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Questions from attendees at DD14 on Cloud

Thank you for those who attended the 8:30 session this morning which I know could be tough.  Congratulations to our first 10 attendees that walked away with Windows 8 and Office 2013 for FREE!  For those that did not attend, here are my notes and answers to questions asked after the presentation.  The presentation was recorded and will be available online by Digital Dealer as they have prepared.

Q.  Why is Windows XP not compliant in April, 2014?
     A. The support for operating system updates and security patches will no longer be supported by Microsoft after April, 2014.  Due to the lack of updates, the operating system will no longer by PCIC or GLB compliant.  What's more is that users will likely be targeted for attacks from cyber criminals just as has happened in the past with retired operating systems.

Q. We are thinking about utilizing thin clients instead of PCs in our store.  Do you have any recommendations for us?
     A. Since most thin client systems use either Windows XP or a lessor version of Windows, I would make sure that your thin client solution is Windows 7 ready as well as Windows 8.  More importantly I'd be thinking about a tablet or convertible based solution rather than thin client because mobility is key these days.  It's not about saving money at this point, it's about looking forward and investing in your hardware and software decisions wisely.

Q. Is Microsoft finished building their DMS system yet?
     A. Microsoft has never been in the DMS business, as hard as that is to understand and confirm.  Microsoft utilizes it's Partner Network known as the MPN to build, deliver and support companies that deliver products.  The great news is that the pioneer of the Microsoft-based DMS called DMX by Dominion is John Reed and he's created an incredible product.  Over 10 years of blood, sweat and tears have gone into his creation and I recommend you head over to Dominion and get a demo while at #DD14 because it's the most exciting thing we've seen in automotive DMS.

Q. Is there a way to get the start button on Windows 8?
     A. You bet there is!  I use a product called StartW8 but there are tons in the Store.  Just search for start button but know that that one I personally prefer is StartW8.

Q. Do you have any suggestions on how to get off an Exchange server and into Office365?
     A. Yes, call 866-804-9040 and ask for sales :)  We do this all day long and do all the heavy lifting for you so you don't have to.

For further questions and answers, feel free to reach out at http://www.mscloudservices.com or find us on twitter at @mscloudservices

Thank you for the opportunity to share information on the cloud.

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