the importance of having a single person or entity be accountable and responsible for driving software and data decisions in your company. Knowing when it's time to upgrade, migrate to something newer, use off-the-shelf data solutions or go with a custom developer shouldn't be a best-guess and shouldn't be a decision made after something's broken or gone wrong. Learn who to trust with your technology and what their role and responsibilities should be to help your company grow.

Technology changes so fast that it's easy to feel concerned that the solutions you adopt today could be obsolete tomorrow. How can you be confident in the software you've chosen? Are you sure that's the right database? Will the skill sets you're hiring for today be irrelevant next year?In today's episode we're talking about the right practical approach to keeping the software side of your business future-proof. Learn how the right mindset about technology can help you make smarter decisions, the dangers of chasing shiny objects, and how stability in your software, database and development choices can be more easily achieved than you might think. Spoiler alert: Start with the right people and strategies and the technologies will follow!

Many custom software and database developers come to the work with their own ideas of best practices, preferences and habits. When can this be a strength, and when can these characteristics become a liability? In today's episode, we're looking at some common scenarios companies have to keep in mind when it comes to their developer or development team. Whether a contractor or an in-house hire, when non-technical leaders are counting on developers to make the best decisions it can open up some risks. Maybe their preferred database isn't the right one for your business. Or security credentials like passwords simply aren't being safely stored or shared. When business strategy and goals achievement are essential, your developer's solutions must be in step with the company's vision. Listen in as we help the non-technical leader better understand their relationship with their data and developer.

Low-code and no-code software solutions, applications and automation environments have made it easier for companies to customize how technology can work for them. But when is going it alone the right option, and when should you enlist a professional? In today's episode, we're exploring the DIY culture of development, its advantages and its potential pitfalls. Just because you have a hammer doesn't make you a carpenter - learn when the insights and expertise of an expert can help you move past solutions and create strategies.IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, your Software Consultancy that will help you to maximize revenues, reduce costs, and streamline work processes with the right IT solutions. InterSoft Associates delivers strategic consulting and custom software development, together with support and enhancement to help modernize and manage the software that helps your business run. Learn more, and download 8 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Custom Software Company, at intersoftassociates.com

InterSoft Associates has been serving clients since the days of Microsoft DOS (Google it). As technology changes and software becomes more capable and sophisticated, it's easy to chase the shiniest object or go all-in on the newest platform. Today we're talking about some lessons we've learned over thousands of data migrations and custom software projects. We explore how the business case must always come first, why "older" software doesn't always have to mean "outdated", and why asking the right questions is the most essential skill to have available to you.IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, your Software Consultancy that will help you to maximize revenues, reduce costs, and streamline work processes with the right IT solutions. InterSoft Associates delivers strategic consulting and custom software development, together with support and enhancement to help modernize and manage the software that helps your business run. Learn more, and download 8 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Custom Software Company, at intersoftassociates.com

One of the most important things for a company to do is to make sure that their data is safe and secure. Data migration is a process of moving data from one system to another system. It's not always an easy task and it can require a lot of time and resources. In today's episode we're exploring why you should consider an expert to help you manage data migration. Even as you're empowered with today's do-it-yourself tools and wizards, learn how an expert can help you avoid loss of information, downtime, and system crashes that sometimes occur when professionals aren't involved.IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, your Software Consultancy that will help you to maximize revenues, reduce costs, and streamline work processes with the right IT solutions. InterSoft Associates delivers strategic consulting and custom software development, together with support and enhancement to help modernize and manage the software that helps your business run. Learn more, and download 8 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Custom Software Company, at intersoftassociates.com

Counseling in Schools does the important work of empowering and "awakening possibilities" with strength-based counseling programs for children and families across New York City. In today's episode we'll meet Finance Director Lew Bader and learn more about the challenges and opportunities of Counseling in Schools and how InterSoft Associates helps their counselors and programs with custom software solutions that increase efficiency, save time, and maybe more importantly keep counselors doing their work instead of wrangling technology and software to file reports. Plus, learn why Lew has engaged InterSoft Associates in every professional position he's been in for decades.

