Pressroom
Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Conference – 2/2010
Prescient Solutions was proud to be a sponsoring vendor of the MABAS 2010 Annual Conference in Peoria, IL. Dennis Hasenfang, Senior Developer with Prescient Solutions presented the new "MABAS - IL Web Presence" to an audience of over 150 statewide Emergency personnel. The New MABAS Website will become the central platform where all state wide fire agencies come together to collaborate. It will provide centralized management of information which will ensure all agencies are working together with the most up to date procedures.
Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) – 2/2010
Prescient was again proud to sponsor Crawlin' for the Fallen, a pub crawl fundraiser for Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS). COPS provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Prescient supports Information Technology for several local Police Departments and we are honored to contribute to this annual event.
Employee Anniversary Celebrations - 1/2010
We are pleased to congratulate the following employees celebrating 5 or more years of service with Prescient Solutions during the upcoming quarter. We are proud of their dedication and contributions to the Prescient Team:
- Eric Datwyler – 5 years
- Joe Nonneman – 6 years
- Sergio Salgado – 5 years
HDI (Help Desk Institute) Service Management Conference and Expo 2009
Held November 6th - 11th in Washington, D.C., Prescients' Tom Pettenon and Marc Palano HDI Members attended. This conference focused on the critical role of support in service management. The conference was comprised of five sessions each containing interactive intense workshops including Process Management, People Management, Service Reporting, and Strategic Business Alignment. As the industry's premier certification and training body, HDI is the world's largest IT service and support membership association.
25th Annual Illinois Public Safety Telecommunications Association Conference
Prescient was proud to participate in the 25th Annual Illinois Public Safety Telecommunications Conference in Springfield, IL, October 18th - 21st. Jerry Irvine, Prescient's CIO, presented a breakout session on the advantages and challenges of cloud computing entitled, Develop Your Own Cloud: Shared IT Services.
For more information, please follow the link below to read Irvine's article published in the October 2009 ILCMA Newsletter on the benefits of sharing IT services, or email Jerry at jirvine@pswetakecareofit.com.
The ILCMA newsletter can be found here.
Employee Anniversary Celebrations - 10/2009
We are pleased to congratulate the following employees celebrating 5 or more years of service with Prescient Solutions during the upcoming quarter. We are proud of their dedication and contributions to the Prescient Team:
- John Doser - 7 years
- Eric Stearns - 7 years
Prescient Attends DHS Global Cyber Security Conference - 8/2009
Held August 4th-6th in Washington, D.C., Prescients’ Jerry Irvine and Brendan Speer attended the Global Cyber Security Conference hosted by the Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate, the United States Secret Service Criminal Investigation Division, and the CyberScience Laboratory; the event brought a wide range of cyber experts together from the public and private sectors, and from 18 different countries. Attendees ranged from Secret Service, to Foreign cyber experts, the private sector, prosecutors, and anti-terrorism task force agents.
Presentations were given from many professionals and policy makers in the fields of cyber crime and cyber security. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano gave the key note address, where she spoke of the importance of leveraging all of the nation’s diverse recourse to combat this new, but very real and dangerous threat. The New York County District Attorney’s office gave a fascinating and detailed explanation of how one of the largest money laundering and wire fraud internet schemes was brought down several years ago. Several experts from the US Secret Service, Microsoft, and Academia talked about the current threat landscape, and even where threats might go in the near future.
Many examples of new and still in development technologies were demonstrated as well. Two new techniques to fight against malware by using an automated reverse engineering strategy were demonstrated by both McAfee and DBGary. Several advances in the field of information gathering and display were also demonstrated, bringing together diverse datasets of information for analysis by experts. Techniques and challenges in forensic examination and protection were also discussed, from cellular devices to traditional cold-box computer techniques.
Employee Anniversary Celebrations - 7/2009
We are pleased to congratulate the following employees celebrating 5 or more years of service with Prescient Solutions during the upcoming quarter. We are proud of their dedication and contributions to the Prescient Team:
- Rosemarie Longo - 10 years
- Mike Shillaci - 5 years
- Scott Schimmel - 7 years
- Mike Swaney - 7 years
- Pete Zaikowski - 6 years
- Jeff Zerwer - 5 years
Matt Catania Anniversary Presentation - 6/2009
On June 3, 2009, Prescient was pleased to present Matt Catania his 10 Year Service Award. Matt's dedication and commitment to Prescient are truly appreciated. Pictured (left to right) are Matt Catania, Account Relationship Manager; Jeff Scheper, CEO; and Jerry Irvine, CIO. Congratulations Matt!
Prescient Employee Wins the "Support Services-Employee of the Year" Award at DU-COMM 6/2009
Prescient's own Chris Cieplinski was recognized as playing a vital role in providing operational support for the DuPage Public Safety Communications 911 Dispatch Center (DU-COMM). The award is granted to personnel who have demonstrated the highest levels of personal and professional conduct and superior performance in the line of duty. It is especially meaningful since the winner is elected by DU-COMM personnel. Congratulations, Chris!
