IT360, Inc.

Responsive.

Your business doesn’t stop at 5 pm. Computer and network issues can happen anytime, day or night. So why should you pay more at 5:01 or on weekends when you need help the most?

Proactive.

We provide solutions that address the underlying issues with your computers, servers, and network, before they result in major down-time for your business.

Cost Effective.

When you pay a monthly fee for our IT services, that’s it. No hidden costs and no additional charges for projects. It’s simple – everything your business may need is covered 24/7.

The 360Advisor Blog
Mondopad: You will want one
Written by Matt Machala of IT360, Inc.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012 15:37

What's a Mondopad? Take a tablet, stretch it 55 inches. Give it a full 1080pHD multi-touch display. Embed a powerful Intel CoreI5 PC running Windows 7 Pro. Load it with presentation, annotation and collaboration apps. Put it in your conference room and connect it as a versatile, easy to use video conferencing endpoint. The Mondopad transforms conference rooms into collaboration rooms.

You and your colleagues can securely connect, share and collaborate with anyone, anywhere – making your meetings more collaborative, productive and sustainable.

  • Multi-touch high definition 55 inch display
  • Integrated Intel® i5 PC running Windows 7 Pro
  • Full copy of Microsoft® Office
  • Digital whiteboard and annotation
  • High definition 720p camera with 4 integrated microphones
  • Voice-optimized sound bar for improved dialogue clarity


Interested?  IT360 is central Illinois' reseller of the InFocus Mondopad.  But don't buy one just yet, give us a call at 309-680-2100 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we'll let you test drive ours.

Here's a video to learn more:


 
Matt Machala recognized as one of the 40 Leaders Under Forty
Written by Don Dawson of IT360, Inc.
Friday, 04 November 2011 07:21

IT360 is proud to announce that Matt Machala, our vice president and co-founder, was named to the 2011 class of 40 Leaders Under Forty in central Illinois.
Matt Machala
Click here to read about Matt’s involvement in our community.

40 Leaders Under Forty is an annual celebration of young leaders in central Illinois. Through nominations submitted by the community, 40 of the area's top leaders are honored each year.  A panel of judges determines those who most aptly demonstrated successful leadership qualities and accomplishments in the greater Peoria area — those who have made a difference, those who best define the spirit of youthful initiative throughout our community.

 
IT360 radio interview on In the Neighborhood
Written by Matt Machala of IT360, Inc.
Sunday, 18 September 2011 10:56

Don Dawson and Matt Machala of IT360 stopped by the In the Neighborhood studio to discuss IT360, Impact Peoria and the Build the Block Camera that is chronicling the development of the new Peoria museum block. If you missed it live, you can listen to the interview by following this link:


In the Neighborhood airs every Sunday morning at 6:30am on 1470 WMBD.  You can also check out and "like" their Facebook page here.


 
IT360 Employee Appreciation Day
Written by Matt Machala of IT360, Inc.
Monday, 22 August 2011 15:31


On Friday, September 2, IT360 will be holding its annual Employee Appreciation Day and will be operating with a greatly reduced workforce. We will be available for emergency support on that day, but ask that all urgent service tickets are requested before next Friday or the week of September 5 - if at all possible.  As always, requests may be made by calling (309)282-3830 or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
The employees of IT360 are our company's most valuable asset, and our goal is for every employee to be personally involved in and share the success of the business.  Thank you for allowing us to recognize them with this special day.
 
Don Dawson, President
Matt Machala, Vice President

 
IT360 Unveils New BUILD THE BLOCK CAMERA With Streaming Video
Friday, 05 August 2011 11:23


Build The Block Camera - Chase Bank Building

PEORIA, Illinois (August 5, 2011) – The BUILD THE BLOCK CAM website has been upgraded.  IT360, the trusted technology advisor for small and mid-sized businesses throughout central Illinois, has added a second camera on top of the Chase Bank building overlooking the Riverfront Museum and the Caterpillar Visitor Center construction. Rather than just a series of still video captures every five seconds that is provided by the original camera (located above the Waterfront Place building on Water Street), this new camera streams live video, enabling viewers to watch the ongoing transformation of the former Sears block. The camera will pan across the construction site throughout the day, pausing for ten minutes after each tour and will occasionally take snapshots for the future time lapse video.