Microsoft Access is, for many database consultants, developers and even small and mid-market businesses, the introduction to databases and database management. Like a lot of legacy software in need of upgrading and migrating, depending on Access for too long can cause problems. In today's episode we dive into why most businesses should migrate from Access to platforms more suitable for innovation, growth, business needs and future potential. Along the way we uncover why our developer-radar goes off when companies approach us with Access databases and a custom solution might be the most cost and time effective way ahead.

Gathering or mining as much data as you can in your business helps you have options when it comes time to put that data to use. In today's episode we're exploring just that - your business. Learn some essential approaches to leveraging your data the "right" way. Explore why you'd take action, why what works for one company may not work for you, and why it's critical that you put somebody on your team or project that understands data and how to maximize its potential for your success.

Some companies have fully developed Business Intelligence (BI) initiatives while others could be doing much more with their data. Still others might have adopted Business Intelligence practices and not even know it! In today's episode we're removing some mystery around why Business Intelligence is important to your business and how the data you're probably already collecting can be used to help you make more insightful decisions. We explore some methods for developing Business Intelligence, like data mining, how to consider key performance indicators (KPI's) when applied to BI, and we share some powerful examples of how data and BI can help shape strategic direction.

Are automated, Do-It-Yourself solutions the right path to data migration in your company? Can't the built-in migration wizards help you easily move to .NET or other, newer technologies? Today we're exploring common obstacles and pitfalls to avoid in making data migrations, and how sometimes a focus on tools available can actually cause a business to lose focus on the larger vision.

There can be valid reasons for not migrating software, systems and databases to the cloud or to updated, upgraded systems. But too often companies put off migration not for strategic considerations, but because they're comfortable or complacent. In today's episode we're exploring how not migrating can hurt your ability to innovate and modernize, ultimately hurting your bottom line. Especially if not migrating is thought of as a cost savings tactic, learn how putting it off can actually be costing you money.

In today's episode we're joined by Gus Patakakis, CEO of Long Island Server Solutions. L.I. Server Solutions is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and "much more", offering "cradle to grave" Managed IT and consulting solutions. Gus shares the unique aspects and challenges companies are facing today where Managed IT and consulting is essential, the security mindset all companies (even small businesses) must adopt, and how partnering with InterSoft Associates has helped Long Island Server Solutions meet demand with confidence.

In today's episode we're exploring important considerations your business should put top of mind when migrating your data to the cloud. A key advantage of migrating to the cloud is access - data is available anytime, anywhere, and to people or integrated technologies that serve you best. Learn how to navigate three crucial aspects before you start migration: Understanding scope, confidence in key stakeholders and partners, and continuity - keeping data processes going even in the midst of migration.

When Microsoft's business solutions application Power Apps was involved in the leak of over 38 Million data records - including some from Microsoft itself - a focus was put on the potential hazards of "DIY" development. In today's episode we're exploring ways businesses gain an advantage when partnering with a custom software developer who can help them build something specific to their business, growth goals and integration needs.

With outdated software usually comes outdated technologies, which can put your company at risk for security breaches, data loss, and lost productivity. In today's episode we're exploring these dangers in-depth, including how the custom experience can be compromised when old technology is still running mission-critical aspects of a company. If you haven't updated software (or hardware) at your company for some time, perhaps as a cost-savings tactic, this episode will shed light on just how expensive some mistakes can be.

Analytics from the data, or information, your company uses, stores and interacts with helps tell a story. History has deeper meaning and future planning can be more specific - and accurate - when leveraging the interactions and insights Big Data provides. In today's episode we talk about real world examples of how companies are using Big Data Analytics to help drive better decision making, visualize and understand key performance indicators and why it's critical to have a broad perspective on data to do more with what you have.

Big Data is a phrase that essentially means connected information. In the hands of the right Big Data Consultant, that information becomes transformational. Better business decisions get made, sharper insights are discovered, and ultimately the information - the data - can become a competitive differentiator. In today's episode we explore the value and characteristics of a capable Big Data Consultant and how the right one can be part of your business strategies.

FoxPro was a Microsoft database management system that was discontinued in 2007, yet there are companies that are still using systems and software designed around it. Migrating databases and systems when they reach end of life can seem daunting, intimidating or expensive - but the alternative of continuing to use deprecated, legacy systems can prove far more costly. In today's episode we explore the obstacles and opportunities of migrating from old, discontinued systems to newer, more efficient and advanced solutions.

