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Cumulus Global Partners with 4th Bin Partner for Integrated e-Waste Solutions

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Boston, MA – January 25, 2011 – Cumulus Global and 4th Bin jointly announced a new partnership designed to offer businesses, non-profits, schools, and local governments fully integrated e-waste solutions.  Through the partnership, Cumulus Global will offer its cloud-bound customers discounted, ecologically sound, e-waste recycling services for their retiring hardware and electronics.  Cumulus Global will help 4th Bin clients avoid e-Waste hazards by helping them move to cloud computing solutions, such as Google Apps and online backup services.

“Many organizations hesitate to dispose of e-waste out of concern for the legal and ecological issues and the cost,” noted Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global.  “Partnering with 4th Bin lets us help our customers solve their e-waste dilemma.”
Based on New York City, 4th Bin provides door-to-door collection and recycling services in the metropolitan New York area and can arrange e-waste collection and recycling services throughout North America.

“4th Bin is committed to reducing e-waste throughout the technology life cycle,” added John Kirsch, Partner at 4th Bin.  “Our joint effort with Cumulus Global will help companies dispose of their current e-waste and avoid creating more in the future.”

As a cloud solutions provider, Cumulus Global does more than replace servers with cloud-based solutions.  A sound cloud computing strategy reduces the need for support servers, backup equipment, and networking gear.  Moving to cloud computing has a ripple effect that includes less equipment, reduced HVAC requirements, and reduced power consumption.

Cloud computing providers, like Google, are significantly more efficient than most in-house computer rooms and data centers.

About Cumulus Global
Cumulus Global (http://www.cumulusglobal.com) helps small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, governments, and educational institutions thrive by delivering cloud computing solutions.  Serving clients from 1 to more than 1000 employees across numerous industries, we align technology with our clients’ goals, objectives, and bottom lines. We leverage our expertise, vendor relationships, and a diversified range of best-of-breed cloud services to create custom solutions with tangible value.

About 4th Bin
After seeing how much electronic waste (e-waste) is irresponsibly discarded, and knowing the City of New York will institute mandatory responsible disposal of e-waste, a team of IT professionals found a solution to this mounting problem and launched 4th Bin (http://www.4thbin.com). The company specializes in e-waste collection and recycling and is the only service in the city to do so.  Since the company began in fall of 2010, it has collected, recycled, or environmentally and ethically disposed of over 900,000lbs of e-waste from offices, schools, hospitals, factories, and residences in New York City. For the processing of e-waste, 4th Bin works exclusively with e-Stewards Certified recyclers (http://www.e-stewards.org) who have been qualified as upholding the highest standard of environmental and social responsibility. The 4th Bin is the only company in New York City picking up electronic waste from local businesses and residents. The 4th Bin’s door-to-door e-waste recycling solution is convenient, simple and inexpensive. Dedicated to educating businesses and consumers about the hazards of electronic waste and providing a simple and inexpensive means of rescue and disposal, the 4th Bin believes in the reduce, reuse, recycle philosophy. Not only do we ethically and responsibly recycle or reuse all equipment we collect, the 4th Bin is also dedicated to giving back to our local community through partnerships and events.

Friday Thought: Roads Paved with Good Intentions

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We have all hear the proverb about roads paved with good intentions.  With all of the media attention on SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) this week, it appears that we may have a well-needed detour.

While the media is portraying the SOPA/PIPA battle and the site blackout protests as a battle between big Hollywood and big Silicon Valley.  The reality is that SOPA and PIPA are bad for businesses and for small businesses in particular.

The intention behind SOPA and PIPA is good — stop online piracy of copywrited materials.  And one could argue that the current process of requesting the removal of individual items is not sufficient.  But SOPA and PIPA go too far in the other direction.

SOPA and PIPA give content holders, and the US Government, the right to shutdown entire sites and domains if they feel the site is improperly using intellectual property.  The act also forces sites that provide hosting and storage for others to monitor content and prevent illegal use.  Sounds like a good idea, but …

  • SOPA and PIPA allow sites to be shutdown without due process, forcing an accused site to prove its innocence.
  • Holding Google accountable for others’ YouTube content is like holding Verizon accountable for what you say over the phone.  It’s absurd.
  • Forcing hosting and cloud services to monitor and enforce will dramatically increase the cost of basic Internet services — from web hosting to email to file services.
  • Services you use could be shut down due to the actions of others, and you will have no recourse.
  • While the intention is to stop the big IP pirates, the laws apply to everyone.  Your web site could be shutdown if somebody violates a copyright when posting a comment on your blog.
  • The acts lack adequate protection from false accusations — unethical competitors can disrupt your business and bog you down in legal issues.

Beyond some of the big issues, both SOPA and PIPA present unnecessary risks to small and mid-size businesses.  Join us in opposing bad legislation, even if the intention is good.

