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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Energy Efficient Off Site Storage

November 8, 2008 by George G.

Filed under a Lake Tahoe- Tahoe Collective

When emphasis on energy efficiency and waste management begin setting policy in IT departments it’s time to look at what to do about document and data storage. In a survey of IT professionals one of the telling points was more concern over how documents and information is stored as well as where it is stored. Better utilization of department and company space and resources means utilizing off site storage facilities. Offsite Date Depot offers just such services for the demanding requirements of corporate and IT managers.

Sixty-one percent of organizations in a recent survey indicated that between 30 and 50 percent of
data on premises is unlikely to be accessed ever again. While they may need to keep data for
legal or regulatory reasons, they can save space and energy by moving much of this information
and data to tape, optical disk, removable disk or other storage systems, which do not consume
power unless being accessed.

Archiving documents and data makes sense when considering all the space required, not to
mention wasted time and effort in retrieving records that years ago were placed in storage in the
back closet or stacked on a pallet in a warehouse somewhere.

It is obvious to many that as deep as we are now into the information age the promise of a paperless society has never really materialized, as a matter of fact, the amount of paper used in redundant back up seems staggering. We aren’t paperless yet and though the idea has extraordinary merit, in the meantime, paper, documents, information pile up in mountainous proportion.

It’s often at the close of most fiscal years that interest is peaked into off site storage, especially when the past years records are collected and added to the previous endless collection. Gerd E. Poppinga, director of operations for Offsite Data Depot indicated many of the services offered by their Carson City facility include:

Services include:
· Reference and re-filing at the document, file, or carton level
· Email filtering and Spam control
· Secure online backup for your vital business records
· Fax, photocopy, and on-demand scanning
· 24/7 access to your information

Pick up and delivery on a scheduled, rush, or disaster response level Certified destruction service and retention schedules for your obsolete records Specially constructed, fireproof, and environmentally controlled facilities. A private area in which you can examine your records in a clean and quiet atmosphere.

When you start taking an enterprise-wide approach to archiving records the volume of date and paper can become staggering and if you consider where you store information and how you retrieve it, off site solutions can offer a considerable difference in energy saving, and we haven’t even brought up simple security measures.

For more information please contact Offsite Data Depot, Gerd E. Poppinga gpoppinga@offsitedatadepot.com.

Offsite Data Depot readies move into document storage


NNBW staff, 12/4/2006

Offsite Data Depot’s methodical plans for growth will take a big step as the
Carson City company prepares to lease space for the document-storage
operation that will provide a second major source of revenue.

The company, which moved to Carson City from the Bay Area, has spent
the last seven months building the other side of its business — computer
consulting, on-line computer backups and e-mail filtering. Those
operations require less capital than the document-storage business, says
Brian W. Olson, a partner in Offsite Data Depot with Gerd Poppinga.
Because the partners are building the business with their personal savings,
the cautious strategy is particularly important, Olsen says.

Within the next few days, the company expects to sign a lease on a 12,500-
square-foot facility near the Carson City Airport. There, it will begin
offering document-storage services — securing boxes of paperwork for
companies that have neither the space nor the inclination to store them in
their own offices.

Usually, Olson says, document-storage companies such as the international
player Iron Mountain Inc. target markets with at least 200,000 population.
Olson and Poppinga think their company can turn a profit in the much smaller Carson City market because Offsite Data Depot is offering other
services as well. And the fact that Carson City is home to the state
government means there are plenty of organizations generating boxes of
paperwork.

Olson says the company expects to draw most of its document-storage
business from the Carson Valley and Eagle Valley. Customers for its
technology services, meanwhile, are located throughout the West.
Offsite Data Depot expects to open its secure data storage facility in
February. As the operation gets established, the company — currently
staffed by only its two partners — expects to add two or three additional
workers.

Olson previously spent 13 years as chief technologist for a major financial
services company. Poppinga was chief technology officer for a machining
company and founded Data Storage Associates, a document-imaging firm
that he moved to Dayton from northern California in 2004. That firm was
merged into Offsite Data Depot this year.

Protecting Your Company’s Future

Article written in the Nevada Appeal 03/07/2010, Page A015 in association with the NNDA

Identity theft, terrorist attacks, fraudulent accounting, natural disasters, and non-compliance with
government regulations have thrust records management and corporate accountability into the
spotlight. Today, businesses must properly store and manage their vital records in order to meet
operational needs, accountability requirements, and community and government expectations.
As a result, society is demanding higher standards for the accuracy and availability of records.
Good records management allows businesses to make better decisions faster, transforming their
organizations into smarter enterprises. Corporations must also document their plans for vital
records and business continuity in the event of the unthinkable and maintain those records offsite
but within a specified and easily reachable distance.

Traditional storage methods like files stored in boxes in a basement, spare office, or even selfstorage
units aren't conducive to finding or protecting this information. These methods can put
your records at risk of both loss and unauthorized access.

