Microsoft has announced that effective April 14, 2014, it will end ALL support for Windows XP Pro.  While this may seem like a long way off, industry analysts report that the average time it may take for a full migration to a more modern operating system (OS) like Windows 7, is between 18 and 32 months.
 
Effective April 8, 2014 there will be no more security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates for Windows XP.  Even though Retail Pro will continue to work with the XP Operating System, those customers integrating their credit card processing through Retail Pro, will be required to upgrade to another operating system to meet PCI Compliancy requirements.  Specifically, the PCI DSS Standards require the installation of all regular updates to the merchant's OS, ensuring the merchant is utilizing the most current software version at all times.  Therefore, after April 8, 2014, the Windows XP operating system will no longer be PCI compliant.

Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks. This may result in an officially recognized control failure by an internal or external audit body, leading to suspension of certifications, and/or public notification of the organization's inability to maintain its systems and customer information.

Big Hairy Dog continues to be committed to supporting our customer's efforts to operate within the PCI guidelines.  We will work closely with all customers currently using the Windows XP to upgrade their operating system well before the deadline.

If you are currently using the Windows XP OS, please contact your BHD Rep or BHD Tech Support to discuss a plan for keeping your business PCI Compliant.

Tech Support  916-368-1070
BHD Rep         800-377-7776

84 Minutes!

This is a 9 minute improvement over the last 4-week period!

The waiting is almost over.  On Thursday, May 17th, BHD's Service Manager, Carrie Woodworth, will be driving Dugan Finnegan from his birthplace in San Diego, CA, to Sacramento and will hand-deliver this adorable pup to the Malaney's home.

At 12 weeks old in the above photo, you can see, he's no 'pup' by typical puppy-sized standards.  This natural herder will grow to be in the 100 pound range, and with a slight nudge, tends to bring everyone in a room a little closer together. 

Not just the Malaneys, but everyone at Big Hairy Dog is excited for our new puppy to arrive. 
A new Big Hairy Dog! 
We can't wait!

The Director of the Center for Strategic Economic Research, Ryan Sharp, sees an economic breakthrough in the six-county greater Sacramento area, beginning in June, 2012.

Business confidence also is improving and projects year-over-year job growth for the six-county region by third quarter, 2012. That would break a four-year losing streak.

The forecast sees unemployment dropping to 10.8 percent by March 2013.  Job recovery will be led by the professional and business services sector, in which Sharp anticipates growth of 6.7 percent in the next 12 months.  This growth is based on spending in other sectors, which are beginning to recover.

Other parts of California, including other inland metro areas, have been doing better in recent months. Even Stockton began posting job gains at the end of 2011 and now is growing faster than the state or nation.

"Nearly every market in the state is recovering," Sharp said.

It is imperative that anti-virus software is running at all times on your computer system.  

Prior to expiration, all anti-virus software displays a warning (sometimes in a bright box) on your screen that warns your AV software is about to or has already expired.  This warning will appear no matter what the version. PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THIS WARNING!!

When you see the warning sign appear it is important to replace or renew your AV software, as expired software is NOT protecting your system.  To find out the date your anti-virus software expires, double-click on the AV icon in the system tray, (on most PCs this tray is located in the lower right corner of your monitor) and the system definition and subscription dates will be listed.

You may manage the upgrade process yourself, online, or feel free to contact BHD tech support for assistance.  Please call the BHD Tech Support if you have any questions regarding your anti-virus software.   916-368-1070.

TRAINING LEAD TIME:

TANYA:      Phone appts starting Friday 5/11
                Onsites starting 5/30

JEFF:         Phone appts starting week of 6/1
                Onsites starting week of 6/25

DARRELL:    Phone appointments starting 5/21
                No onsites for QB POS customers

TECH:        Phone appts starting 5/11
                Onsites starting 5/17

Businesses that accept credit and debit cards are required to certify PCI-DSS compliance on an annual basis in order to adhere to industry standards and regulations. Merchants whose validation is coming up for renewal should receive a letter from the PCI-DSS Security Standards Council. The letter contains a phone number and other contact information if you have questions on how to proceed.

In addition to the information provided in the letter, you may go to the PCI-DSS Security Standards Council website. On this site you will find a link for "Merchants" with information on requirements and how to become compliant.

PCI-DSS SECURITY STANDARDS COUNCIL WEBSITE: https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org

Even though Big Hairy Dog cannot validate your compliance, we are happy to help you locate the agency that can. You are welcome to call BHD with questions. 800-377-7776

As most of you know, Molly Malaney reigned in the Malaney home during the founding and opening of Big Hairy Dog Information Systems.  In those days, there were no Malaney children running around, so Molly traveled with Mick and Sandy on sales trips, and to the office.  She was also present and photographed for most media photoshoots, both magazine publications and newspaper articles.  She played an important part at BHD, as namesake, mascot, greeter and morale booster.  She, of course, has never been forgotten, and in her honor, BHD remains a pet-friendly work environment, with 4-legged creatures welcome along with their human counterparts.

