Taking the hassle out of technology

so you can run your business.

You take the time to be an expert in your field. We take the time to be an expert in business technology. By leaving the tech to us, you get to concentrate on what you do best, saving you and your staff time and money. With our free consultation, it’s easier than ever to get started. Just ASK.

Find out why Chris Holman - Board Chairman, National Small Business Association
- recommends ASK.

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IN THE NEWS

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May 14, 2013

Bottom Line IT | Feat. Tony Sabo - Rizzi Design (5-14-13)

This week Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg were live in the Michigan Business Network studio to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus our special in-studio guest Tony Sabo of  Rizzi Designs of Lansing. And as always, ASK's very own Paul from the 'Just Ask Paul' segment calls in to join the tech-talk conversation.




Technology Topics Discussed:
  • Small Business is Big Business to Cyber-Criminals
  • TwitterAds are Now Available to All
  • Business NOT Embracing Windows 8
  • Studio Interview with Tony Sabo of Rizzi Designs
  • Just ASK Paul Segment
    **Be sure to check out Rizzi's 3D animation at rizzidesigns.com/3d/


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    To contact Mike, Matt, and questions for JustAsk Paul email bottomline@justask.net

    April 30, 2013

    Bottom Line IT | Feat. Joe Chahine of BBOX (4-30-13)

    This week Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg were live in the Michigan Business Network studio to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus our special in-studio guest Joe Chahine of  Black Box Network Services. And as always, ASK's very own Paul from the 'Just Ask Paul' segment calls in to join the tech-talk conversation.



    Technology Topics Discussed:
    • Be Careful What You Say to Siri
    • 'WhatsApp' is Bigger than Facebook AND Twitter!
    • Is Voice-To-Text Safer While Driving?
    • Studio Interview with Joe Chahine
    • Just ASK Paul Segment


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      To contact Mike, Matt, and questions for JustAsk Paul email bottomline@justask.net

      April 29, 2013

      ASK 20th Anniversary | Business Beat Radio










      This past week we were live from ASK's headquarters with Chris Holman and Michigan Business Network's 'Business Beat' radio show with interviews from many special guests attending the ASK 20th Anniversary Open House celebration. Guest interviews included Blaine Schultz of Advance Employment, Jeff Stevens from Maner Costerisan, Kristi Brewster of SSB Bank, Phil Sponsler of Orbitform, and Andrea Seyka of St. Vincent Catholic Charities. Check out the interviews below!




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      April 23, 2013

      Bottom Line IT | Interview With DBI & Rizzi (4/23/13)

      This week Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg were live in the Michigan Business Network studio to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus our special guests Beth Knight & Nicki Jersey from Lansing's DBI - "We Do Office". Also, an interview segment with Ken Danes of  Rizzi Designs of Lansing. And as always, ASK's very own Paul from the 'Just Ask Paul' segment calls in to join the tech-talk conversation.



      Technology Topics Discussed:

      • Airline Grounded by Technology Problem
      • How the Bad Guys are making Money with Malware
      • Are Your Competitors Driving up Your Pay Per Click Spending?
      • Is Windows 8 Killing PCs?
      • Just ASK Paul


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        To contact Mike, Matt, and questions for JustAsk Paul email bottomline@justask.net

        April 22, 2013

        ASK's 20th Anniversary Open House Pictures


        ASK's 20th Anniversary Open House


         Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  #1


          Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  #2


        Mike Maddox, ASK President

        April 12, 2013

        Bottom Line IT with Andrea Ragan (4/12/13)

        This weekend Matt Kolberg and Amy Mumby were live in the Michigan Business Network studio to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news along with special guest Andrea Ragan, Executive Director at Capital Area IT Council. Plus, our very own Paul from the 'Just Ask Paul' segment calls in to join the tech-talk conversation.


