Carnes Group —
Your Single Source for
Technology Services
AND Products!

email:
info4me@carnesgroup.com

July 4, 2010 -  Carnes Group is now authorized to offer Microsoft Online Services. This suite of services includes Business Productivity Online Standard Suite which consists of Exchange Online Standard, SharePoint Online Standard, Office Communications Online Standard, and Office Live Meeting Service. We believe that Microsoft Exchange Online could be a compelling option for smaller businesses with mailboxes of up to 5GB for only $5/month - and the mailbox can grow to as high as 25GB. Microsoft offers 7x24 Support, 99.99% uptime, daily backups and much more. In addition to Exchange Online, you can also get SharePoint Online for $5.35/month, Office Communication Server for $2/month, Live Meeting for $4.59/month – or the ENTIRE suite for $10/month (all per user). For very small businesses with aging servers, we believe a combination of Windows 2008 R2 (with Hyper-V) onsite for applications and files along with Exchange Online may be the best solution and a better alternative than Windows Small Business Server 2008.

November 5, 2009 - The Microsoft BIG EASY program is back!  Earn partner dollars to use toward your IT needs when you buy Open Licenses software from Microsoft.  Call us and we will get you setup!

October 22 , 2009 - Microsoft released Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 - these are landmark releases customers need ot look at closely.

June 16, 2009 - The Microsoft Office promotion is good until July 2 - please see our June newsletter for details.  This can save a business thousands of dollars!  Open licenses are 20% off and Open Value with Software Assurance is 15% off.

June 8, 2009 - Carnes Group is proud to become a Sunbelt Software reseller.  Sunbelt's VIPRE Enterprise is one of the best antivirus products on the market - check them out at www.sunbeltsoftware.com.

June 1, 2009 - Syspine Response Point Promo prices have been extended until June 30 - buy a 4 port Syspine Base with 6 phones for $1,599!

January 20, 2009 - Ed Carnes of Carnes Group has been named to the Wesbell AastraLink Response Point Resellers Council.  As a member of this group, Ed will work directly with Wesbell and Aastra to help shape the partner and reseller programs for Response Point offerings.  Carnes Group has a full line of Aastra Response Point equipment in our office.

January 2, 2009 - Carnes Group's 2009 Services prices are now set and be can be seen by clicking here.

November 14, 2008 - Carnes Group now the full line of Aastra and Syspine Microsoft Response Point equipment in our office.  Call (615) 778-8804 ext. 100 to schedule a demo!

August 10, 2008 - Carnes Group is now featured in a Microsoft Response Point Case Study.  Read about how we implemented this revolutionary product internally and how it can benefit you and your business - just click here!

August 1, 2008 - Carnes Group now also offers the Aastra line of Microsoft Response Point equipment.  With three distinct phones, the product set offers headset jacks, cordless phones and the ability to expand to 20 analog lines. The Aastra line has something for everyone.  We also continue to offer the Quanta Syspine line of Microsoft Response Point equipment, which keeps getting even better.  Both lines have PoE phones and are interchangable.  We cover Tennessee, Kentucky and now Alabama.  Contact us for a brochure - just click here!

July 7, 2008 - Carnes Group now has a permanent, fully functioning Microsoft Response Point demo in our office.  Call (615) 778-8804 ext. 100 to schedule a demo!

June 25, 2008 - Carnes Group will hold a Microsoft Response Point Event and Demonstration at 3:30 p.m. at the Microsoft Office in Franklin, TN.  Attendees will get to hear more about Response Point, see it in action, and interact with a fully functioning system to see if it might be right for their business.  To register to attend this FREE event, please call (615) 778-8804 ext. 222.  For more information, click here for a event brochure.

January 2, 2008 - Carnes Group has been selected as a Microsoft Response Point-trained Reseller, the only one in Tennessee.   Our primary focus will be the Southeast covering Tennessee, Kentucky and surrounding states but we can obtain equipment and do implementations anywhere in the US.  Ed Carnes was a beta participant and early adopter for Response Point and is one of the most knowledgeable partners for this technology in the U.S.  Carnes Group has been running Response Point internally since October 2007 and has partnered with Quanta, CMP, and DLINK to bring the full solution set to our customers.  Call us today - we can give you a quote with financing in under an hour!

November 10, 2007 - Carnes Group is pleased to announce our "Unified Communications and Mobility" offering, available in December 2007.  This will concentrate on the implementation of Microsoft Response Point software and Voice over IP hardware for Small/Medium business; Microsoft Communication Server, Live Meeting Server and Office Communicator for Medium/Large business; and Mobility Solutions based on Windows Mobile for businesses of all sizes.   Carnes Group has implemented this technology in our own office and will bring that experience to you.  Finally, small and medium businesses can take advantage of the same technology available to large companies at a reasonable price anyone can afford.  Contact us for more information!