Offsite Data Depot helps businesses with planning, developing and implementing a complete
records management solution to meet their needs. Offsite can handle organizations of all sizes
with its suite of records management tools from secure records storage and management to email
filtering, secure online backups, document scanning and secure shredding services.

With decades of experience in the records management industry, Offsite has helped
organizations in many industries manage and control their vital records. Clients ranging from
the Nevada Supreme Court to local law enforcement, title companies, casinos as well as many
other businesses have reduced their exposure to security risks and identity theft while
maintaining compliance with government regulations. These customers have also seen savings
from 20 to 60 percent by using Offsite’s services.

Now you know how to reduce risks associated with record keeping. But, what else must a
company do during these trying economic times to make sure they stay in business?
One key strategy at Offsite Data Depot is to remain active in networking within its local
communities. Being involved in organizations such as the Northern Nevada Development
Authority, Business Networking International, area Chambers of Commerce, and other local
service groups provides a venue to ensure the company name is in front of prospective customers
and builds positive and meaningful relationships with other businesses in the Sierra Region.

For more information, visit www.offsitedatadepot.com or call 775-888-9933. Video Promo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9HYSXK2-D0. Offsite will give you peace of mind once
again.

The 007 of networking: Brian Olson

By Ronni Hannaman: For the Nevada Appeal

Cheri Glockner, left, presents Brian Olson, owner of Offsite Data Depot, with an award
from the Carson City Chamber of Commerce recognizing him as the top networker.

The Chamber continually touts the importance of self-marketing. Some businesses get it;
many don’t. Those who don’t go by the wayside not knowing why. Those who are
successful understand it was because they worked hard at making connections and taking
advantage of every possible opportunity to grow.

Shaking a few hands and attending events where there is certain to be business connections is one of the most integral components of any business plan — and that is in good times and bad. The investment of a handshake is small; the return can be monumental.

With a positive attitude, outstretched hand and a pocketful of business cards, there’s no
reason not to be successful, whatever the business.

The Chamber just recognized its first top networker who has taken the true concept of
networking to heart. At the March Breakfast Club held at Finucci’s Grand Central, Brian
Olson of Offsite Data Depot was honored as a true example of one who “gets it.” He is an
excellent role model.

Everywhere you look, there’s Brian. He so believes in the power of networking that one
wonders how he ever finds time to relax.

Here, Brian sheds light on his philosophy and success:
Ronni Hannaman: You are truly a man about town, seen at almost every business
function in our community. Why is it important to you to attend all these functions?
Brian Olson: Most of us know that good business relationships are important for success.
When I moved here to start Offsite Data Depot, I learned right away that in Carson City,
these relationships aren’t just important, they’re critical. There’s an old saying that says,
“People do business with people they know and trust.” You can’t expect people to get to
know you and trust you if they only see you once in a while. They need to know that
you’re committed to the success of the local community and the businesses in it.

RH: Networking is not an easy task for many, yet you make it seem so easy. What is your
secret?
BO: The key to building those relationships is showing them that you sincerely care
about them and their business. Listen to them. Find out what they want and then find a
way to help them get it. If you help enough people get what they want, it’ll come back to
you.

RH: Your personal philosophy is to give to be able to receive. Explain that in business
terms.
BO: You can’t go to the bank and withdraw money if you didn’t deposit some first. The
same goes in business. I wouldn’t expect someone to refer business to me if I’ve never
even tried to refer business to them. If people know that you really care about them and
the success of their business, they’re more likely to return the favor. Whether it’s
shopping, eating or getting your car fixed, I always encourage people to do business with
the people I’ve met at local networking functions. I carry their business cards in my car
so I can recommend them when I see an opportunity.
I believe that all of us need to give to the local communities that support our businesses.
That’s why I belong to organizations like the Carson City Rotary Club. My resources are
limited. By working with other Rotarians those resources are multiplied. Together, we
can do more for the community than any one of us could do on our own.

RH: How do you find the time to be a consistent networker?
BO: My key to consistency is not “finding” the time to network, but “making” the time. I
book functions on my calendar as soon as they are announced. Another good networking
tool is to regularly have lunch or coffee with other business people. You’re going to eat
lunch anyway. Why not have lunch with someone new and learn more about them and
their business?

As far as the networking functions, it’s work, not a social event. I’m there to meet new
people, build relationships, give and get business referrals and to spread the word about
my business. That said, there’s no reason you can’t have fun while you’re working. There
are some great business people here in Carson City and many of them have become good
friends.

RH: Add anything you wish
BO: You can’t just hang a sign in the window and expect customers to walk in the door,
especially in my business. Today, more than ever, businesses need to do everything they
can to differentiate themselves from their competition and create value for their clients. I
believe that, by consistently showing up for networking functions (to build business
relationships), getting involved in the local community and giving to others without
expecting anything in return, you’ll greatly improve your chances for success.