        Technology Topics Discussed:

        • Employers Have a Right to Inspect Employees Emails
        • What is the Deal with LinkedIn Endorsements?
        • Dell Getting Out of the PC Business
        • Just ASK Paul
        • Tech News Wrap-Up


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          To contact Mike, Matt, and questions for JustAsk Paul email bottomline@justask.net

          April 6, 2013

          Bottom Line IT 4/06/13 Feat. Amy Mumby

          This weekend Matt Kolberg and Amy Mumby were live in the Michigan Business Network studio to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus, our very own Paul from the 'Just Ask Paul' segment calls in to join the tech-talk conversation.



          Technology Topics Discussed:

          • Employers Have a Right to Inspect Employees Emails
          • What is the Deal with LinkedIn Endorsements?
          • Dell Getting Out of the PC Business
          • Just ASK Paul
          • Tech News Wrap-Up


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            March 30, 2013

            Bottom Line IT - Spring Arbor

            This weekend Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg will be back with you to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus, Dr. Todd Marshall, Dean of Spring Arbor University Online, was a guest on the show to discuss how technology is changing higher education. And, in usual fashion, they hung their aluminum foil antennas out the window to see if they are able to connect with Paul for some invaluable tips and tech information.


            Technology Topics Discussed:

            • Is the Success of the MSU Spartan Basketball Program Attributed to the iPractice Builder App?
            • Exclusive: Apple, Macs hit by hackers who targeted Facebook
            • Wikipedia: How Reliable is it?
            • Microsoft: Outlook Making Progress vs. Gmail


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              March 29, 2013

              ASK Job Opening: Account and Marketing Manager

              ***POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED***
               
              ASK Job Opening
              Account and Marketing Manager


              Description: Account and Marketing Manager

              Job Purpose: Serves customers by managing relationships and recommending ASK solutions to
              meet customer needs. Coordinates and manages ASK ongoing marketing and advertising
              campaigns.

              Job Duties:
              • Services existing accounts and establishes new accounts by planning and organizing daily work schedule to call on existing or potential clients.
              •  Keeps management informed by submitting activity and results reports, such as weekly work plans, and monthly and annual territory analyses.
              •  Recommends changes in products, service, and policy by evaluating results and competitive developments.
              •  Resolves customer concerns by investigating problems; developing solutions; preparing reports; making recommendations to management.
              • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
              •  Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
              Skills/Qualifications: Customer Service, Meeting Sales Goals, Closing Skills, Territory
              Management, Prospecting Skills, Negotiation, Self-Confidence, IT Knowledge and Experience,
              Presentation Skills, Client Relationships, Motivation for Sales, Marketing experience (traditional
              and social media).

              Interested Candidates: Submit resume and qualifications to humanresources@justask.net


              ASK is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to providing a positive
              work environment for all employees. Any discrimination or harassment based on an
              individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic
              is demeaning and will not be tolerated.

              March 22, 2013

              Bottom Line IT (3-23-13)

              This weekend Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg were live in the Michigan Business Network studio to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus, Paul stops by for the 'Just Ask Paul' segment to deliver some invaluable advice.







              Technology Topics Discussed:

              • US Connected Devices Exceeds 500 Million mark
              • Email Addiction in Corporate America
              • Reuters Editor Indicted for Conspiring With Hacker Group
              • Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Without Leaving Your Couch
              • Twitter Hashtags Explained
              • Small Business and Online Advertising


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                To contact Mike, Matt, and questions for JustAsk Paul email bottomline@justask.net

                March 18, 2013

                BottomLine IT Featuring Maria Jasinski

                This weekend Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg were live in the Michigan Business Network studio to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus, Maria Jasinski, Michigan Council of Women in Technology , was in the studio. And, for all of our listening pleasures, Mike and Matt got on their soup-can phones and connected with Paul for some invaluable advice.



                Technology Topics Discussed:

                • Meet the Rules of the Internet
                • Who you gonna call? New York reinvents the pay phone
                • Google is Working on a Technology That, If Perfected, Would Save 1.2 Mil Lives Per Year
                • IBM CEO Predicts Three Ways Technology Will Transform The Future Of Business
                • Bill Gates’ classroom of the future


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                  March 15, 2013

                  Bottom Line IT

                  Be sure to tune in to Bottom Line IT on the Michigan Business Network to stay informed (and have a little fun!) with news, practical tips, and answers to your most pressing technology questions.