 

 

Life without Power at Cumulus Global

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Good Day,

Cumulus Global’s offices and many of our team members’ homes (like the majority ofhomes and businesses in our area) are without power due to the October blizzard.

Living in the cloud, however, we are working from libraries, relatives’ houses, and the occasional pizza place.   While are responses may be slightly delayed, we are up and running and here to serve your needs.

Regards,
Allen Falcon
CEO

Cumulus Global CEO Clouds Up New England Business Expo

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Boston, MA – October 18, 2011 – Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global (http://www.cumulusglobal.com/) will be clouding up the New England Business Expo at the DCU Center in Worcester.  As a featured speaker, Falcon’s seminar — Ground to Cloud in 30 Days! — will provide small and mid-size business owners with a road map for secure, cost-effective use of cloud computing solutions.  While most small businesses are aware of cloud computing, many are unsure about how to take the first steps.  Falcon will cover the basics of planning and moving to cloud computing, including the reality of security concerns and service level agreements.

“For most businesses, cloud computing solutions hold great potential for improved efficiency and cost  savings,” notes Falcon. “This seminar will take the mystery and fear out of cloud computing and will provide a road map for sound decisions and plans.”

Ground to Cloud in 30 Days! is scheduled for 4:00 pm in the New England Business Expo seminar rooms, on the 3rd floor of the DCU Center.  Interested business owners can learn more at Cumulus Global’s News and Events page or by visiting the expo site.

About Cumulus Global
Cumulus Global, formerly Horizon Info Services, helps small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, governments, and educational institutions thrive by delivering cloud computing solutions.  Serving clients from 1 to more than 1000 employees across numerous industries, we align technology with our clients’ goals, objectives, and bottom lines. We leverage our expertise, vendor relationships, and a diversified range of best-of-breed cloud services to create custom solutions with tangible value.

CRN Names Cumulus Global to Inaugural Next-Gen 250 List

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Boston, MA, August 25, 2011 – Cumulus Global, formerly Horizon Info Services, today announced Everything Channel has named the company to the first ever 2011 CRN Next-Gen 250 list.  The CRN Next-Gen 250 is an annual listing of innovative and nimble business and technology integrators, solution providers, and resellers in North America offering solutions and services in cloud computing, mobility, unified communications, virtualization and other emerging technologies.

The CRN Next-Generation 250 list is comprised of the most exciting new solution provider organizations (founded 2000-2011) bringing new and emerging implementation ideas and business models to the market (visit www.crn.com for a sample listing).  Cumulus Global was selected for its service innovation and business model as it delivers cloud computing solutions to companies, non-profits, and schools with 1 to 1000 employees.

“In today’s competitive environment solution providers have to do more than just talk about innovation,” said Kelley Damore, VP, Editorial Director, Everything Channel. “The CRN Next-gen 250 highlights the most interesting new solution providers who are demonstrating such innovation and uncovers the new techniques and technologies that are driving their success.”

By offering a range of infrastructure and application services, Cumulus Global helps companies move IT services to the cloud when it benefits their operations and profitability, without forcing any displacement of other systems, vendors, and IT staff.  Cumulus Global works with customers to create a cloud ecosystem that fits well with their other technology solutions.

“We are honored by the recognition of our approach to the market and cloud computing and how we bring additional value to our customers,” stated Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global.  “Our team enjoys partnering with innovative vendors, such as Google, to give our customers solutions with tangible, positive results.”

About Cumulus Global
Cumulus Global helps small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, governments, and educational institutions thrive by delivering cloud computing solutions. Cumulus Global aligns technology with clients’ goals, objectives, and bottom lines, and leverage expertise, vendor relationships, and a diversified range of best-of-breed cloud services to create custom solutions with tangible value.

About Everything Channel
Everything Channel is the premier provider of IT channel-focused events, media, research, consulting, and sales and marketing services. With over 30 years of experience and engagement, Everything Channel has the unmatched channel expertise to execute integrated solutions for technology executives managing partner recruitment, enablement and go-to-market strategy in order to accelerate technology sales. Everything Channel is a UBM company. To learn more about Everything Channel, visit us at http://www.everythingchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/everythingchnl.

UBM plc (www.ubm.com)
UBM plc is a leading global business media company. We inform markets and bring the world’s buyers and sellers together at events, online, in print and provide them with the information they need to do business successfully. We focus on serving professional commercial communities, from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewelry traders, from farmers to pharmacists around the world. Our 6,000 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into specialist teams that serve these communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.

Cumulus Global and Google Offer Webinar Series

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WESTBOROUGH, MA – August 24, 2011 – Cumulus Global (www.cumulusglobal.com) is pleased to announce ”The Google Apps Difference”, a series of webinars discussing how better communication and collaboration capabilities can improve profitability for small and mid-size businesses.  Hosted by Google and Cumulus Global, the webinars will present the perceptions and realities of moving to cloud computing for most organizations, and will explore the benefits beyond expected cost savings of moving to Google Apps for Business.  While targeting businesses in the New England and New York region with 50 to 250 employees, the webinar will prove useful for most businesses and non-profit organizations.

