News

MCW Group Ltd
Press Release Tuesday 16th February 2006

MCW Group Ltd, the regions leading computer training company, based on the Wrexham Technology Park have just completed a series of ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) training courses for five individuals who have recently been made redundant.

Richard Morris, Managing Director of MCW said "We provide courses for thousands of people every year, but this recent series of course was especially for individuals who have been made redundant. The benefit to them was that they have extra confidence and the knowledge that they have the skills employers need and want.

ReACT is part financed by the European Union Structural Funds Objective 1 and 3, provided by the Welsh Assembly Government through the European Social Fund. ReACT provides individuals who have been made recently redundant with a potential training fund worth £2500. In order to qualify, each individual must receive a 'one to one' interview with a Careers Wales advisor, who assess if they need the training and if the course will ultimately assist with gaining new employment.

Kate Blackwell from MCW who was involved with putting the course on says "I know our trainers really enjoy delivering these ECDL courses, as they really feel they are helping people and making a real life changing role. On the recent training course, we had Chris Royton, Pauline Dryden, Helen Edwardson, Claire Littler and Ruth Barratt, being photographed with Steve Bishop, one of the MCW trainers. Kate goes on to say that "the benefits of the MCW courses are that we specialise in running 'fast track courses' over a short period of time, usually 2-3 weeks, rather than using CBT (Computer Based Training) or evening classes which run over several months. Plus, we always run the course with small numbers of attendees which ensures high quality training, with time for one to one sessions if required."

A comment from Claire was "I have really enjoyed my training at MCW; it is a very professional training environment and above all I have found the trainers to be very helpful." And Pauline was quoted to say "In my previous employment I was a trainer of S.A.P. and I can only say that the level of training at MCW is exceptionally high."

If you have recently been made redundant and have still not found a job and live in North Wales, you may be eligible to receive training.

For further information, please contact Kate Edwards on 01978 340372, email kate@mcwgroup.co.uk

MCW Group Ltd
Press Release Tuesday 10th January 2006

MCW Group Ltd goes Gold!

MCW Group, the leading Information Technology services provider in North Wales, has recently achieved the highly acclaimed Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Status, officially recognising MCW as a truly professional IT company with the highest credentials.

Kevin Williams, MCW Director of Technical Services says "In order to achieve the Microsoft Gold accreditation, we have had to prove ourselves by submitting numerous customer references and proving our ability to deliver quality network installations using a range of Microsoft technologies."

Many of the installations MCW has performed over the past 12 months includes setting up new network infrastructures; providing private networks that enable remote users to connect into their offices; application and technical training courses and, most importantly, the continuing support and help desk facilities available if a customer requires our assistance following the completion of an installation.

In addition, Richard Morris, Managing Director of the MCW Group is quoted to say "We have been a Microsoft Certified Partner for several years and the new Gold status confirms our commitment to the Microsoft Technologies. It also demonstrates to our current and also new customers that we have extensive knowledge in the network infrastructure area."

MCW continually offers numerous workshops to keep their customers aware of the new technologies. During the first quarter of 2006, MCW will be running a series of Microsoft Application and Server presentations. Richard added "We consider that it is important to keep our customers abreast of what is happening in the IT and Communications sector as many new developments can provide significant business benefits and cost saving."

For further information, please contact Richard Morris on 01978 340341, email richard@mcwgroup.co.uk

Your chance to receive £50.00 worth of Marks and Spencer vouchers OR £50.00 equivalent value of IT Equipment through MCW Group Ltd.

Are you part of another company? Or do you have any associated companies within your group, or other companies known to you, that you could recommend MCW to contact regarding support and services?

For any referrals that result in a new support contract for MCW, the customer making the referral will be rewarded either £50.00 in Marks and Spencer Vouchers, or the equivalent value of IT equipment ordered through MCW.

Please contact Helen Johnstone on 01978 340373, or e-mail helen@mcwgroup.co.uk if you require any further details.

A leading independent firm of accountants is finding its training figures really add up after accessing ICT training from MCW Group Ltd.

Duncan Sheard Glass (DSG) has been able to stretch its training budget to the limit and equip its team with up-to-the-minute ICT skills.

After an in-depth training needs analysis which assessed all member of staff, a personnel development plan was put together so that all employees could develop their ICT skills.

MCW Group Ltd organised a flexible training programme that catered for all levels of competency, at a time that was suitable for all of the DSG's employees.

DSG Les Stainforth said : "We pride ourselves on highly qualified staff and we realise that although many of our employees have degrees, training and skill development needs to be ongoing to ensure we keep abreast of the latest technological advancements.