                  The hosts, Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg, break down the technobabble and get right to the bottom line which is how you can utilize technology to do more business. The show airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9am, 2pm, 7pm and midnight.



                  To contact Mike, Matt, and questions for JustAsk Paul email bottomline@justask.net


                  March 11, 2013

                  Flying Robots Discussed on Bottom Line IT

                  Flying Robots discussed on Bottom Line IT hosted by justask.netThis past weekend on Bottom Line IT, Mike and Matt discussed robots that Professor Raffaello D'Andrea has devoted his academic life to building in ways that are more intelligent than the robots of the past.  His creations have garnered public interest due to their mind-boggling tricks such as delivering burritos and pizzas, painting walls, doing search and rescue, monitoring the environment, flying cameras for movies.  Check out videos of some of the other impressive 'tricks' these robots have mastered by visiting the Flying Machine site.  To read more, visit this article from CNN.

                  March 11, 2013

                  Bottom Line IT featuring Grigg Media

                  Grigg Media on Bottom Line IT hosted by justask.netThis weekend Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg were live in the Michigan Business Network studio to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus, Linda Grigg, President of Grigg Media, was in the studio to discuss her business and how technology has made an impact. And, for all of our listening pleasures, Mike and Matt got on their soup-can phones and connected with Paul for some invaluable advice.



                  Technology Topics Discussed:

                  • Will Yahoo inspire your boss to ban telecommuting?
                  • IBM Makes a Big Bet on OpenStack in the Cloud
                  • How Much Does Downtime Really Cost?
                  • IT Skills Shortage: The Other Critical Cliff Facing Enterprises
                  • Flying Robots Learn Mind-Boggling Tricks


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                    March 4, 2013

                    Bottom Line IT featuring Sakor Technologies

                    This weekend Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg were in the studio to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus, Randy Beattie, President of Sakor Technologies, was in the studio. And, for all of our listening pleasures, Mike and Matt reached out to Paul for some invaluable advice.


                    Technology Topics Discussed:

                    • Could a MOOC Ease Your Talent Problems?
                    • Pentagon Unveils Secure Mobile Device Plan
                    • Tablet Manageability, Security Concern Health Care Professionals: Dell
                    • ISPs in the US join forces to serve "six strikes" to illegal downloaders
                    • Google Glass: What you need to know


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                      February 26, 2013

                      Bottom Line IT featuring Spring Arbor University

                      This weekend Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg were be back with you to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus, Dr. Todd Marshall, Dean of Spring Arbor University Online, was a guest on the show to discuss how technology is changing higher education. And, in usual fashion, they hung their aluminum foil antennas out the window to see if they are able to connect with Paul for some invaluable tips and information.


                      Technology Topics Discussed:

                      • Is the Success of the MSU Spartan Basketball Program Attributed to the iPractice Builder App?
                      • Exclusive: Apple, Macs hit by hackers who targeted Facebook
                      • Wikipedia: How Reliable is it?
                      • Microsoft: Outlook Making Progress vs. Gmail


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                        February 18, 2013

                        Bottom Line IT featuring ITEC

                        This weekend Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg were with you to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus, Kirk Riley from Information Technology Empowerment Center was in the studio. And, in usual fashion, they tried to connect with Paul for some invaluable tips and information.


                        Technology Topics Discussed:

                        • Study: Americans Spend Up To 80 Percent of Internet Time 'Cyberloafing'
                        • Winning Ways to Use Social media to Prospect
                        • Crimeware Kits: What they are and how they work
                        • Despite threat, State of the Union speech not disrupted online
                        • President Obama Cracks Whip on Cybercrime


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                          February 13, 2013

                          Leadership Lowdown featuring Mike Maddox

                          In case you missed it, ASK's leader, Mike Maddox, was the featured guest on Allison McClintic's Thursday radio show, Leadership Lowdown.

                          If you are looking for a leader development professional that can authentically take you and your team to powerful levels of success, you found her! Allison is the only specialized Leader Development Expert in Mid Michigan, with unique education, training and field experience that you won't find anywhere in the State of Michigan and her Leader Development Process is fully customized to meet the needs of your team and your organization! This program builds off her other multimedia platforms, and she interviews people making a difference in leadership,... often times individuals you just might not have expected.

