Even as the world economy begins to show signs of rebounding, many organizations may be considering the merger and acquisition process. In a whitepaper now available on GraVoc.com, the GraVoc information security team analyzes the M&A process and the role of IT and information security considerations within the M&A due diligence step.
In order to access the whitepaper, it is necessary to enter a limited amount of information. GraVoc assures your information will remain confidential and will not be disseminated to any third parties.
Also available on the information security page is more detailed information in PDF files detailing the scope of services provided by the GraVoc team. An additional whitepaper addressing operational risk assessment is also available from this page.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, a full-service consulting firm based in Peabody, MA, is dedicated to providing solutions for businesses through the use of technology. To assist clients in an M&A process, GraVoc would leverage the knowledge of its staff spanning several of its practices. GraVoc provides consulting services in the practices of information systems, IT & professional services, information security, and media production. For more general information about the company and the services offered, please visit GraVoc.com.
October 29, 2010
October 20, 2010
"New Set of Eyes"
Every Wednesday, including today, you can check out GraVoc's new advertising spot on Banker & Tradesman's website. This spot features GraVoc's information security services as "a new set of eyes" for regional banks and credit unions looking to verify their compliance with laws such as the Massachusetts Privacy Law and GLBA.
Many regulatory examiners encourage financial institutions to perform due diligence on their risk management and audit vendors, essentially encouraging another set of eyes. Obviously, with three ISACA-certified professionals on staff, we would like to be that set of eyes. Furthermore, we find it to be troubling that many audit firms find no problem performing risk management work and then auditing their own work. GraVoc can be there on either side of the equation, providing true impartiality.
GraVoc is aware that many financial institutions are currently feeling pressure to complete certain projects by the end of the year. With ten weeks left before the new year, we strongly encourage firms trying to accomplish such a task to contact us sooner than later so that we can initiate, perform, and complete risk management and information security projects in a timely fashion.
Among the services offered by GraVoc's information security team include testing of your network perimeter, evaluation of controls within your network, risk assessment services, and business continuity plan development and training. The Peabody, MA-based consulting firm, featuring individuals with the CISA, CRISC, and CISM designations from the Information Systems Audit and Controls Association, also has practices dedicated to information systems, professional & IT services, and media production. For more information about GraVoc, we strongly encourage you to contact the offices at 978-538-9055 or visit gravoc.com.
Many regulatory examiners encourage financial institutions to perform due diligence on their risk management and audit vendors, essentially encouraging another set of eyes. Obviously, with three ISACA-certified professionals on staff, we would like to be that set of eyes. Furthermore, we find it to be troubling that many audit firms find no problem performing risk management work and then auditing their own work. GraVoc can be there on either side of the equation, providing true impartiality.
GraVoc is aware that many financial institutions are currently feeling pressure to complete certain projects by the end of the year. With ten weeks left before the new year, we strongly encourage firms trying to accomplish such a task to contact us sooner than later so that we can initiate, perform, and complete risk management and information security projects in a timely fashion.
Among the services offered by GraVoc's information security team include testing of your network perimeter, evaluation of controls within your network, risk assessment services, and business continuity plan development and training. The Peabody, MA-based consulting firm, featuring individuals with the CISA, CRISC, and CISM designations from the Information Systems Audit and Controls Association, also has practices dedicated to information systems, professional & IT services, and media production. For more information about GraVoc, we strongly encourage you to contact the offices at 978-538-9055 or visit gravoc.com.
October 18, 2010
One Shot
The latest news from GraVoc Associates and their staff:
-On Wednesday, GraVoc was the "Champagne Sponsor" of an untraditional Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce event. The event was a scotch tasting hosted by Scottish comedian Sir Jeremy Bell, who provided an entertaining presentation on three whiskys, featuring toasts and frequent PG-13-rated humor. President/CEO David Gravel, in return for the champagne sponsorship, was subjected to wearing a kilt and plaid hat, and had the opportunity to open a bottle of champagne with a saber. He was given ten attempts, but successfully sabered the champagne bottle in one shot. Photos of the event will be available on GraVoc's Facebook page shortly.
-If Matt Wilkins looks especially tired on his next service call, he has a good reason. On October 5th, Matt and his wife Danielle's first daughter Molly Catherine was born. Both mother and daughter are doing well back at home in Peabody.
-On Friday October 8th, GraVoc was represented with a booth at the Massachusetts Association for Behavioral Health's Annual Provider Celebration. GraVoc showcased its GHR product - a comprehensive software solution that enables inpatient behavioral health and substance abuse rehabilitation centers to manage their bed capacity, client history, and insurance provider billing in one centralized application.
GraVoc Associates, Inc. is a Peabody, MA-based consulting firm helping business solve problems through a wide variety of technological solutions. GraVoc, in business since 1994, performs services in the practices of information systems, technology & professional services, media production, and information security. For more information about GraVoc, please visit http://www.gravoc.com/.