 

“We are honored to be selected by Google to participate in this joint education and marketing program”, noted Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global.  “Our selection reflects the expertise of our team, our relationship with Google, and the quality of service we offer our customers.”

The live webinars will be hosted by Falcon and members of the Google Enterprise team.  To accommodate demand, the webinar will be repeated live at several times.  The current schedule includes sessions on Tuesday August 30th at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, and on Thursday September 1st at 3:00 pm.  While planned for an hour, Cumulus and Google will stay on the line to answer any questions from attendees.

For more information, visit the News and Events page on the Cumulus Global website at: http://www.cumulusglobal.com/news-and-events.php.

About Cumulus Global
Cumulus Global, formerly Horizon Info Services, helps small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, governments, and educational institutions thrive by delivering cloud computing solutions.  Serving clients from 1 to more than 1000 employees across numerous industries, we align technology with our clients’ goals, objectives, and bottom lines. We leverage our expertise, vendor relationships, and a diversified range of best-of-breed cloud services to create custom solutions with tangible value.

 

 

Cumulus Global CEO discusses economic impact with CRN

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As reported by Computer Reseller News (CRN),

The stock market has dropped precipitously the last two weeks, but several solution providers said they’re not worried about a substantial economic relapse impacting their businesses. At least not yet.

Click here to see what Allen Falcon, our CEO, and other resellers have to say.

Paul Drotch Joins Cumulus Global as CFO

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WESTBOROUGH, MA – July 20, 2011 – Cumulus Global is pleased to announce that Paul Drotch has joined the company in the role of Chief Financial Officer.  As CFO, Paul will manage all accounting functions and will lead several strategic initiatives in support of the company’s rapid growth. 

“We are honored that Paul has decided to join our team,” stated Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global.  “With more than 15 years in the finance industry, Paul brings expertise in finance, analysis, strategic planning, and funding.  Paul is the right person to help us continue growing.”

Paul DrotchPrior to joining Cumulus Global, Paul served as a Senior Investment Officer at Liberty Mutual.  During his tenure at Liberty Mutual, Paul tracked a $3.0 billion portfolio over several vertical industries, providing critical and timely analysis and recommendations to fund managers.  Paul previously served as a Senior High Yield Analyst for Federated Investors.

Paul holds a Bachelors of Arts with Honors from the University of Rochester and Master of Business Administration in Finance and Strategy from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University.  Paul is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Paul lives in Central Massachusetts with his wife and three children.  He is currently a Board Member at the Epilepsy Foundation Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire & Maine and has served in leadership positions on the boards of several area non-profits.

Horizon Info Services, LLC Becomes Cumulus Global

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New Name and Brand Reflects Company’s Growth

WESTBOROUGH, MA – June 13, 2011 – Horizon Info Services, LLC announced this morning that, effective immediately, the company is doing business as Cumulus Global. Allen Falcon, CEO, announced the change from the company’s booth at the Hartford Business Journal’s CT Business Expo.  With this new name, Falcon also launched the company’s new branding and web site at www.cumulusglobal.com.

As one of the original 20 Google Apps Authorized Resellers in North America, Cumulus Global will continue delivering innovative cloud computing solutions for email, communications, and collaboration.  The company has also quietly added a broad selection of cloud computing solutions relevant to small and mid-size organizations, serving North American companies with locations worldwide.

“Cumulus Global better reflects the scope of cloud computing solutions we offer to businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and governments”, stated Falcon.  “While Google Apps remains the cornerstone of our cloud computing solutions, we understand that Google Apps is one piece of the IT puzzle.  We deliver solutions, not just products.”

Cumulus Global augments Google Apps with integrated applications for contact management, MS Office integration, data backup, document records management, email archiving and encryption, as well as custom development services.  The company provides a range of setup and migration services and offers on-going IT and end user support services not otherwise available.

“We are fairly unique among Google Apps resellers,” notes Falcon. “Unlike most Google Apps resellers, our focus is more than selling Google Apps licenses and services.  We focus on our customers’ business needs and objectives, and deliver cloud computing solutions accordingly.”

Beyond Google Apps, Cumulus offers a range of cloud computing solutions, including: spam/virus protection, archiving, encryption, and continuity services for in-house email systems; web security and filtering services; and online backup, restore, and recovery services.  The company will be rolling out Cloud Storage and Cloud Server solutions later this summer.

About Cumulus Global
Cumulus Global, formerly Horizon Info Services, helps small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, governments, and educational institutions thrive by delivering cloud computing solutions.  Serving clients from 1 to more than 1000 employees across numerous industries, we align technology with our clients’ goals, objectives, and bottom lines. We leverage our expertise, vendor relationships, and a diversified range of best-of-breed cloud services to create custom solutions with tangible value.