At Netdrafter, a US-based web development firm, we try to cycle out and replace machines every three years, as well as have an extra machine sitting around for emergency use. While the overall health of the system components is important, we’ve found that the health of the file system is the critical element in keeping our business running.
We had a near catastrophe a few years ago when lightning stuck a facility that was temporarily housing some of our machines. The story of how the machines were saved is online at: http://www.netdrafter.com/blog/news/data-loss-lighting-wake-up-call/
From that point on, we’ve employed an inexpensive but very effective backup process. Our data protection process is detailed at: http://www.netdrafter.com/blog/support/protecting-data/. We probably go overboard, but I wanted to be sure we had backups for our backups, so we’d never totally loose or have to wait for data.
I’ve personally tested a variety of online backup methods and settled on Mozy Pro. (We like the service so much we became an affiliate! See: http://www.mozy.com/?ref=3f9a896b&kbid=39748&m=5) It incrementally sends copies of files to a secure online server for any Internet connected machine. It is very affordable, small file recoveries can be done via email, and you can also get a full backup sent to you on DVD via FedEx. (I recently had this done to have yet another backup lying around.)
Machines and parts will come and go. My advice is to protect your valuable data and make machine upgrades a secondary initiative.
Send your customer questions to: support@netdrafter.com!
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We offer 8 regular workshops as well as custom sessions, like the one above, designed to meet the needs of your audience. For more information, please see our Speaking and Training page.
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Netdrafter presented “Mapping Out Your Business Web Site” this week for Virginia entrepreneurs enrolled in NxLeveL, a national entrepreneurial training program. NxLeveL offers practical, hands-on business development courses designed to help entrepreneurs advance their skills in starting, growing and managing their business.
We were on hand to present web site development information and answer online marketing questions. This course is offered by the Fairfax Community Business Partnership in Springfield, VA.
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We delivered our “Truths and Myths of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” presentation and created the web site for the event. The 19 page informational and registration web site included advanced programming for: seminar and workshop selection, printable session tickets, dynamic sponsor and donor display, web-based sponsor/exhibitor/contributor registration, downloadable registration details for administrative use, and online advertisement.
The event was very well attended and Netdrafter was happy to be a part of its success!
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Loudoun Technology Finalist
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In the spring of 2007, Netdrafter acquired a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification - under the Commonwealth of Virginia’s SWAM (Small, Woman and Minority Business) program. With the WBE, SWMB certification, Netdrafter made itself known to public and private procurement agents.
The company trademark was finalized in March 2007, and the corporate web site experienced a major marketing overhaul to better reach its target customer.
Reaching the 100th customer mark spawned to need for corporate expansion and development as Netdrafter moved its corporate location to a commercial space located in Sterling, Virginia.
Netdrafter Welcomes New Partners and Customers
In 2007, we had the privilege of welcoming the following companies to the Netdrafter family:
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- All About Languages
- Berkeley Data Systems
- Broad Run High School Alumni Association
- DCMeeker Associates
- Fairfax Community Business Partnership
- Friends of Loudoun Mental Health
- GigaMedia Access Corporation
- Homestretch Incorporated
- Innerworks, LLC
- National Association of Women Business Owners - Nation’s Capital Chapter
- Pamela Jones, Inc. - Long and Foster
- PTI Communications
- Sagetopia, LLC
- Skating is My Life
- Your Busy Life
Thanks to the following consulting firms for helping us out this year:
- Beacon Accounting Group (Accounting)
- Exposure Media Consulting, LLC (Business Planning)
- Hamam Design (Graphic Design)
- Savar & Associates (Sales Training)
- Stokefire Consulting Group (Branding)
- The Essential Agreement, LLC (Contracts and Business Documents)
- The Executive Suites at CountrySide, Inc. (Office Space)
90% of all new projects come from customer referrals. Thanks to our current customers for keeping our business running strong and continuing to bring us additional projects as your online business needs grow.
Netdrafter in the Community
At Netdrafter, we believe in integrity - words and actions in sync. We don’t just say we are involved in the community; we are involved in the community. This is not a duty of the corporation but rather a sincere and earnest desire to be a part of our community. We value people. Our 2007 involvement included:
- Sponsoring web services for the Autism Help Network, Friends of Loudoun Mental Health, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, Loudoun LeadShare, the Loudoun Small Business Development Center, the Broad Run High School Alumni Association, the National Association of Women Business Owners - Nation’s Capital Chapter, and the Virginia Association of Non-profit Organizations.
- Speaking for Radford University, the Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia, the Loudoun Small Business Development Center, the Loudoun Home Based Business Council, and at the annual Women Entrepreneurs’ Expo.
- Donating time and services to The Arthritis Foundation, Soldiers’ Angels, and the Heritage High School Athletic program.
Thanks to everyone for another great year!
Rachel and the Netdrafter Team
Video and photos from the event: (click to enlarge or play)
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Technology Category Finalists and Ceremony Presenters |
Guests at the Netdrafter Table |
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Rachel Pastirik Standing by the |
Rachel with Customer and Friend Indra Books (ON THE GO 4 U) |
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Rachel with Friends Kelly Keaton and |
Rachel Holding Finalist Plaque with Dave Jones (Prosperity Mortgage) and Indra Books (ON THE GO 4 U) in Background |
Chosen from over 250 nominees, Netdrafter, LLC was selected as a finalist in the Technology Business of the Year category. “We are really happy to be recognized in this highly competitive category and in a county as rich in technology innovation as Loudoun,??? said Netdrafter’s President, Rachel Pastirik. ???We enjoy competition because it challenges us to do better.???
Nominees were evaluated on a questionnaire that addressed community involvement/leadership, company goals/objectives, challenges, and company philosophy. One of 32 finalists in 8 categories, Netdrafter has had its eye on this goal since its nomination for the 2006 Small Business Awards.
Category winners will be announced at the Annual Gala Awards Dinner at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel on November 7, 2007.
]]>The event is sold out, with over 400 entrepreneurs, vendors and VIPs who have registered for an exciting day of learning, networking, sales, and inspiration. This conference provides a proven venue for women entrepreneurs to get re-energized, gain new skills and meet new customers. Netdrafter is more than happy to help educate local women entrepreneurs about the ever-changing web development industry.
]]>“I hope to share with students that proper interview preparation and an outstanding portfolio are the keys to obtaining a position in the Media and Information Technology fields” says Pastirik.
Pastirik also plans to meet with individual classes and student organizations to share her expertise and offer career planning advice.
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Netdrafter is one of over 250 companies nominated for the 2007 Small Business Awards. In a months time, the Loudoun Chamber’s Small Business Awards Committee will announce the finalists selected to compete in eight business categories.
Netdrafter was nominated in the Technology category, and was a finalist in the Home Based Business category last year.
On November 7 at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel, the winners will be announced before a packed room of county business and community leaders at the Annual Gala Awards Dinner.
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