                          Leadership Lowdown can be heard on Michigan Business Network Radio every Tuesday at 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 10:00 PM, and 3:00 AM.


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                          February 11, 2013

                          Bottom Line IT featuring Technology Focus


                          This weekend Mike Maddox and Matt Kolberg will be with you to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. In usual fashion, they will try to connect with Paul for some invaluable tips and information.



                          Technology Topics Discussed:

                          • Windows 8 Outlook: Murky At Best
                          • Oracle Loses Bid to End HP Lawsuit
                          • Plug-and-Play Flaws Leave Millions of Devices Vulnerable
                          • Google Maps Update Brings North Korea Into Focus
                          • Testing the Science of Sharing at the Super Bowl: Can Viral Ads Be Manufactured?
                          • Twitter hacked: 250,000 Accounts at Risk
                          • VOCO's Sexist Ad Demonstrates That the Tech Industry Badly Needs Women


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                            February 4, 2013

                            ASK's Super Bowl XLVII Appearance

                            Did 'your' team win the Super Bowl? More importantly, did you see ASK's 5 second ad? Our spot aired just before the start of the second half. While we aren't admitting responsibility for the power outage, it did give us a second chance to catch your attention. Maybe they could have benefited from some of ASK's services to keep their systems running. Regardless, in case you were refilling your chip bowl or blinded by tears from the Budwiser commercial (tears that you were claiming to be a result of the spicy wings), you can catch our teaser ad on our YouTube site by clicking HERE

                            February 4, 2013

                            Bottom Line IT featuring Merchant Solutions


                            This weekend Mike Maddox was back is back from vacation to host the show with Matt Kolberg to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus, Jerry Adams, Manager - Merchant Solutions International was on the show. Also, some invaluable tips and information from Paul.





                            Technology Topics Discussed:
                            • Microsoft Office 2013: Nice upgrades, but save your cash
                            • Wanted: 40 trillion gigabytes of open storage, stat!
                            • Marissa Mayer calls Yahoo turnaround a 'multi-year-march'
                            • Super Bowl XLVII: Online streaming, apps, and more


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                              January 29, 2013

                              Bottom Line IT featuring LEAP

                              This weekend Amy Mumby was back in to host the show with Matt Kolberg to discuss today's HOT topics in technology news. Plus, Jeff Smith, Co-Director, New Economy Division - Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) was in the studio. Also, some invaluable tips and information from Paul.



                              Technology Topics Discussed:
                              • Ford Looks to Developers For Smart Car Momentum
                              • Homeland Security Releases Binder Detailing Internet Monitoring
                              • Google Declares War on the Password
                              • Microsoft May Back Dell Buyout

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                                January 21, 2013

                                Bottom Line IT featuring mLive


                                This weekend Amy Mumby was in the studio to host with Matt Kolberg. Plus, Becky Kanaby, Senior Sales Consultant at mLive Media Group was on the show. Also, some invaluable tips and information from Paul.






                                Technology Topics Discussed:
                                • Oracle Releases Software Update to Fix Java Vulnerability
                                • SMBs Not Ready to Retire Windows XP
                                • FBI, Facebook Take Down $850 Million Crime Ring
                                • Samsung Galaxy: Big Competition for Apple's iPhone
                                  The Rest Of The Show
                                  • Interview with Becky Kanaby, Senior Sales Consultant - mLive Media Group
                                  • Just ASK Paul

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                                  January 16, 2013

                                  Is Today "The Day?"

                                  While it is difficult to know just how many hard drives crash each day, there are two statistics that are guaranteed:

                                  1) 100% of hard drives will fail.
                                  2) When your hard drive fails, it will be at an extremely inconvenient time.

                                  When it comes to small and medium businesses, these are statistics that are often overlooked for one reason or another.  Unfortunately, businesses that don't consider these statistics are also not prepared for such an event to occur by having a disaster recovery plan in effect.  The ramifications of not being prepared for today being "the day" can be costly to the point of closing your doors forever.