March 1, 2007 - Daylight Savings Time changes this March 11th.  In August 2005, The US Congress passed the Energy Policy Act, which changes the start and end of Daylight Savings Time (DST).  This affects computers and email calendars.   See the Carnes Group March 2007 newsletter for more information on how to address these changes.

January 25, 2006 - Carnes Group has developed a Monthly Newsletter for our clients, partners and interested parties.  The newsletters will cover current technology issues and information of interest, give tips and hints on using technology and will highlight solutions, customers and partner news.  The newsletter is posted on the website several weeks after it is sent out.   SIGN UP NOW FOR YOUR COPY!  Please send us an email to us and we'll sign you!

January 5, 2006 - Carnes Group has again achieved Microsoft GOLD Certified Partner level and has re-qualified in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency and Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency areas. In addition, Carnes Group has earned the Information Worker Solution Competency recognition this year.  These achievements recognize our demonstrated expertise in the full lifecycle of Microsoft Infrastructure Technology and showcase our expanding presence in the field of Information knowledge Management by helping workers better use technology to make business decisions.

These three competencies and Gold Certified Partner status truly puts Carnes Group in an elite level apart from other technology companies in the area and demonstrates our commitment to growth through "Treating Others Like We Want To Be Treated".

December 26, 2006 -  We are happy to announce that our 2006 "Customer Referral Challenge" winner is

Megan Soto, from Soto and Associates.  Megan has won two “Full Day of Peace” all day spa sessions (valued at $698) at a premier salon, A Moment’s Peace Salon and Day Spa in Cool Springs. Congratulations Megan and thank you for your referrals!  Stay tuned for an announcement soon for the for the 2007 "Carnes Group Customer Referral Challenge"

December 11, 2006 - Jason Elkins has joined Carnes Group LLC as a Business Development Consultant.  In his role, Jason will be leading marketing, sales, client development and business development opportunities in the US market as well as interfacing with Microsoft, Dell, HP and other partners.   Jason will focus on Small/Medium business technology needs and large scale Microsoft infrastructure projects.  Jason Elkins has over 12 years of business development experience in the IT market.   He has specialized in helping small businesses with their unique challenges.  Welcome Jason!

October 20, 2006 - Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 is now released and Microsoft has dropped support for Windows XP SP1.  See "Security Alerts" above for instructions on downloading and installing IE 7 and how to upgrade your Windows XP systems to SP2.

October 10, 2006 - Ed Carnes has been named as a member of the Microsoft Partner Research Panel.  The Microsoft Partner Research Panel allows Microsoft Partners the opportunity to help evolve and improve the Microsoft Partner Program and Microsoft products.

August 22, 2006 - Carnes Group continues to take an active role in working with our fellow Microsoft Partners, and Ed Carnes has been elected President of the Tennessee chapter of the International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP) and will serve as the chair of the Board of Directors.

March 6, 2006 - Carnes Group is happy to announce our new "Customer Referral" program as a reward and way to say "thanks" to our customers.  For each new customer you refer that selects Carnes Group for a paid engagement, we will enter your name into a drawing for a FULL Day of Pampering for Two, at a Premier Salon and Day Spa in the Nashville (Cool Springs) area. 

The program will run from January 1 thru December 14, 2006, and is available for all our current and past customers.   All referrals must be received by Carnes Group in writing by mail, fax or email with the customer name, contact information, opportunity or need and your contact information.  You will be informed if your referral meets the criteria of the program right away!  The drawing will be held on Friday December 15, 2006.  Click here for more information as well as the program rules.  Keep those referrals coming!  

November 23, 2005 - Carnes Group has achieved Microsoft GOLD Certified Partner level.  This elite level represents the highest level of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies and Gold partners have the closest working relationship with Microsoft.  At this level, Carnes Group has special access to resources and support needed to further utilize our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to best support our clients.  This is an EXCITING accomplishment for Carnes Group and make them one of the few Gold Partners in all of Tennessee.

July 18, 2005 - Carnes Group has achieved the Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency as a Microsoft Certified Partner. The Microsoft Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Competency is for technology partners that have proven their expertise in designing and/or implementing complex infrastructure solutions based on design, migration and deployment of technologies such as Windows Server, Active Directory, Exchange, SQL Server, Systems Management Server and other infrastructure technologies.

This elite level and achievement further strengthens Carnes Group’s commitment to providing world-class desktop, server and network solutions based on Microsoft products for its customers.

July 9, 2005 - Carnes Group has joined the International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP).  The IAMCP provide Partners a greater voice into Microsoft and facilitates mutual growth and business development. Get more information at www.iamcp.org.

June 10, 2005 - Carnes Group has moved to new offices on Mallory Station Road in the Cool Springs area of Franklin, TN.

January 12, 2005 - Carnes Group has joined the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).  The National Federation of Independent Business is the nation's largest small-business advocacy group representing the consensus views of its 600,000 members in DC and all 50 state capitals.  Get more information at www.nfib.org.