Prescient CIO Jerry Irvine Presents to Illinois City/County Managers Association (ILCMA) Summer Conference - 6/2009
Prescient Solutions CIO Jerry Irvine was asked to participate in a panel discussion on "Emergency Notification Systems - Communicating During a Crisis". Along with Buffalo Grove Deputy Village Manager Ghida Neukirch, Jerry Irvine discussed various ways that municipalities can communicate with their citizens in times of crisis. Various technologies were discussed (email, text, telephone, etc), along with the technological considerations for choosing and building such a system. The Annual ILCMA Summer Conference was held on June 10-12 in Galena, IL.
Employee Anniversary Celebrations - 4/2009
We are pleased to congratulate the following employees celebrating 5 or more years of service with Prescient Solutions during the upcoming quarter. We are proud of their dedication and contributions to the Prescient Team:
- Tony Bellisario – 5 years
- Matt Catania – 10 years
- Rich Ketter – 6 years
- Jeff Lindeman – 6 years
- Pat O’Brien – 5 years
- Marc Palano – 8 years
Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) – 2/2009
Once again this year, Prescient sponsored Crawlin' for the Fallen, a pub crawl fundraiser for Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS). COPS provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Prescient supports Information Technology for several local Police Departments and we are honored to contribute to this annual event.
Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Conference – 2/2009
Prescient Solutions was proud to be a sponsoring vendor of the MABAS 2009 Annual Conference during February in Peoria, IL. Jerry Irvine, Prescient Solutions CIO, presented a "One Stop Shop" session on the web-site design project. Many manual processes will be automated to ensure the MABAS members have enhanced and current information.
Springs Magazine – The International Magazine of Spring Manufacture - 1/2009
"Home Computer Equipment Is Not Useful For The Business World”
By Jerry Irvine
Promotions & Career Moves – 1/2009
Prescient is pleased to announce that Tom Pettenon, formerly Vice President, Client Services has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Client Service. While Tom continues to be responsible for our overall client satisfaction, he will also assume the duties of coordinating internal business operations.
Illinois Public Safety Telecommunications Association Conference (IPSTA) – 10/2008
Prescient participated for the second year in the Illinois Public Safety Telecommunications Association Conference (IPSTA) in conjunction with the Illinois Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (INENA) on October 19th-22nd, in Springfield, Illinois. The annual Conference covers all facets of public safety including public safety communications, personnel issues, and exposure to the latest in systems and technologies. With our longstanding involvement and solid reputation in supporting “always-on” 911 Communication Centers, Prescient was pleased and proud to have supported the conference again this year.
ILCMA Newsletter - 10/2008
"Use Your IT $ Wisely—Increase Performance While Increasing Security"
By Jerry Irvine
Mayor Richard Daley Visits Tempel Steel - 8/2008
On Thursday, August 21, Mayor Richard Daley announced that Tempel Steel will expand and renovate its existing Chicago manufacturing plant to keep more than 350 jobs in Illinois rather than to an alternative facility in Mexico. Tempel Steel, founded in Chicago by Tempel Smith 63 years ago, is one of Prescient Solutions’ long-valued clients and is a global producer of laminated steel products.
During Daley’s visit to Tempel Steel, Prescient’s Rich Ketter, Service Delivery Manager responsible for Tempel Steel, had the opportunity to greet Mayor Daley and thank him for his efforts to strengthen Tempel’s presence in Chicago’s manufacturing community.
Day at the Races - 8/2008
On Saturday, August 16, Prescient Solutions held its 6th
Annual “Day at the Races” outing for employees and their guests
at Arlington Park Race Track. We shared great camaraderie and
placed wagers on our favorite horses from the comforts of
Marquee Tents 1 & 2. The Fifth race was especially important as
it was sponsored by Prescient Solutions. In that race,
Little Mac Attack posted the win with Wild
Expectations and We’re for Real coming
in second and third, respectively. Pictured is the trophy
presentation including (front) Weldon Brooks, Tom Pettenon,
Rosemarie Longo, and Little Mac Attack’s Jockey
Karlsson, (back) Pete Zaikowski, Ken Simonds, Tony Bellisario
and Scott Schimmel. Special thanks to Pete Zaikowski for sharing
“Pete’s Picks” throughout the day!!
Chicago technology expert named to National Cyber Security Task Force
Schaumburg, Ill., July 7, 2008 -- Jerry
Irvine, CIO/COO of Prescient Solutions, has been selected to
join the National Cyber Security Task Force, a joint task force
between the
Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Cyber Security
Division and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
One of the objectives of the National Cyber Security Division
(NCSD) is to implement a cyber-risk management program for
protection of critical infrastructure and key resources
including communications, energy, financial services, chemical
and transportation. Irvine and other industry experts from
across the country will engage federal decision-makers on cyber
security policy and share information and best practices related
to IT security planning, preparedness and resilience.
The Task Force’s formation is based on the sobering reality that
the federal government cannot safeguard Internet security alone.
