Chris Mackie

Services

Areas of Expertise

• Training and coaching in all aspects of Information Technology.

Using my significant experience as a coach, mentor and trainer, combined with my knowledge of IT systems, I can assist you and your colleagues to get the best from your technology.

• Consultancy and advice.

Developing IT systems is an area full of jargon. Sales people want to sell you the top spec product. I can help demystify matters and ensure you make an informed choice that is best for your organisation and the resources at your disposal.

• Facilitating the development of your Web presence.

I can facilitate discussion amongst your team as to what your requirements are, to develop a website that works best for your organisation.

If necessary, I can set up a web site for you. I can redesign your current site, and do it in such a way as to give you the control over the content of the site for the future. This is what content management systems do. I use open source (free) software which means less money spent on IT systems and more on what your organisation exists to do.

• Database design and repair.

Databases can be very powerful tools that can make real benefits to the productivity of your organisation. They can also be very confusing. With the wrong set up, it’s simply a case of ‘garbage in, garbage out’. I can work with you and your team and help you work out exactly what you require, and ensure that your databases work for you (not the other way round).

• Installation and configuration of software and hardware.

I can assist you to install any new programmes (software) or machines (hardware). I can also give plain english advice to you before you spend any money to ensure that your business gets exactly what you need.

• Networking development and troubleshooting.

One PC by itself is (relatively) simple. Trying to get several talking to each other can often be a nightmare for the uninitiated. I can help you solve your network issues to get you back to the job you’re supposed to be doing!

• Re-use and upgrading existing hardware and software.

If it ain’t broke, don’t throw it out! That’s what I say anyway. Can’t afford the latest thing? I’ll help you get the most from what you’ve got.

• Provision of open source (free) software.

There are many benefits to the use of open source software. The one that makes most sense to most people is the fact that it is free (as in cost). It’s also free, as in freedom but that’s another story for another day. I’ll help you make the right choice for your organisation, whether that takes you down an open source route, or not.