-On Wednesday, GraVoc was the "Champagne Sponsor" of an untraditional Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce event. The event was a scotch tasting hosted by Scottish comedian Sir Jeremy Bell, who provided an entertaining presentation on three whiskys, featuring toasts and frequent PG-13-rated humor. President/CEO David Gravel, in return for the champagne sponsorship, was subjected to wearing a kilt and plaid hat, and had the opportunity to open a bottle of champagne with a saber. He was given ten attempts, but successfully sabered the champagne bottle in one shot. Photos of the event will be available on GraVoc's Facebook page shortly.
-If Matt Wilkins looks especially tired on his next service call, he has a good reason. On October 5th, Matt and his wife Danielle's first daughter Molly Catherine was born. Both mother and daughter are doing well back at home in Peabody.
-On Friday October 8th, GraVoc was represented with a booth at the Massachusetts Association for Behavioral Health's Annual Provider Celebration. GraVoc showcased its GHR product - a comprehensive software solution that enables inpatient behavioral health and substance abuse rehabilitation centers to manage their bed capacity, client history, and insurance provider billing in one centralized application.
GraVoc Associates, Inc. is a Peabody, MA-based consulting firm helping business solve problems through a wide variety of technological solutions. GraVoc, in business since 1994, performs services in the practices of information systems, technology & professional services, media production, and information security. For more information about GraVoc, please visit http://www.gravoc.com/.
Dave Gravel, pictured in kilt, sabers a
bottle of champagne on his first try.
October 11, 2010
Celebrating 100 Posts
The GraVoc News Blog is proud to announce that since its inception on November 7, 2008, it has recorded 100 unique blog posts. This is an exciting milestone to reach, as a common trend is for an organization to start a blog, publish a dozen posts, and either run out of content, interest, or time to continue posting with any frequency.
Over this time, GraVoc has acquired DivergingSoul Media Production, who set up the original architecture of the blog as a service. Presently, DivergingSoul's blog services are encompassed under GraVoc's media production services that leverage creative media, including social media, to enhance other businesses' web presence. GraVoc and DivergingSoul have helped several clients with services such as the establishment of their own blogs.
A key to a successful blog is consistency in post frequency, something we have preached slightly better than practiced while customer projects take priority. However, GraVoc has published two blog posts in each month since the blog's inception except for two. We hope, however, that as the blog enters triple digits in post count and as it enters its third year of existence, it can be used as a forum to exchange ideas. No matter your relationship with GraVoc, we strongly urge you to utilize the comments section.
As we mark this milestone, we would like to thank you for your readership.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a full-service consulting firm serving Greater Boston, New England, and beyond since 1994. Specializing in the practices of media production, information systems, professional/technology services, and information security, GraVoc's goal is to enhance its customers' operations and profitability through leveraging technological solutions. In 2010, GraVoc acquired DivergingSoul Media Production, who has been on top of innovation in the fields of social media, blogging, and web development since their inception in 2006. For more information on DivergingSoul, please visit divergingsoul.com, and for more information on GraVoc's other services, please peruse the previous 99 posts or visit GraVoc.com.
Over this time, GraVoc has acquired DivergingSoul Media Production, who set up the original architecture of the blog as a service. Presently, DivergingSoul's blog services are encompassed under GraVoc's media production services that leverage creative media, including social media, to enhance other businesses' web presence. GraVoc and DivergingSoul have helped several clients with services such as the establishment of their own blogs.
A key to a successful blog is consistency in post frequency, something we have preached slightly better than practiced while customer projects take priority. However, GraVoc has published two blog posts in each month since the blog's inception except for two. We hope, however, that as the blog enters triple digits in post count and as it enters its third year of existence, it can be used as a forum to exchange ideas. No matter your relationship with GraVoc, we strongly urge you to utilize the comments section.
As we mark this milestone, we would like to thank you for your readership.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a full-service consulting firm serving Greater Boston, New England, and beyond since 1994. Specializing in the practices of media production, information systems, professional/technology services, and information security, GraVoc's goal is to enhance its customers' operations and profitability through leveraging technological solutions. In 2010, GraVoc acquired DivergingSoul Media Production, who has been on top of innovation in the fields of social media, blogging, and web development since their inception in 2006. For more information on DivergingSoul, please visit divergingsoul.com, and for more information on GraVoc's other services, please peruse the previous 99 posts or visit GraVoc.com.
September 29, 2010
GraVoc featured in MassBanker's e-News
GraVoc is pleased to announce that it was recently featured in MassBanker's e-News. The article addressed several security risks and changes that the banking industry is currently facing and will have to address in 2011. Some of these topics included new delivery channels, laptops and mobile devices, virtualization, e-discovery, social networking, and new regulatory stipulations. To read the full article visit the following link.
If you'd like to learn more about GraVoc's risk assessment and information security services, please contact Nate Gravel at 978-538-9055 ext. 129 or visit GraVoc' Information Security page at www.gravoc.com/information_security.html.