October 22, 2004 - Carnes Group has achieved the Network Infrastructure Solutions Competency level as a Microsoft Certified Partner.  This recognizes those Certified Partners who have proven expertise in building technology solutions based on Microsoft Windows Server 2003/2000 technology, with a particular focus on Windows Small Business Server 2003/2000.

May 13, 2004 - Special Home/Residential PC/Network Services are now available for residents of the Metro Nashville and Middle Tennessee area.  See the "Services" section for more information.

May 12, 2004 - Special offers and deals are now available through this website by going to "Special Offers and Deals" in the "Hardware and Software Sales" section.

May 12, 2004 - Carnes Group has been named an HP Authorized Business Development Partner and Partner Direct Reseller. Coming soon - get discounts on HP equipment purchased through our website - see the "Hardware and Software Sales" section.

April 20, 2004 - Carnes Group now offers discounts on Dell equipment purchased through our website - see the "Hardware and Software Sales" section and click on the Dell icon.  Also, Brochures detailing each of our services are now available through the website. See the "Services" section for more information.

April 01, 2004 - Carnes Group now accepts credit cards payment through the Pay Pal network.  Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

March 22, 2004 - Carnes Group announces that it has added a Technology Risk Audit service for those companies that have issues with technology, business alignment to technology, or need to address/satisfy audit criteria for their technology areas.  See the "Services" section for more information.

March 17, 2004 - Carnes Group announces that it is proud to help sponsor and support the Grand Master Fiddler Championship Inc., a nonprofit corporation formed to promote fiddling and traditional music.  The organization plans to hold the annual Grand Master Fiddler Championship contest each year.   Visit www.grandmasterfiddler.com for more information.

March 2, 2004 - Carnes Group announces that it is proud to now be a member of the Nashville Technology Council as well as the Nashville SQL Servers Users Group (NashSQL).

February 10, 2004 - Carnes Group now provides Home PC and Networking Support for residential users.  Our Engineers will come to your house and diagnose the problems you might have with your equipment or software, including your network.  See details in the "Services" section or Click here to request more information and pricing.

January 05, 2004 - News Release

Contact:  Carnes Group LLC
Telephone:  (615) 791-1995
E-mail:   Carnes Group

Announcing the formation of Carnes Group LLC Information Technology and Management Consulting

Franklin, Tennessee – Carnes Group LLC, an Information Technology and Management Consulting solutions company, today announced the opening of its new office in Franklin, TN.  Carnes Group LLC provides management and information technology services and products such as desktop support and systems management for small and medium businesses to allow them to better concentrate on their core business.  Carnes Group also offers specialized Microsoft, Project and Risk Management Consulting to large corporate firms.

“Our company was established because we feel that I.T. companies should understand both Technology AND Business - not one or the other – and we pride ourselves on looking at technology as a business enabler. We believe that technology is only as good as it can assist a business to focus on its core products and services - businesses should not need to be ‘IT Experts’ or stuck needing specialized help with no support” according to Ed Carnes, Managing Partner and CIO of Carnes Group LLC.  “We do not believe in high pressure sales, we rely on our work and reputation – a satisfied customer is the best advertising” he notes.

Carnes Group LLC emphasizes making Information Technology straightforward, transparent and easy.  By taking care of the details, such as the latest patches, virus files, or the new software or hardware deployments, Carnes Group enables the customer to focus on their core business functions. “We will be your personal I.T. staff - while you do what makes money for your business” says Ed Carnes.

The business model of Carnes Group LLC is rather unique and has two major areas of emphasis.  The first area is end-user support such as desktop, network, and related activities that enable the normal worker to have the technology they need at their fingertips.  This area is primarily aimed toward small and medium businesses.  The second is specialized Microsoft Infrastructure, Project and Risk Management areas, done on a project basis only, for all sizes of companies.  Why such an uncommon focus?  “As a person who has been on both sides of the desk, as a customer and a consultant, I found that few I.T. consulting companies were really interested in solving my end-user and day to day technology management needs.  The work was just not lucrative enough for them; yet I really needed that kind of ongoing support.  I want to be able to solve this issue, especially for the small and medium size businesses out there” explained Ed Carnes.  “I also found that from time to time I needed specific expertise or some employee mentoring in certain areas particularly with Microsoft Infrastructure, Project Management and Risk Management.  Almost every company I spoke to wanted to sell me a lot of expensive consultants for as long as they could – they were not listening to what I really needed.  I want to be able to advise and provide my customers with what THEY need – not what I want them to need.”

Carnes Group LLC is a Microsoft Certified Partner, a Dell Small and Medium Business Partner, and offers software licensing through Licensing Online and all types of technology needs through PC Wholesale. Additional information about Carnes Group LLC can be found on the Internet at www.carnesgroup.com.