• Ronni Hannaman is director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.

Carson City Company Keeps Data Safe Offsite


By Marian Bond • business@rgj.com • October 21, 2008 

With backgrounds in computer technology and document imaging and scanning, Gerd Poppinga and Brian Olson opened their Carson City business, Offsite Data Depot, in March 2006. The company offers a full range of information management services to local businesses, associations and government offices.


For document destruction, the company will pick up secured and locked shred bins or consoles from the client or help clean out obsolete paper from filing cabinets and use secure shredders at its facility. The shredded paper is sent to the Bay Area, where it is baled and used as recycled paper.

"This helps the environment," Poppinga said. "It's much better than throwing shredded paper in the garbage. Companies also receive a certificate of destruction."
As for storage of records, every box brought to the company is bar coded and entered into the computer data base.

"Bar-coding technology is brilliant in today's world," Poppinga said. "When we take the customer's information and apply it to the bar code number, we can put it in our warehouse and find it in minutes."
He said that some clients have permanent records, such as the Nevada Supreme Court and Storey County.
The company has a concrete building that features security video surveillance. Only authorized personnel with proper ID can enter.

Offsite Data Depot contracts with a Washington state company to provide off-site data storage for customers online. Information goes directly from a client's computer to a secure server. Poppinga said they wanted to offer this service because it is cost-effective.

"If a client has a question they can call us directly and we will take care of any issues," he said. "Benefits include 24/7 access from anywhere in the world to records for the client, all completely secure. Having off-site backup has several benefits including, and particularly so in case of disaster, fire or theft."
The company also can scan paper documents for a client using high-speed scanners and upload them online, thus creating a repository. This becomes a virtual filing cabinet holding PDF’s.

The company has about 50 clients and is growing. "We're starting to get the momentum because of the economy," Poppinga said. "Business is worried about risk management and their information, and they want to reduce costs. They want security and we manage their information."

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and Offsite Data Depot Sign Agreement for Document Management Services

- Move Saves Atlantis Approximately $6K/Month -

CARSON CITY, NV - - July 6, 2010 – 
Until recently, Reno’s Atlantis Casino Resort Spa leased secure warehouse space for storing administrative documents and gaming receipts.  When it came time to destroy outdated documents, they hired a shredding service to come in about once a month to perform secure document destruction.  In an ongoing effort to save costs and increase efficiency, the casino looked at other options and services.

Effective in May, Atlantis signed an agreement with Offsite Data Depot in Carson City for secure document storage, electronic inventory and document destruction.  The change will save the casino approximately $6,000 per month.
 
Ron Rowan, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa CFO, said “We now have document pick-up from Offsite once or twice a week, as needed, for less money than it used to cost us for a monthly service.” 

Gerd Poppinga, Offsite’s Director of Operations, added “We inventory and track every record electronically to guarantee an audit trail.  We arranged all labor and transportation for the document move, and worked with Atlantis’ staff to ensure accurate inventory.”      
                                          
Brian Olson, co-owner of Offsite mentioned “These days, every business is taking a harder look at their bottom-line.  Like the Atlantis, companies from many industries are starting to figure out that they can save a significant amount of money while actually improving their records management by outsourcing to a professional records center like Offsite.” 
About Atlantis Casino Resort Spa-
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is located on the strip at the corner of South Virginia and Peckham Lane, in the heart of Reno’s new shopping and dining district.  Atlantis offers a variety of exceptional dining choices, world-class casino action, live entertainment, complimentary valet service and acres of free self-parking.  Visit www.AtlantisCasino.com for more information.   

About Offsite Data Depot-
Headquartered in Carson City, Offsite Data Depot offers Nevada businesses secure records storage and management services, including certified document destruction, document imaging and hosting, online computer backups and email filtering.  Customers include city and state government agencies, gaming facilities, law enforcement services, title and insurance companies, physicians and healthcare facilities.    Visit www.offsitedatadepot.com for more information.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

What are you doing to safeguard your business information?


The information on your computers is vital to your business. That’s why you back it up, right? So, where do you store those backups so that they are protected but are still accessible when you need them?

Offsite Data Depot introduces Northern Nevada’s newest climate-controlled vault for affordable storage and protection of your electronic media and other sensitive materials.

· Temperature and humidity controlled.
· Waterless fire suppression.
· Monitored security, fire detection and environmental systems.
· Access limited to Offsite’s trained & screened personnel.
· Regular pickup and delivery service throughout Northern Nevada.
Offsite’s vaults are perfect for data backup tapes (4mm, 8mm, DLT, 3490, optical disks, CDs, DVDs, etc.), audio or video tapes, microfiche, microfilm or other personal items that require climate-controlled, secure storage.



Call today for a free consultation and quote
Bus: 775-888-9933 or Email: vaults@offsitedatadepot.com