The Twitter Business Decision
Within the last two years, social media services such as Twitter and Facebook ceased to exist as solely a medium for the computer literate to broadcast themselves publicly. became increasingly popular as free marketing tools for businesses of all sizes. The challenges for businesses to embark onto this frontier were (and still are) the following:
-Maintenance time
-Risk tolerance
-Knowing one's audience
The first two are rather self-explanatory. The first goes off the adage of "time is money." Even if a business is leaving the social media responsibilities to low-cost labor, the time spent keeping the pages current can become significant on the aggregate. This time can be used on other projects. If the business decides that diligent maintenance of their social media outlet is a more productive use of this employee's time than the next-best option, it is a good decision.
The second is slightly trickier. Many of GraVoc's clients, including many who operate social media outlets, are in highly-competitive markets where reputations and corporate images must be finely manicured and maintained. If an unhappy customer were to post a complaint on the business's social media outlet without it being monitored, edited, and administered, significant reputational risks arise. Many financial institutions with Facebook pages assign a person to check the page every 30-60 minutes during the business day.
The third point is perhaps the most intriguing. A recent Boston Business Journal article drove this point home: Individuals who use Twitter prefer businesses who use Twitter. On the flip side, individuals who do not use social media don't care whether the business they use are using social media. Your business, before deciding whether it's worth investing a portion of your employees' time, should consider its typical customer. It is someone who is interacting with social media sites? If so, it might be a smart business decision.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a technology consulting firm serving Greater Boston, New England, and beyond since 1994. GraVoc's business is divided into four practices of media production, information systems, professional services, and information security. GraVoc maintains a Facebook page and the GraVoc News Blog partially as a way to keep customers updated, but perhaps chiefly as an example of how a business can leverage social media to its advantage. GraVoc has declined to expand into Twitter partially due to the effort required to update frequently. To discover more about the company and the ways it can help your business, please visit gravoc.com.
-Maintenance time
-Risk tolerance
-Knowing one's audience
The first two are rather self-explanatory. The first goes off the adage of "time is money." Even if a business is leaving the social media responsibilities to low-cost labor, the time spent keeping the pages current can become significant on the aggregate. This time can be used on other projects. If the business decides that diligent maintenance of their social media outlet is a more productive use of this employee's time than the next-best option, it is a good decision.
The second is slightly trickier. Many of GraVoc's clients, including many who operate social media outlets, are in highly-competitive markets where reputations and corporate images must be finely manicured and maintained. If an unhappy customer were to post a complaint on the business's social media outlet without it being monitored, edited, and administered, significant reputational risks arise. Many financial institutions with Facebook pages assign a person to check the page every 30-60 minutes during the business day.
The third point is perhaps the most intriguing. A recent Boston Business Journal article drove this point home: Individuals who use Twitter prefer businesses who use Twitter. On the flip side, individuals who do not use social media don't care whether the business they use are using social media. Your business, before deciding whether it's worth investing a portion of your employees' time, should consider its typical customer. It is someone who is interacting with social media sites? If so, it might be a smart business decision.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a technology consulting firm serving Greater Boston, New England, and beyond since 1994. GraVoc's business is divided into four practices of media production, information systems, professional services, and information security. GraVoc maintains a Facebook page and the GraVoc News Blog partially as a way to keep customers updated, but perhaps chiefly as an example of how a business can leverage social media to its advantage. GraVoc has declined to expand into Twitter partially due to the effort required to update frequently. To discover more about the company and the ways it can help your business, please visit gravoc.com.
September 22, 2010
GraVoc in the Community
GraVoc and its staff have historically devoted a lot of their time to making a difference in the community. Within the last month, GraVoc has lent a helping hand in several different projects in Peabody, MA and beyond. A few highlights:
-Peabody Education Council: A few GraVoc employees donated some of their time and effort toward the PEC's late summer/fall activities. Projects included assisting in the design of the 2010-2011 calendar and volunteering at the Welcome Back Extravaganza at the Higgins Middle School. This upcoming Saturday, President/CEO David Gravel will be pulling the winning raffle ticket for the Red Sox Dream Day raffle. Tickets are still available, and you can indicate your interest in purchasing raffle tickets by clicking here.
-Race for Research: GraVoc sent an informal team of five to the 9th Annual Race for Research in Peabody, presented by the Progeria Research Foundation. Information security associate Dan Vassallo took first in the 5K race, narrowly defeating co-workers Connie Leaver, David Gravel, and Michael Roma. Vice President Cathy Gravel took second in her age group. It has not yet been determined whether the company will participate in the 2011 JP Morgan Corporate Challenge in Boston, but there is interest in forming a championship-caliber team if it is aligned with business goals.
-Torigian Golf Classic: Monday, GraVoc put together a foursome at the Torigian Golf Classic presented by the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, Peabody Rotary Club, and Peabody City Council. By all accounts, the team was carried by Jason Vlacich of the Information Systems practice. Unfortunately, the team struggled slightly and only birdied one hole. However, the hole they did birdie was the one the firm sponsored.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, an active business in the North Shore community since 1994, is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to helping small businesses leverage technology to improve their profitability. Divided into the four practices of professional services, information systems, information technology, and media production, the firm operates out of an office in Peabody, MA and employs 18 full-time staff, many of which have earned MCSE and/or MCP certifications. For more information regarding the company and the services offered, please consult the archives of the GraVoc News Blog or visit http://www.gravoc.com/.