Custom Software Development can involve many people, sometimes shifting priorities and often new, innovative approaches. In today's episode we explore why the Proof of Concept is essential in crafting new custom solutions. Often a simple demonstration or illustration of a more robust final product can calibrate direction, uncover new requirements or demonstrate unforeseen challenges. The Proof of Concept helps manage these things more easily (and affordably!) than meeting them head-on in the middle of development. Explore real-world scenarios, the multiple ways to think about a Proof of Concept and how it helps ensure success or minimize failure for your custom project.

Often when we think custom software development, our minds go to code, data, and delivery. In today's episode we're exploring the importance of a design process in custom software development. The design process starts with brainstorming, ideating, imagining and detailing. Organizing all the thoughts and ideas that stakeholders have been exploring, struggling with, or wondering about. With the right discovery, the path to developing the right software to solve problems becomes almost inevitable. Learn the questions to consider, what to look for in an engaged development partner, and what to watch out for to make sure your design process leads to a powerful product.

Your CRM, or Customer Resource Manager, helps you manage marketing, pre-sales, and sales activities. But are you using the right CRM? Are you using the right CRM in the right ways? Is yours outdated or dysfunctional? Today we explore the value of planning your CRM. Look ahead to what you'll need it to do as you grow, and explore ways your CRM should be connecting to other software and applications you use in order to save more time and increase efficiency.

Business processes are the coordinated systems and practices that help your business operate, and help your people understand how their roles are related to the roles of others. What happens when those processes aren't working? How do you even know? In this episode we talk about symptoms of business process breakdowns. Learn how insidious dysfunction can become, how leaders can be contributing to problems without meaning to, and why a culture of problem-solving is crucial to running an efficient, profitable organization.

The CRM, or Customer Relationship Manager, is an application that helps manage many marketing, pre-sales and sales functions. Its potential expands, however, when it can be integrated into other parts of your company, like your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, financial or accounting platforms, productivity or time tracking software, shipping and distribution and much more. In today's episode we explore how businesses can be thinking bigger about their CRM and share some real world examples of how CRM integrations have made 1+1 = 3.

The ERP ( Enterprise Resource Planning) application often acts as the brains of an organization, connecting different and disparate business units, priorities, initiatives and objectives through technology and data. In today's episode we're exploring what the ERP is, best practices for getting more out of your ERP, and how the right integrations into other systems, platforms and applications your organization is using can create enhancements with tremendous power to increase efficiency and speed up business outcomes.

When business processes have grown inefficient or ineffective, they often present obvious pain points. Redundancies, duplicate efforts, tasks taking too long to complete, multiple data points - these are all symptoms of business processes that need attention. What comes next, however, is perhaps more interesting - when broken processes are repaired, or old processes are innovated against, new opportunities emerge that maybe could've never existed before. In today's episode we share real-world examples and illustrations of how custom software development can help improve business processes, ultimately creating benefits and opportunities where none existed before.

API, or Application Programming Interface, is standardized technology that allows different applications to "talk" to each other. In today's episode we try and de-mystify the API and share real-world scenarios and situations on how an API can make integrating data for your business easy and seamless, including how the QuickBooks API can make everything from payment processing to financial task management faster and more efficient.***IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, who believes the more you know about your IT the better. Visit us at intersoftassociates.com and schedule your free consultation to talk about how custom software can help your business.

QuickBooks is incredibly popular for business bookkeeping, from small Mom & Pop Shops to large enterprise organizations. One reason is their promise that "smart, simple tools that make your whole business thrive." Among those tools is a means to integrate - or connect - other applications, systems and data into QuickBooks. In today's episode we talk about some interesting and powerful QuickBooks Integrations that helps companies customize how they do business by tailoring QuickBooks to better suit their unique needs. Get inspired, get informed, get integrated.***IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, who believes the more you know about your IT the better. Visit us at intersoftassociates.com and schedule your free consultation to talk about how custom software can help your business.

It's easy to focus on the technical aspects of software development when considering custom software  solutions, but it's important to remember that before software development there has to be relationship development. In this episode we deconstruct the process of Custom Software development a bit and explore the process of understanding how and why a custom solution might be the right fit. We'll share some real-world stories and illustrations to explore what to consider for Custom Software development, what to watch out for, and how more listening, sharing and relationship building early in our process means smarter, smoother development work later on.***IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, who believes the more you know about your IT the better. Visit us at intersoftassociates.com and schedule your free consultation to talk about how custom software can help your business.