ICT training need to be continuous, as technology advanced it is imperative that businesses keep up to date.

Can MCW Group Ltd provide your company in-depth training needs analysis for your company?

Call the training team (01978) 340372 or (01978) 340353

PRESS RELEASE 15th September 2004

Today, Mr Tony Fielden (Director) from Microsoft's Office Specialist (MOS) Certification programme has made a presentation to Beth Johnson Housing Association in recognition for their commitment to the Microsoft training programme. Beth Johnson now employs more Microsoft Certified employees than any other Housing Association in the UK.

The entire workforce of the Stoke-based Beth Johnson Housing Group, have been offered the chance to enhance their IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office software. The main part of the training programme which started nearly 10 months ago has recorded some good success stories resulting in a high pass rate on the Microsoft Office Specialist certification, a globally recognised IT qualification.

"The ultimate aim was to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations," said Louise Cope, ICT Manager of Beth Johnson, which manages over 4,200 rent and shared ownership properties throughout Staffordshire, Shropshire and South Cheshire from its office bases in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Telford. "Investing in our employees in order to maximise the service we offer their tenants is vital," she added.
The Beth Johnson group has made a significant contribution to social housing through innovative new housing schemes and the regeneration of older properties in both urban and rural areas. The group was awarded the Investor in People standard in 1998 and re-accredited in 2001.

Working with the MCW Group Ltd, which is one of the leading training and testing centres in the UK.

Some of the feedback from the courses are "I have thoroughly enjoyed this training. The instructor (Paul Basnett) was excellent and I found his teaching easy to understand and he was great at checking you have understood through recapping." And also from another attendee "Very pleased with the instructor who did not rush through the tasks and explained the topics in an easy to understand manner." Another delegate reports that "I found the course really useful."

Philippa Watts, MCW's Director of Training is reported to have said "As a team of trainers involved with the project, we are really delighted with the feedback we have received from Beth Johnson. The courses have been well received and there has been a very high pass rate of the Microsoft Office certification, which helps confirm the individuals IT skill and knowledge."

For further information please contact Richard Morris. Email Richard@mcwgroup.co.uk or telephone 01978 340341

MCW Group Ltd, are proud to announce their association with Operation Christmas Child , the largest children's shoe box appeal in the world, a division of Samaritans Purse International Relief .

Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child are committed to meeting the needs of under-privileged people through the delivery of practical every day items and necessities.

The OCC Shoe Box appeal is a brilliant yet simple opportunity for children and families to send gifts to youngsters who would otherwise never receive anything at Christmas. From very simple beginnings, the project has become the largest children's shoe box appeal in the world. Operation Christmas Child sends a message of hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and offering booklets of Bible stories. In 2002 alone more than 6 million gift-filled shoe boxes were sent to some of the poorest boys and girls in the world in over 100 countries.

MCW Group Ltd have been chosen as the IT support provider for Operation Christmas Child's Whitegate Industrial Estate base in Wrexham, North Wales, and are working closely with the company to ensure the working of day to day technology, along with improvements to the network operating system. MCW provide IT support on hardware, software and networking systems to all types of organisations requiring a professional and comprehensive support service. Our engineers are highly skilled and fully qualified, to support your critical IT systems.

The MCW Group Ltd, in partnership with John Moores University are offering high quality management training for the SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the Merseyside region. The programme is being supported by Learning & Skills Council Greater Merseyside and the European Social Fund allowing the courses to the funded up to 80% .

MCW have been selected for the programme based on their 20 years experience providing superior training services to the regions business community.

The courses are starting shortly with the first course in December and due to be completed by the end of March 2004. They are all taking place at either JMU Tower or John Foster Building in Liverpool.

Kate Blackwell, the MCW account manager is managing the programme and says "this is a really tremendous opportunity for companies to benefit from management courses to ultimately make businesses their business grow. The programme has been generously supported by 80%". In addition to the courses, individuals will also meet other like minded business people making the learning experience even more valuable.

There are over 20 courses available including Project Management, Marketing, Finance, Personal Development Skills and Business Planning, the objective would be to develop an improved business and management organisation.

Limited places, for further information, please contact Kate 01978 340372

During February and March MCW technical consultants have worked at length to design a client migration from Windows NT 4 to Windows 2000 and expand the internal services using Windows Terminal Services on multiple servers. Performed over a weekend the migration was completed to the customer's fullest satisfaction with no loss of time or services. The primary consultant Jason Lloyd comments, "any migration requires careful planning. Once this is documented and agreed the technical aspects follow and our engineering team has a wealth of experience in performing these services".