-Peabody Education Council: A few GraVoc employees donated some of their time and effort toward the PEC's late summer/fall activities. Projects included assisting in the design of the 2010-2011 calendar and volunteering at the Welcome Back Extravaganza at the Higgins Middle School. This upcoming Saturday, President/CEO David Gravel will be pulling the winning raffle ticket for the Red Sox Dream Day raffle. Tickets are still available, and you can indicate your interest in purchasing raffle tickets by clicking here.
-Race for Research: GraVoc sent an informal team of five to the 9th Annual Race for Research in Peabody, presented by the Progeria Research Foundation. Information security associate Dan Vassallo took first in the 5K race, narrowly defeating co-workers Connie Leaver, David Gravel, and Michael Roma. Vice President Cathy Gravel took second in her age group. It has not yet been determined whether the company will participate in the 2011 JP Morgan Corporate Challenge in Boston, but there is interest in forming a championship-caliber team if it is aligned with business goals.
-Torigian Golf Classic: Monday, GraVoc put together a foursome at the Torigian Golf Classic presented by the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, Peabody Rotary Club, and Peabody City Council. By all accounts, the team was carried by Jason Vlacich of the Information Systems practice. Unfortunately, the team struggled slightly and only birdied one hole. However, the hole they did birdie was the one the firm sponsored.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, an active business in the North Shore community since 1994, is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to helping small businesses leverage technology to improve their profitability. Divided into the four practices of professional services, information systems, information technology, and media production, the firm operates out of an office in Peabody, MA and employs 18 full-time staff, many of which have earned MCSE and/or MCP certifications. For more information regarding the company and the services offered, please consult the archives of the GraVoc News Blog or visit http://www.gravoc.com/.
August 31, 2010
August Happenings
As summer comes to a close and people return from vacation, GraVoc Associates has been up to many projects and activities worth noting:
-From the certifications category, three of GraVoc's staff members received good news in the mail from ISACA, as all three passed the exam for the Certified Information Systems Auditor designation. They have submitted their applications to the organization, but this is typically a formality. More detail about this upon the official acceptance of their certifications.
-Several employees across departments stayed after hours one night in August, demonstrating their commitment to delivering stronger, more dynamic reporting capabilities. Michael Roma was kind enough to donate his knowledge and his afternoon to a SQL reporting workshop, which was taken advantage of by much of the GraVoc staff.
-Coming soon to the GraVoc website will be some new material about the information security practice and some of the new and revised services offered to respond to customer demand. There will also be a series of new whitepapers being made available shortly.
-A significant cosmetic change is new to the GraVoc offices in downtown Peabody, MA, as the DivergingSoul media production team is making the finishing touches to a new digital sign greeting visitors to the building. Upon the completion of the project, we will post pictures to the GraVoc fan page on thefacebook.com.
GraVoc Associates is a 20-employee technology consulting firm divided into the practices of professional services, media production, information system, and information security. Many GraVoc clients are based in Greater Boston and New England, but several projects take GraVoc's staff around the country and the world. Each practice is explained in more detail on http://www.gravoc.com, and we encourage you to peruse the website and the archives of the GraVoc News Blog, which is nearing 100 posts.
-From the certifications category, three of GraVoc's staff members received good news in the mail from ISACA, as all three passed the exam for the Certified Information Systems Auditor designation. They have submitted their applications to the organization, but this is typically a formality. More detail about this upon the official acceptance of their certifications.
-Several employees across departments stayed after hours one night in August, demonstrating their commitment to delivering stronger, more dynamic reporting capabilities. Michael Roma was kind enough to donate his knowledge and his afternoon to a SQL reporting workshop, which was taken advantage of by much of the GraVoc staff.
-Coming soon to the GraVoc website will be some new material about the information security practice and some of the new and revised services offered to respond to customer demand. There will also be a series of new whitepapers being made available shortly.
-A significant cosmetic change is new to the GraVoc offices in downtown Peabody, MA, as the DivergingSoul media production team is making the finishing touches to a new digital sign greeting visitors to the building. Upon the completion of the project, we will post pictures to the GraVoc fan page on thefacebook.com.
GraVoc Associates is a 20-employee technology consulting firm divided into the practices of professional services, media production, information system, and information security. Many GraVoc clients are based in Greater Boston and New England, but several projects take GraVoc's staff around the country and the world. Each practice is explained in more detail on http://www.gravoc.com, and we encourage you to peruse the website and the archives of the GraVoc News Blog, which is nearing 100 posts.