With Jake, Maggie and Joe Malaney all grown beyond the 'constant care' stage, the Malaneys have, with great excitement, decided to introduce a new pup into the family.  The litter of English Sheep Dogs were born on Valentine's Day in San Diego, CA.  We have been monitoring the pups, through photographs, as they have grown through the milestones which occur in the first few months of life.

Even though at 8 weeks, the pups are still too young to be removed from their mom, the Malaneys got a first live visit with the litter, and will find the one they will eventually bring home.  Here is a picture of the happy reunion - these 3 pups are males, and one will become the youngest Malaney.  We just can't wait to get our hands on the lucky pup - and will share with you as the story progresses....

Most of you have had the opportunity to work with Rob, BHD’s Vice President of Operations.  Rob has been with BHD since it’s inception in 1993, and has played a vital role in the company’s technological growth, both in software upgrades and state of the art infrastructure and hardware. Rob has worked through the years with countless VIPs in getting their special multi-store needs running smoothly and without interruption. 

Lately, however, Rob has taken on a new role, requiring a slightly different set of skills.  Rob has become a first-time Dad!  Baby is healthy and doing well, and though sleeping in shifts, Rob and wife are doing well also.

Due to this monumentally happy event, Rob has taken a sabbatical from Big Hairy Dog and will be back this summer.   A big Congratulations to the McGormleys from all of us at BHD!

In Rob’s absence, Colt Riley, one of our senior Trainers, is taking over Rob’s responsibilities.  Having been with BHD for nearly ten years, Colt  has established relationships with the majority of our customers, and has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the unique technical needs of so many of our customers.

BHD’s most senior technician, Ken French, is also expanding his role in assisting VIP customers.  If you have ever worked with Colt or Ken, you already know that the excellent service they provide makes this transition completely seamless.  We are proud to continue to provide each of you with the best customer service in the industry.

We know you join us in sending our congratulations to Rob and his wife and a big Welcome to their baby boy.

‘Congratulations’ also and a big ‘Thank You’ to Colt and Ken!

BHD Customer, World of Wonders Science Museum (WOW) has some wonderful activities planned for the whole family, during the month of April, 2012.

Check out the coming events - and take your family to WOW!!

*Let BHD know if your business has an upcoming event that you would like BHD to blog.  We hope all of our customers will be mutually supportive and see what fun and interesting activities are available in the Retail Pro/BHD customer community.  Send your activity to be blogged to:  janw@bighairydog.com

55 Minutes!!

60 Minutes!  -  2-27-12 to 3/23/12

Big Hairy Dog rents inventory scanners to our customers for use while conducting their Physical Inventory.  The scanners have been available at the same low price of $150 per day, for nearly ten years.  In an attempt to maintain and add to our current inventory of rental scanners, BHD is increasing the rental price to $200 per day, effective July 1, 2012. 

*IF YOU HAVE ALREADY RESERVED SCANNERS FOR YOUR NEXT INVENTORY YOU WILL BE BILLED AT THE $150 RATE. 

**IF YOUR PHYSICAL INVENTORY IS COMPLETED BY JUNE 30, 2012 YOU WILL BE BILLED AT THE $150 RATE.

We anticipate this will allow us to have more rentals available at the busiest inventory times of year and avoid having all scanners rented out when customers need them.     We want to remind our customers to reserve scanners as far ahead of the time you will need them, as possible.  We also recommend that you go through a full PI training appointment (2-hr) prior to conducting your PI for the first time.  For subsequent inventories, 1-hr refresher training is recommended.  Weekends are still billed as 1 day. 

When you are conducting your PI, any call to the BHD techs will be treated with priority, which means your call will be taken by the next available tech.  Be sure to tell the receptionist when you call in for support.   If you have any questions regarding scanner rentals, please contact Christina at 800-377-7776.

Big Hairy Dog customer, World of Wonders (WOW) Science Museum is having two upcoming events that we think some of you local customers might be interested in attending. One is for the whole family and the other is for adults 18 and older.

EquineOlogy is coming this Saturday, March 24th from 10am-3pm offering pony rides and many wonderful western activities and even goodies to take home.

The following week, on Thursday evening, March 29, 2012, they will be presenting 'Spiral Bridge - Crane Dances' for ages 18+, from 7pm-9pm. 

For more information on these events, please check out their website.
Limited space available. Call the WOW Science Museum today at 209-368-0969 to reserve your spot.

According to a survey conducted by the Sacramento Business Journal, there is optimism among California business owners for the economic future of their business.  The news isn't all positive, but it's definately heading in the right direction. 

From 700 businesses recently surveyed, nearly a third have hired employees over the last year, and another third plan to hire in the coming year.  California is an indicator of states throughout the nation experiencing the same positive trends.

Big Hairy Dog feels its customers have much to look forward to as the economy begins to turn around and we are committed to doing whatever we can to help our customers be successful.

Read the entire article.