Data Integration is, simply, how different pieces of disparate or unconnected information are brought together to create deeper layers of insight. When we share and combine data from different sources  we make “1+1=3”: the outcomes produce even more than the sum of the input. Even more important than data connection is human connection. The listening, questioning, and problem-solving that goes into the why and how of Data Integration to solve unique business challenges.In today's episode we move  from the conceptual to the practical to illustrate the effectiveness and potential of Datas Integration in businesses like yours. Let's explore some real-world examples and outcomes of the impact of properly implemented Data Integration.***IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, who believes the more you know about your IT the better. Visit us at intersoftassociates.com and schedule your free consultation to talk about how custom software can help your business.

Data is Information, and Information is Insight. Data Integration is, simply, how different pieces of disparate or unconnected information are brought together to create deeper layers of insight. Data Integration can help simplify and streamline processes in your business while also creating new ways of thinking about and applying business information and intelligence - with the goal of efficiency and more revenue. In today's episode we're talking about what Data Integration can achieve in your business, how you're probably more prepared to take advantage of integration than you think, and some of the most important steps to making Data Integration a meaningful part of your business outcomes.***IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, who believes the more you know about your IT the better. Visit us at intersoftassociates.com and schedule your free consultation to talk about how custom software can help your business.

In today's information-driven business, if data is the fuel in your engine then the database is your rocket. The right Database Consultant is your highly skilled pilot. Responsible for designing, architecting and maintaining the database or databases used by your organization, they also manage maintenance and backups. Unlike a database administrator, who's role is to focus on specific tasks or aspects of the database, a Database Consultant must have a strategic lens on the entire organization, the role data plays throughout, and how to integrate flows between the data required to achieve business goals. In today's episode, learn more about the role of the Database Consultant, what to look for, and the kinds of business transformation possible when the right Database Consultant is piloting your rocket.***IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, who believes the more you know about your IT the better. Visit us at intersoftassociates.com and schedule your free consultation to talk about how custom software can help your business.

"Big Data" is something of a misnomer, a phrase that implies only big companies might benefit. Instead, think of "Big Data" as just....data, or information. You might be used to managing information in a spreadsheet or through multiple sophisticated systems. The more and better connected your information is, the more you can do with it to nurture customers, streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, process work orders or distribution...the list goes on and on. In today's episode we develop an understanding of what Big Data is, how your company can benefit, and the essentials to putting Big Data to work for you.***IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, who believes the more you know about your IT the better. Visit us at intersoftassociates.com and schedule your free consultation to talk about how custom software can help your business.

Legacy Application Software is a software program that was written more than 5 to 7 years ago and seems to continue to work as intended. An important concept to note is that the software seems to continue to work as intended, which in many cases means it is not creating any problems in the company. This is not the same as modernized software that can solve new, relevant performance, productivity, or security problems. Legacy Software solves the problems of the past - not some of the comlex problems of today and tomorrow.In today's episode we talk through the challenges and realities of maintaining old code, why it's sometimes necessary, and how organizations can better align their software and application needs to business goals and objectives.***IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, who believes the more you know about your IT the better. Visit us at intersoftassociates.com and schedule your free consultation to talk about how custom software can help your business.

As technology continues to evolve, business practices must accompany the shift. When a business is thriving and expanding or hopes to gain that competitive advantage over others, it is essential to bridge the gap between the growth of your organization and an outdated technology system. In this episode we're exploring Legacy Software - systems in your company that satisfy a particular business problem that you might deem "works well enough," but that could be holding you back from taking advantage of newer, more advanced standards and practices.***IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, who believes the more you know about your IT the better. Visit us at intersoftassociates.com and schedule your free consultation to talk about how custom software can help your business.

In today's episode Hy Goldstoff and Abe Ungar of InterSoft Associates explore what process improvement software is and what it does, particularly in helping businesses overcome inefficient, outdated processes that can save significant money, time, and effort.IsAware is powered by InterSoft Associates, who believes the more you know about your IT the better. Visit us at intersoftassociates.com and schedule your free consultation to talk about how custom software can help your business.