August 3, 2010
Vassallo Achieves CISM
GraVoc's Dan Vassallo offically became the company's third Certified Information Security Manager in the eyes of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) last week. This designation recognizes an individual's experience and understanding of "the relationship between an information security program and broader business goals and objectives," according to the ISACA website. Vassallo joins roughly 13,000 individuals with the CISM, including GraVoc's David Gravel and Nate Gravel, but joins a smaller group of CISMs who have also displayed the ability to blog about themselves in the third person.
Another recent notable coming from GraVoc is the second-consecutive completion of the Breast Cancer 3-Day by the Flip-Flop Friends, anchored by Vice President Cathy Gravel. The group walked sixty miles in three humid days in July, raising money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a technology consulting firm serving Greater Boston, New England, and beyond since 1994. Now with nearly 20 employees and doing much more than just IT support, GraVoc specializes in the four practices of information security, professional services, information systems, and media production. For more information about the company and the services provided, please visit GraVoc.com.
Another recent notable coming from GraVoc is the second-consecutive completion of the Breast Cancer 3-Day by the Flip-Flop Friends, anchored by Vice President Cathy Gravel. The group walked sixty miles in three humid days in July, raising money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a technology consulting firm serving Greater Boston, New England, and beyond since 1994. Now with nearly 20 employees and doing much more than just IT support, GraVoc specializes in the four practices of information security, professional services, information systems, and media production. For more information about the company and the services provided, please visit GraVoc.com.
July 21, 2010
GraVoc Attends World Partner Conference
Earlier this month, GraVoc travelled to Washington, DC to attend the Microsoft World Partner Conference. Representing the company were Brian Gravel, director of the media production practice, and Dave Gravel, president and CEO. In addition to developing blisters on their feet, GraVoc’s representatives were able to attend speeches and seminars regarding the changes in store for the Microsoft Partner Network, the software giant’s goals amid the expansion of cloud computing, and innovative new features becoming available in the next several months.
A highlight according to the GraVoc attendees was keynote speaker and former President Bill Clinton. Clinton addressed technological advances and how they have re-shaped the way humanitarian efforts are coordinated.
Brian Gravel noted that attending the event, which drew an estimated 14,000 attendees, was certainly worthwhile. “It was fantastic to see the new features coming out and the ideas they’re coming up with.” He was especially impressed with the company’s new “Surface” concept, where a table-top becomes, in essence, an interactive touch-screen that can interact with mobile devices. (Click here for more information on Microsoft Surface.) The reaction by the director of DivergingSoul, GraVoc’s media production practice, to the eye-catching flashiness of the emerging product should come as no surprise.
This was the first time GraVoc had sent attendees to the World Partner Conference, but is the second major Microsoft event attended by the company after three staff members attended Microsoft Convergence in Atlanta in April. There are no definitive plans to attend the 2011 event in Los Angeles, but it is obviously still early in the game.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. A technology consulting firm with a diversified range of services, GraVoc finds Microsoft at the center of its professional services and information systems practices. The professional services practice specializes in network infrastructure design, planning, and maintenance, and the information systems practice specializes in the implementation and customization of enterprise resource planning systems. For pictures from the WPC, please visit the GraVoc page on thefacebook.com, and for more information on the company, please visit www.gravoc.com.
July 6, 2010
Wilkins Earns Certification
Certification season is in full bloom at GraVoc Associates, as Matt Wilkins of the professional services practice is now a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist in configuring Windows 7. Matt passed the exam last Wednesday, affirming his own and his company’s commitment to keeping up to date with technological changes. As businesses are switching over to Windows 7 faster than any previous operating system, Matt’s efforts toward passing this exam are greatly appreciated.
Ron Smoller, also of the professional services practice, completed June with not one, but two certifications. He followed up his Microsoft certification mentioned in the most recent blog post with a Double-Take Software sales certification. This strengthens GraVoc’s partnership with Double-Take, and positions the company to better offer products for customers’ redundancy, disaster recovery, and data migration needs.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a technology consulting firm serving Greater Boston, New England, and beyond in the practices of professional services, information systems, media production, and information technology. The professional services practice specializes in IT support, network infrastructure design and maintenance, and the procurement and selection of the correct tools that will help businesses’ telecommunication and storage processes work more efficiently. Due to the dedication and competency of GraVoc’s staff, the company is recognized as a Gold Certified Partner by Microsoft. For ore information about GraVoc and the services offered, please visit GraVoc.com.
June 28, 2010
GraVoc Welcomes Koudanis, Congratulates Smoller
This week, GraVoc’s information security team has brought aboard Costas Koudanis. Costas, a graduate of Northeastern University who had previously worked at an auditing firm in Boston, will enhance the information security practice’s ability to respond to upcoming projects. He also brings a wide range of skills from both an auditing and a technology background that can give GraVoc further insight into security issues facing its customers. GraVoc is happy to have the Topsfield, MA native aboard.