                                  Being a business owner comes with the responsibility of considering the "what if's" in all aspects of the business.  Certainly you considered the "what if" scenario for the physical/material assets of your business and purchased some level of insurance.  While it is an expenditure that no business owner wants to make, it is realized to be a necessity for continuity reasons.  Fortunately, the majority of the physical/material assets of your business can be rebuilt.  Unfortunately,  the critical data needed to run your business is not covered by your insurance plan, so if continuity was a concern, in a disaster scenario, you are left with not much continuity at all.  This is where a proactive solution offered by ASK comes into play.

                                  A recent study discovered that, of companies experiencing a "major loss" of computer records, 43 percent never reopened, 51 percent closed within two years of the loss, and a mere 6 percent survived over the long-term.
                                  Scary numbers. Yet so easily preventable! At ASK, we specialize not only in IT Services, IT Support, and Technology Help, but also automated backups that are smart and scalable for your business. One of our most popular devices takes snapshots of all the data on your servers up to every 15 minutes for better recovery point objectives. Then, if the need arises, our business continuity solution can restore server operations in 30 minutes or less using advanced virtualization tools. This solution also includes daily offsite bicoastal encrypted backups to ensure business continuity.


                                  Because we are passionate about the success of small & medium businesses, ASK is offering free consultations for qualified businesses. Contact us to let us know how ASK can help you!

                                  January 8, 2013

                                  ASK Announcements



                                  Announcement of Personnel Changes at ASK

                                  From the desk of Michael Maddox, President of ASK.

                                  I am very pleased to make a number of significant announcements of change at ASK.  These changes will continue to improve upon our ability to deliver benchmark setting levels of quality service that we pride ourselves on. 


                                  First I am happy to announce a number of promotions and position changes. 

                                  Effective January 1, 2013
                                  ·         Paul Silva has been promoted to Technical Services Team Leader. 
                                  ·         Scott Spalding has been promoted to Director of Technical Support. 
                                  ·         Matt Kolberg has been promoted to the position of General Manager of Account Services. 
                                  ·         Gordon Larkins will be moving to the position of Account Manager. 

                                  Secondly, I am happy to announce a new member of team ASK. 

                                  Craig Pontiuswill be joining us as a Technical Consultant.  Craig comes to us with an extensive background in technology and will be a valuable member of our team.


                                  Finally, I am proud to unofficially announce the office expansion at ASK.  Due to our continued growth and constant efforts to improve the quality of service we provide, we felt it was time to expand the ASK office and open the “ASK Technical Services Center.”  This expansion will allow us the ability to continue to grow our team and provide the level of service our clients have come to know and expect.  We are planning an official announcement and ribbon cutting ceremony for February 6, 2013.


                                   ASK is a full service IT products and services provider serving the needs of Michigan businesses since 1993. The ASK staff is a team of hand-selected professionals with up-to-the-minute proficiency in leading technology solutions.

                                  -Eliminate IT problems
                                  -Ensure that your data is safe and backed up
                                  -Flat fee Unlimited Help Desk
                                  -Complete Virtual IT department 24 hours a day


                                  # # #


                                  If you’d like more information about this topic, please call Nick Foster at 517/999-0227 or email at marketing@justask.net

                                  Welcome

                                  ASK is a Lansing based full-service IT products and IT services provider serving the needs of Michigan businesses.

                                  We combine personalized customer attention, technical excellence and project efficiency to ensure that we always exceed our customer's expectations.

                                  IT Support Michigan

                                  The ASK staff is a team of hand-selected professionals with up-to-the-minute proficiency in leading technology solutions. Each member of our team is committed to strong customer service values and a genuine passion for leveraging technology in order to deliver business results.

                                  For all of your business technology and computer service needs, just ask for ASK!

                                  Mission Statement

                                  ASK is committed to taking the hassle out of technology in order to allow our customers to more effectively run their businesses. Our value is in our ability to combine superior technology with outstanding service. The customer's best interest will guide every decision that we make.