A new customer to MCW based out of Birkenhead linked with the manufacture of aeroplane products recently met with Kevin Williams requesting a design and tender for a thin client idea. Following several detailed technical meetings and designs the client awarded MCW Group with the project to install two Windows 2000 Terminal Server units based on Compaq hardware required to integrate seamlessly with the installed Novell file and application server. Additional Microsoft Office recommendations had been made for the client to purchase a 50 user OSL agreement. Engineering was completed during June and July with all clients operating on the new environment.

Back Left to right : Philippa Watts MCW Director of Training,
Delegates: Alison Davies, Rob Jones, Jackie Valentin
&, Kate Blackwell MCW Account Manager
Front left to right delegates : Ann Marie Lang and Susan Salisbury Training

Being made redundant from your work place can certainly be one of the most difficult experiences any person has to deal with during their career. However, some good can come out of a difficult situation. Following on from the redundancy from Hoya Lens, many of the employees found themselves looking for new jobs, which often required new skills.

With assistance from local funding, a number of ex-employees from Hoya have enrolled onto the Microsoft Office Specialist Programme (MOS) with MCW Group (Wrexham) and will be maximising their future by attending professional IT training courses and keeping up to date with the latest technology. The objective from attending these courses will be for these individuals to set them apart others in a similar position in today's competitive job market and get them back in to workplace with extra confidence.

MOS is the globally recognised qualification. Gaining this qualification acknowledges you have the expertise to work with Microsoft Office programs. There is strong evidence that individuals report increased competence and productivity with Microsoft Office programs as well as increased credibility with their employers, co-workers, and clients. MOS certification brings employment opportunities, greater earning potential and career advancement, in addition to increased job satisfaction.

The MCW Group, Training Account Manager Kate Blackwell has worked closely with all the individuals to identify their requirements and has put together course dates that suit their availability whilst searching for new employment. Kate said "she is delighted that they have chosen MCW to be of assistance with regards to their training and looks forward to offering these types of courses." If you have just been made redundant in the North Wales area, you may be able to attract funding towards retraining. Contact Kate on 01978 340372 for further information or email kate@mcwgroup.co.uk

New client takes on board Avaya telephony solution . MCW group have secured an order from an international company whose head office is based in Winsford to install and configure an Avaya IP Office solution. The team of telephony specialists whose product expertise includes 3Com NBX and Avya solutions, decided the Avaya platform most suited the client. Additional data cabling, integration with the MS Exchange solution and move to ISDN are all part of an exciting project to be completed in August.

Active Directory
Top of the list! Active Directory has been both improved and simplified in Windows 2003 Server (compared with Windows 2000) - and gives Windows NT 4 administrators a far easier and more powerful way in which to manage resources. Active Directory also makes it far easier for users to locate network resources. Because it's built into all editions of Windows 2003 Server, Active Directory can be scaled to any size of enterprise. In Windows 2003, Active Directory is much easier to use and has new features such as: cross-forest trusts; the ability to rename domains; the ability to deactivate attributes and classes in the schema, so that their definitions can be changed.

Group Policy Management Console
Group Policy is now more powerful. Administrators can now define settings and actions for users and computers, using Group Policy to set policies which apply across a site, domain or organisational unit in Active Directory. Policy-based management makes admin tasks easier, such as system update operations, installing applications, managing user profiles and locking down desktop systems.

Server performance
Microsoft claims huge performance gains over NT 4 and Windows 2000 Server. File serving and Web server performance is twice as good as NT 4, for example.

Volume Shadow Copy Restore
A great one - administrators configure 'point in time' copies of data volumes, without taking the server down or interrupting service. These copies can be used as a restore point or for archiving. Plus, users can retrieve archived versions of documents which are invisibly maintained by the server.

IIS 6 and the .NET Framework
Vastly expanded and upgraded, IIS 6 is built from the ground up to support Web applications and XML Web services. The rebuild has focused as much on fault-tolerance as on speed, making Web sites and services more reliable. A key feature is that IIS 6 can now isolate a Web application (or sites) into a self-contained process, called an application pool, which communicates directly with the OS kernel. This increases capacity and throughput and prevents one application or site from disrupting others. There's also better health-monitoring, and most IIS 4/5 applications can be redeployed on IIS 6, without changes. Of course, the .NET Framework is a key part of Windows 2003 Server, providing a programming model for building, deploying and running Web applications and XML services. Terrific stuff.