Also notable is that GraVoc’s Ron Smoller has achieved another certification from the Microsoft Corporation. He scored strongly in configuring Active Directory, Network Infrastructure, and Applications Infrastructure for Windows Server 2008, and therefore passed the exam to upgrade his Windows Server 2003 MCSE designation to Windows Server 2008 Technology Specialist. Ron focuses on the professional services practice of the company and assists several customers in their network design and support needs.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a consulting firm focusing on technology in the four practices of professional services, information technology, media production, and information systems. Founded in 1994, GraVoc employs roughly twenty professionals who are dedicated to providing a wide range of technology-based solutions and services to a diverse customer base. For more information about the company and the products and services offered, please visit http://www.gravoc.com.
June 18, 2010
This Week: Certifications and Gas Grills
Two members of GraVoc's information security team, President/CEO Dave Gravel and his son Nate Gravel, have been grandfathered into the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). The CRISC certification is the newest of ISACA's four certifications.
This certification is for "IT professionals who have hands-on experience with risk identification, assessment, and evaluation; risk response; risk monitoring, [information systems] control design and implementation; and [information systems] control monitoring and maintenance." As the certification requires eight years of experience in information security and risk management, the CRISC designation is perhaps the most selective of ISACA's widely-accepted certifications.
Meanwhile, limited parking, rain showers, and unseasonably cool temperatures weren't enough to deter dozens of members of the North Shore business community from attending GraVoc's barbecue Thursday night. This event was part of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce's "Business After Hours" networking event series. The event was characterized by an extensive spread of burgers, hot dogs, beverages, and desserts. GraVoc is extremely appreciative of everyone who attended, and hopes everyone was satisfied by the atmosphere and the food.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a technology consulting firm focused on helping businesses in the practices of information security, professional services, information systems, and media production. For more information regarding GraVoc's wide range of services (the diversity of which became a punch line at Thursday's barbecue), please peruse the archives of the GraVoc News Blog or visit http://www.gravoc.com.
This certification is for "IT professionals who have hands-on experience with risk identification, assessment, and evaluation; risk response; risk monitoring, [information systems] control design and implementation; and [information systems] control monitoring and maintenance." As the certification requires eight years of experience in information security and risk management, the CRISC designation is perhaps the most selective of ISACA's widely-accepted certifications.
Meanwhile, limited parking, rain showers, and unseasonably cool temperatures weren't enough to deter dozens of members of the North Shore business community from attending GraVoc's barbecue Thursday night. This event was part of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce's "Business After Hours" networking event series. The event was characterized by an extensive spread of burgers, hot dogs, beverages, and desserts. GraVoc is extremely appreciative of everyone who attended, and hopes everyone was satisfied by the atmosphere and the food.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a technology consulting firm focused on helping businesses in the practices of information security, professional services, information systems, and media production. For more information regarding GraVoc's wide range of services (the diversity of which became a punch line at Thursday's barbecue), please peruse the archives of the GraVoc News Blog or visit http://www.gravoc.com.
June 9, 2010
GraVoc Heads to Las Vegas
GraVoc’s DivergingSoul Media Production practice jumped on a plane to Las Vegas earlier this week for the InfoComm 2010 conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Representatives Brian Gravel and Matt Molk are attending the conference to learn about current ideas and stay on the cutting edge of AV communications. Notably, the conference is showcasing advances in digital signage, so it presents an opportunity to share ideas regarding the DS2 digital signage network. The conference lasts through the end of the week, and a recap will likely be posted to this blog shortly upon their return.
GraVoc also made itself available at a more-local tradeshow, attending a conference staged by the Massachusetts Bankers’ Association. The Annual Bank Technology/Retail Banking Conference addressed, among other things, mobile banking and whether it is an inevitable new step that brings with its benefits a slew of risks. GraVoc saw many familiar faces, and got to meet several new people in the industry. GraVoc and other attendees participated in several constructive conversations regarding risk management in the face of the marketplace trending toward mobile banking.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, has been serving customers in Greater Boston, the North Shore, New England, and beyond. A technology consulting firm, GraVoc specializes in the practices of media production, information security, information systems, and professional services. For more information about the services and products offered by GraVoc, please visit www.gravoc.com or peruse the archives of the GraVoc News Blog.
May 27, 2010
May Updates
It’s been a busy month of May for GraVoc Associates, so busy that there has been little time to tend to matters like updating the GraVoc News Blog. Some quick updates on what is happening at the company:
- GraVoc is excited about hosting the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce’s June “Business After Hours” event. This version of the business networking event will feature a barbecue in front of GraVoc’s building in downtown Peabody.
- GraVoc attended the Massachusetts Association for Behavioral Health’s Annual Meeting. Dan Vassallo and Paul Lincoln represented the business there and met representatives for several mental health associations throughout Massachusetts. GraVoc was at this event to promote the GHR system designed specifically for inpatient mental health and substance abuse recovery service organizations. Meanwhile, GraVoc’s team has been working furiously on improvements to this application, enhancing its overall functionality.
- The DivergingSoul media production division has initiated an aggressive phase of research and development regarding Facebook’s “Open Graph” feature. This latest Facebook development, in short, allows a Facebook user to integrate his or her entire web surfing experience into his or her Facebook profiles. This includes “liking” articles, blog posts, or other websites as one can “like” events on Facebook. By clicking above, you can “like” this blog post. DivergingSoul is also headed to Las Vegas for an event in June.
