A little over a week ago (or was it two??? I’ve lost all track of time), as part of our Microsoft Certified Partner benefits, we received the “Final Release” version of Windows 7.
Frankly this is amazing – we actually have a final release of “something” a full month before it will start hitting the computers of our customers who have to purchase new computers!
Kudo’s to Microsoft for LONG beta testing periods and a “real” early access program!
Last week I rid my test machine of the Windows 7 Release Candidate and restored it back to it’s original configuration of running Windows Vista Home Premium – 64 bit. That was an easy task since I had created a “Recovery CD”. Just popped the CD in the drive and followed the prompts and I was right back to where I started before I installed the Windows 7 Release Candidate. Sweet……..
Roughly 10 plus days ago, Intuit released purchasing availability to it’s ProAdvisors – and frankly I’m not sure if I should (or am allowed) to disclose this date publicly or not. So for now I’ll keep my typing fingers in check. But stay tuned!
I do know that we’ve already been contacted (before the announcement to ProAdvisors) by some of our Enterprise customers asking if we felt that our software (which they own) would continue to work as it always had with the new version of QuickBooks; I’m sure these questions arise because Intuit has notified them that they must confirm their mailing address so that the new version could be shipped out.
I admit that I was saddened to have to say that, while there “shouldn’t” be any problems; I felt that I had to honestly we were not ready to make a statement one way or the other, because we were still testing with an early beta release. Now bear in mind that the folks who have called are the one’s that Murphy seems very fond of – you know the folks – the ones that if something is going to happen to somebody – well it’s them; and things that “shouldn’t” have caused an issue – did; and now they are just gun shy.
As “Murphy” (as in “Murphy’s Law” – any of you who have an Irish background will probably know Murphy personally) would have it, nothing ever comes in batches, but rather all at once. As have final release versions of Windows 7 and QuickBooks 2010 and we’ll be testing like mad fiends for the next couple of weeks, updating manuals, etc.
We’ll keep you informed of our progress, so if you’d like continued updates – no more than daily (unless I really get on a roll or a rant) – sign up to the RSS feeds here on our blog.
“Murphy” owes me a drink or two when this is done!
Michael E. Purdy Associates guides public agencies and contractors in managing the complex world of public contracting by developing and implementing strategic contracting approaches and practices…creatively solving challenging procurement and contracting problems…and providing clear, comprehensive, and focused training on a wide variety of public contracting issues, including prevailing wages…Mike Purdy also helps businesses with market development, responding to public solicitations, and interview coaching. Mike has been meeting the needs of satisfied public agencies and contractors since 2005, drawing on 30 years as a public sector contracting manager for the largest public agencies in the State of Washington. For more information, visit their website at www.mpurdy.com.
Also be sure to read and sign up for a free e-mail subscription to Mike Purdy’s Public Contracting Blog (http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com), a great information resource on public contracting issues.
In previous posts we’ve been following the evolution of the E-Verify program and today I’d like to post an update on this program.
Beginning on September 8, 2009 (less than a week away folks) a new federal rule will require general contractors AND subcontractors – including those who are receiving American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to use the E-Verify program.
At this time a July 1, 2010 compliance deadline is anticipated for businesses with more than 30 employees, if the businesses plan to work on state-funded projects.
From what I understand penalties can be harsh for non-compliance, violators can be fined $1,000 to $10,000 and be put in jail for 1-5 years. Additionally, contractors will loose ALL government contracts for up to three years and possibly loose business permits and licensing.
The E-Verify system was implemented and is enforced by the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Immigration Services with the Help of the Social Security Administration.
If you haven’t signed up, and you want to continue to work on Federal/State-funded construction projects, you’d better “get going”. Visit the E-Verify section of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=75bce2e261405110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=75bce2e261405110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD
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