Terminal Services
NT 4 administrators will love terminal services, allowing servers to be accessed from virtually anywhere (including non-Windows systems). Running applications using Terminal Server means that application execution takes places on the server, with only keyboard, screen and mouse information transmitted over the network. In Windows 2003 Server, Remote Desktop for Administration improves on Terminal Services, making servers easier to manage remotely.

Clustering
Clustering (up to eight nodes) is available on the Enterprise and Datacenter editions of Windows 2003 Server. Clustering delivers higher availability and scaleability for database applications, messaging systems and file & print services. Nodes on the cluster work seamlessly together; should one fail, another takes over automatically.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) support, using Kerberos 5
Organisations can use certificate services and certificate management tools to deploy their own PKI. This allows organisations to exploit technologies such as smart-card login, SSL and TSL authentication, secure e-mail, digital signatures and secure connectivity using Internet Protocol security. Kerberos 5 is a mature and industry-standard network-authentication protocol which provides secure access to multiple network resources.

Command-line management
You can now perform far more administration tasks from the command line, allowing you to do things faster than using the GUI. Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) provides a powerful way to interoperate with shells and utility commands and can be extended easily, using scripts. This way of working is standard on Unix and Linux.

Intelligent File Services
Windows 2003 Server boasts three 'Intelligent File Services'.

The Encrypting File System allows users to encrypt and decrypt files to make them more secure. All encryption and decryption takes place automatically and seamlessly by the system.

The Distributed File System makes it easier to manage shared disk resources, allowing logical names to be assigned to shared drives, making it easier for users to find them, rather than having to know on which server they are based.

The File Replication Service is a vast improvement on Window NT 4 directory replication. For example, FRS provides multimaster file replication for designated directory trees between designated servers. FRS can automatically synchronise content between replicas; using Active Directory, it can synchronise content across domain controllers.

Conclusion
With so much going for it, Windows 2003 Server is a vast (and worthwhile) leap from Windows NT 4. It can make your network faster, more secure and far more easy to manage. You'd be doing yourself a disservice to not take a closer look at it.

A large salt mine recently awarded MCW Group the project to design and install a content control and email control application . The customer albeit having good firewall and anti virus applications in place where receiving unwanted emails into the various sites. Having reviewed the customer's infrastructure the solutions team made recommendations for a well-known application with extensive functionality to be installed. Configuration of the applications took place over a number of days and required several changes to keywords and filters.

The application has performed the task perfectly and the customer is completely satisfied with MCW Groups chosen product and installation skills.

MCW Group, based on the Wrexham Technology Park has recently received the distinguished status of a Platinum Microsoft Training Partner, which is administrated by Prodigy.

Philippa Watts, MCW Director Training says “We have always run high quality computer training courses, but to become one of the first Platinum training partners in the UK and therefore Wales, confirms MCW’s status on a national scale.” Watts goes on the say ”The new accreditation is based around the Microsoft Office Application Specialist certification which also includes Vista. This is the new worldwide recognised qualification from Microsoft for using Office 2007 and will replace the Microsoft Office Specialist qualification. This new certification not only provides the end user with a globally recognised skills assessment but also comes with pre course assessment and example test papers to assist companies to ensure their employees have the best chance ever of passing this qualification”.

Employers are more aware now than ever, that their employees need to be trained correctly in order to maximise their work performance. Most jobs these days include using a computer in some capacity, and if you can’t use it correctly you are simply not maximising your performance. This qualification allows individuals to become MCAS in either all of Microsoft Office 2007 or just the problems they use in the work place.

Richard Morris, Managing Director, says “The confirmation as a Platinum partner with Microsoft’s UK distributors, Prodigy, shows MCW’s commitment to the local business community of providing help and support in the Microsoft environment.” Morris goes on to say “That following our success as one of the countries top leading Microsoft Office Specialist providers, the MCAS qualification is an exiting development and helps to underline how important computer knowledge is for all, in this technological age”.

For more information on how MCW Training Services can assist you with developing your IT potential, contact Kate Edwards on 01978 340372.

On 2nd June 2003, the Micro Computer World partnership became MCW Group Ltd . Anne Morris, who was one of the three partners in Micro Computer World retires as a shareholder after 19 years, leaving Ron Morris and Richard Morris as the two company Directors of the newly formed Limited company. Richard Morris assumes the role as Managing Director and Ron Morris as Group Sales Director. The MCW Group Ltd will continue to operate and deliver the same level of products and services as Micro Computer World.

The Directors and employees have officially thanked Anne for all her effort and support over the years and wish her well in her new consultancy role.