- An update on the last post: It is debatable who is enjoying retirement more: Ron Davis, whose retirement from GraVoc has opened up more time to focus on his wife’s business, or Nate Gravel, whose retirement from running (he ran under three hours on May 2nd in the Providence Marathon) has opened up more time to focus on GraVoc’s information security practice.
- This summer, look for at least two pertinent whitepapers becoming available on the GraVoc website.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, located in Peabody, MA, has served clients in Greater Boston, New England, and beyond with consulting services since 1994. GraVoc’s services are all based in technology, and are now divided into the four practices of information systems, professional services, information security, and media production. GraVoc utilizes the GraVoc News Blog to announce events and occasionally offer some advice regarding topics relevant to clients and potential clients. For more information about GraVoc and the wide range of services provided, please visit GraVoc.com.
April 30, 2010
Quick Hits
A few brief notables from the last week at GraVoc:
- The company would like to offer its sincere thanks and a fond farewell to Senior Associate Ron Davis. Ron, who has handled business development for half of GraVoc’s sixteen-year history, is stepping down Friday afternoon and going into semi-retirement. Going forward, Ron will spend much of his time assisting his wife Debra in her entrepreneurial pursuits. The Davises own and operate Chili Choice, a New Mexican cuisine retailer and distributor in Gloucester.
- Another update on the rubber chicken video: DivergingSoul’s footage has now even caught Keith Olbermann’s attention. See his commentary from an episode of MSNBC’s “Countdown” by clicking here, browsing the “oddball” section, and clicking the April 28th edition (the one about the Obama nightclub).
- Director of Information Security Nate Gravel will be competing in Sunday’s Cox Sports Marathon in Providence, RI. Nate, a competitive runner formerly of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School and Trinity College, should be among the leaders of the race, as his previous best of 2:30:00 in the 2008 Madrid Marathon is several minutes faster than the Providence course record.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA, is a full-service technology consulting firm offering a dynamic range of services to clients in greater Boston, New England, and beyond. Founded in 1994, GraVoc specializes in the practices of information systems, information security, and professional services. For more information about the firm, please visit www.gravoc.com or feel free to browse previous posts of the GraVoc News Blog.
April 27, 2010
Update: Rubber Chicken World Record Set
Last week, the GraVoc News Blog brought you the news of a world record attempt being held in Boston for the most rubber chickens tossed at the same place, at the same time. As expected, the world record was set pending the approval of the Guinness Book of World Records staff—and caught on video by GraVoc’s DivergingSoul Media Production team.
DivergingSoul’s Brian Gravel captures the tense moments before the record attempt. Photo courtesy Haywire Group.
Officially, 265 rubber chickens flew during the promotional event for the Haywire Group’s Flickin’ Chicken game, which raised money for the Charles River Watershed Association. DivergingSoul’s video was picked up by several media outlets, resulting in a great deal of publicity for the game manufacturer and its beneficiary charity.
GraVoc Associates, Inc. is a full-service technology consulting firm located in Peabody, MA specializing in the practices of information systems, professional services, and information security. Upon the firm’s joining forces with DivergingSoul Media Production, clients in Greater Boston, New England, and beyond contract GraVoc for services ranging from the implementation of ERP systems to business continuity planning to filming the flight of hundreds of rubber chickens. For more information about the company and how those three services could possibly be connected, please visit GraVoc.com.
April 23, 2010
GraVoc to Film World Record Attempt
In what is rumored to be the organization's first project in the rubber chicken throwing industry, GraVoc Associates will be filming a world record attempt in Boston this Sunday, April 25th. GraVoc's media production staff will be on hand as the folks at Haywire Group are orchestrating an attempt to set a world record for the largest number of rubber chickens tossed simultaneously.
The event will take place on Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road in Brighton, MA Sunday at 3:00 PM, and the public is encouraged to attend, witness, and participate in the event. Rubber chickens will be available for purchase for $1 and all proceeds are to go toward the Charles River Watershed Association. This event is being organized by Haywire Group, a Western Massachusetts firm that designs family board games including the popular "Flickin Chicken" game.
Most world record attempts require the presence of an official adjudicator or a long list of evidence to verify the record. The DivergingSoul team (now a division of GraVoc) is responsible for compiling video evidence of the event. Audio/video production of events like Haywire's world record attempt is one of the services regularly offered by GraVoc's media production team.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, a Peabody, MA-based technology consulting firm, expanded into media production in 2010 with its acquisition of DivergingSoul Media Production. Together they serve Greater Boston, New England, and beyond with media-related services such as A/V production, web design, web 2.0 services, and the popular DS2 digital signage network. GraVoc also specializes in the practices of professional services, information systems, and information security. For more information about DivergingSoul and GraVoc, please visit http://www.gravoc.com/ or http://www.divergingsoul.com/.