According to the Cyber Security Working Group, a subsector of
the Task Force, federal policymakers are factoring in the
central role played by the private sector in developing any
initiatives to strengthen cyber security nationwide. About 90
percent of the nation’s network infrastructure is managed and
owned by the private sector, so a national cyber security
framework must be balanced with private sector input and
cooperation. That’s why authorities, like Irvine, were selected.
He is an expert in network communications and protocols through
his 20 plus years in IT services.
As a partner in Prescient Solutions, a leading IT services firm
in the area, he has helped countless companies and
municipalities safeguard their networks from cyber threats.
“Cyber security threats are serious and growing,” says Irvine.
“The safety and security of our online activities are critical
to the economic health of our nation. Companies and
municipalities large and small must take ongoing steps to keep
their network operations safe and secure. I am honored to offer
my expertise on this issue on a national scale.” Prescient
Solutions is a virtual Information Technology Services Company
that helps global business clients, local municipalities,
schools and governmental agencies maximize technology resources
and minimize IT expenditures.
The Business Ledger - 5/2008
"The Business Ledger - Home Computer network doesn't hack it for business -- By Jerry Irvine"
Caution: you might have already tripped into a serious security gap created by the type of networking equipment you use. It’s a little recognized hazard. To save money, smaller and medium-sized businesses buy consumer plug-and-play networking equipment over robust enterprise-grade gear, only to end up surrendering higher levels of security, reliability and performance.
Warren Buffett Visits The Marmon Group - 3/2008
After successfully completing his 60% acquisition of Marmon Holdings, Warren Buffett stopped by The Marmon Group’s Chicago headquarters where Prescient Solutions' Jeff Lindeman was pleased to meet him. Prescient Solutions is honored to be one of the key resources that helps make Marmon an industry leader and we look forward to continuing that close relationship as Marmon becomes a holding of Berkshire Hathaway.
ITW Technology Conference - 3/2008
Prescient Solutions was invited to speak during the
semi-annual ITW Technology Conference held at the Arizona Grand
Resort in Phoenix, AZ, March 11th – 14th, 2008. ITW is a leading
industrial company that operates 825 businesses located in 52
countries worldwide.
At the gathering of more than 200 ITW Business Unit
representatives, Marc Palano, Vice President of Sales for
Prescient Solutions, provided updates on the vital ITW
technology initiatives being supported by Prescient and gave
suggestions on how each Unit can be proactive in managing
information flow within ITW's decentralized network
infrastructure.
For more information about the topics discussed at this
conference or to learn how Prescient can help you manage your IT
infrastructure, please contact Prescient Solutions at
847-240-3900 or
info@pswetakecareofIT.com.
Chicago Tribune –
Local Promotions & Career Moves -
3/2008
Prescient Solutions, a Schaumburg-based virtual information technology services company, named Jeff Scheper chief executive officer and James Lagattuta president and chief financial officer.
View the article here.
How one software developer uses continuous data protection for data recovery.
How Prescient Development uses Double-Take's TimeSpring
CDP
By Deni Connor, NetworkWorld.com, 01/22/08
Earlier this month, Double-Take Software acquired
TimeSpring, a vendor of continuous data protection (CDP)
software. TimeSpring's TimeData is available for several
Windows applications - Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server and
the Windows NT File System (NTFS). The software, which is
host-based, allows IT to recover files from any point in
time. Among the customers of TimeData include software
developer Prescient Development in Schaumburg, Ill.
"Several years ago our clients started off with no CDP and
had no real-time protection," says Scott Schimmel, IT
director for Prescient Development.
"If something went wrong, we had to go back to one of our
nightly backups. Backups were great, except we needed to
find a solution that would allow us to recover client data
real-time in the Microsoft Exchange environment," says
Schimmel. "If a user lost a file that was created the same
day, we wouldn't be able to go to yesterday's backup to find
it because it wouldn't exist."
"We needed a solution that had CDP capability and would let
us recover data from multiple hours to seconds, days to the
week or week to the month."
Schimmel is using Double-Take's TimeData to recover
Microsoft Exchange and SQL Server files and some NTFS files
that are critical to the operations of their clients.
Prescient Development has about 1,000 users who are
benefiting from CDP.
Double-Take Software is busy integrating TimeSpring's
products. Until integration is complete, pricing is not
available for TimeSpring's TimeData software.
New Addition to Client Service - 7/2007
We're pleased to announce the addition of Tom Pettenon to the
Prescient Solutions team. Tom is our new Vice President, Client
Services and is responsible for the continuous support and the
overall satisfaction of our ever-expanding client base. Our
clients always come first and Tom will make sure that continues.
Before joining Prescient Solutions, Tom enjoyed more than 20
years of multi-industry experience including Transportation,
Publishing, Education, Finance and IT Professional Services. He
has held leadership positions in Product Development, Client
Relations Management, IT Operations, Service Management and
Customer Service for industry leading companies such as Rand
McNally, Forsythe Solutions, Comdisco, Aon Corporation and
Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC).