The event will take place on Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road in Brighton, MA Sunday at 3:00 PM, and the public is encouraged to attend, witness, and participate in the event. Rubber chickens will be available for purchase for $1 and all proceeds are to go toward the Charles River Watershed Association. This event is being organized by Haywire Group, a Western Massachusetts firm that designs family board games including the popular "Flickin Chicken" game.
Most world record attempts require the presence of an official adjudicator or a long list of evidence to verify the record. The DivergingSoul team (now a division of GraVoc) is responsible for compiling video evidence of the event. Audio/video production of events like Haywire's world record attempt is one of the services regularly offered by GraVoc's media production team.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, a Peabody, MA-based technology consulting firm, expanded into media production in 2010 with its acquisition of DivergingSoul Media Production. Together they serve Greater Boston, New England, and beyond with media-related services such as A/V production, web design, web 2.0 services, and the popular DS2 digital signage network. GraVoc also specializes in the practices of professional services, information systems, and information security. For more information about DivergingSoul and GraVoc, please visit http://www.gravoc.com/ or http://www.divergingsoul.com/.
April 16, 2010
GraVoc to Attend Great New England Credit Union Show
Next week, GraVoc Associates, Inc. will be sending some of their information security team to the Great New England Credit Union Show in Boxborough, MA.
This will be GraVoc's first appearance at the show, and they can be found in booth 70, in between Enterprise Car Sales and FMS (Financial Management Solutions). An estimated 700 attendees from credit unions across the New England region are planning to be at the event, which features thirteen seminars of interest to credit union executives. Additionally, eighty vendors are expected to exhibit.
GraVoc's information security team will be on hand to explain more about their wide range of information security services that can be found both on the gravoc.com website and in past posts of the GraVoc News Blog. The GraVoc booth will feature typical tradeshow fare, such as a video display, candy, and handouts. We hope to see many familiar faces there, as well as new faces.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, founded in 1994, provides a dynamic range of information security services to financial institutions throughout Greater Boston and New England. The Peabody, MA-based company specializes in business continuity planning, LAN/WAN testing, and risk assessments. Lately, among its more popular services have been social engineering testing and services to help clients comply with the Massachusetts Data Security Law. Beyond information security, GraVoc also specializes in the fields of professional services, media production, and information systems. For more information about the services GraVoc provides, please visit http://www.gravoc.com/.
This will be GraVoc's first appearance at the show, and they can be found in booth 70, in between Enterprise Car Sales and FMS (Financial Management Solutions). An estimated 700 attendees from credit unions across the New England region are planning to be at the event, which features thirteen seminars of interest to credit union executives. Additionally, eighty vendors are expected to exhibit.
GraVoc's information security team will be on hand to explain more about their wide range of information security services that can be found both on the gravoc.com website and in past posts of the GraVoc News Blog. The GraVoc booth will feature typical tradeshow fare, such as a video display, candy, and handouts. We hope to see many familiar faces there, as well as new faces.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, founded in 1994, provides a dynamic range of information security services to financial institutions throughout Greater Boston and New England. The Peabody, MA-based company specializes in business continuity planning, LAN/WAN testing, and risk assessments. Lately, among its more popular services have been social engineering testing and services to help clients comply with the Massachusetts Data Security Law. Beyond information security, GraVoc also specializes in the fields of professional services, media production, and information systems. For more information about the services GraVoc provides, please visit http://www.gravoc.com/.
April 9, 2010
GraVoc Participates in Peabody Education Council Events
In the last few weeks, GraVoc has made efforts to give back to the Peabody community through a pair of educational programs. Historically, GraVoc has an ongoing relationship with the Peabody Ed Council, and President/CEO David Gravel is the council’s current chair. Recently, GraVoc has participated in the mentoring program and in Friday’s Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Career Day.
Several students interested in various aspects of business visited GraVoc for a taste of job shadowing. Students with interest in business administration, computer programming, and media production spent a few hours behind the scenes at GraVoc. Programmers Matt Coraccio and Paul Lincoln offered advice to a student who was interested in programming but had not yet taken any programming classes in high school. “I only took one programming class in high school, and didn’t take any more until my sophomore year of college,” Coraccio said. “I told him not to worry, and he had plenty of time to take classes. It was great to see a student interested in what we do.”
GraVoc also sent three representatives to PVMHS Career Day, also put on by the Peabody Ed Council, this morning. Aside from the free stress balls and candy selections, students asked questions about GraVoc, the types of services they offer, the level of education achieved by their employees, and the fields of study GraVoc’s employees pursued. As GraVoc is a dynamic business with employees from many different backgrounds, students were encouraged to study fields they were interested in as undergraduates.
GraVoc Associates, Inc, based in Peabody, MA and serving Greater Boston, New England, and beyond in the practices of information systems, professional services, and information security, is a 17-employee firm whose professionals bring backgrounds from accounting and finance to communications to English to computer science. Like many small businesses, GraVoc prides itself on its time spent on community service. For more information about GraVoc, please visit www.gravoc.com, and for more information about the Peabody Education Council, please visit www.peabodyedcouncil.com.
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