President Don Dawson explained the reasons behind the addition of another camera, “We’re a technology company and this sort of project is right up our alley. Much of the same technology and networking challenges that were used for this ‘fun project’ directly relate to the many applications we provide for our clients.”

Vice President Matt Machala adds, ”As one of many businesses who are located on the riverfront and who enjoy Peoria’s beautiful riverfront on a daily basis, we are genuinely excited to see the museum block construction moving forward. Donating this new camera and providing a unique perspective of the construction is our way of giving back to the community – and encouraging everyone to track the progress.”

The construction area for the Riverfront Museum and the Caterpillar Visitor Center is bounded by Water Street and Washington Street on the East and West, and Main Street and Liberty Street on the North and South. Construction began in 2010 and has progressed to a point where it is now possible to see some of the buildings taking shape.  Both cameras can be experienced at: www.BuildTheBlockCam.com.

About IT360
IT360 was founded in February of 2006, by Don Dawson, President, and Matt Machala, Vice President.  Their vision was to offer small and medium sized businesses the same support levels that were available to larger corporations, at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time, in-house support staff. IT360’s fundamental values center on responsive 24/7 support without inflated after-hours rates, a simple yet affordable pricing structure, and the belief that all customers are equal - regardless of their size or budget.


 
Business Plans Help Local Tech Companies Manage Growth
Written by Debra Clay of SCORE
Monday, 01 August 2011 14:43

Many small businesses have a love-hate relationship with business plans. Most agree they need one, but the process of creating it can seem overwhelming. Small business owners quickly learn that if they are seeking outside financing, whether through a bank or an angel investor, a written business plan, including financial forms, will be required. But even if a business doesn’t need outside funding, having a business plan allows all owners to be on the same page with the direction of the business. Businesses that have the discipline to review their business plans at least annually find it helps them manage their business.

Read how IT360 looked to the Peoria Chapter of SCORE for business planning and advice here.

Courtesy of InterBusiness Issues » August 2011


 
IT360 4th of July celebration a success!
Written by Don Dawson
Friday, 08 July 2011 08:15

IT360, Inc. would like to thank everyone that came out to our 4th of July celebration.  We had a great time celebrating the event with our clients, partners, and their families. 

More than 150 people showed up to help us celebrate on Peoria's Riverfront!

IT360 4th Of July Fireworks

IT360 4th Of July Fireworks 2Flower Settings

4th Of July Guests










































 
We're hiring! Systems Engineer position just posted
Tuesday, 24 May 2011 06:45

Are you, or someone you know, interested in joining our team?  We have just posted an opening for a Systems Engineer in our Peoria, Illinois office.

IT360, Inc. is the technology department for small and medium sized businesses throughout central Illinois. We proactively assist our clients with their business computer and technology needs by providing help-desk support, evaluating and implementing new technologies, and updating outdated or obsolete business systems – being sure to communicate in simple terms.

The people of IT360 are our company's most valuable asset, and our goal is for every employee to be personally involved in and share the success of the business. The company is committed to providing an environment that encourages all employees to make full use of their creativity and unique talents; to providing equitable compensation, good working conditions, and the opportunity for personal development and growth that is limited only by individual ability and desire.

Check it out or pass it on... details of this position can be found here or feel free to apply through our posting at peoriahelpwanted.com.


 
Camp Big Sky 2nd Annual Charity Fishing Tournament
Written by Matt Machala of IT360, Inc.
Monday, 23 May 2011 10:04

IT360, Inc. is proud to have been a part of Camp Big Sky’s 2nd Annual Charity Fishing Tournament at Lakeland Park in Canton this past weekend.  Not only were we able to offer our support for this great cause through a corporate sponsorship, but employees also volunteered their time and talents through Impact Peoria.
2011 Corporate Sponsors



Items of interest related to the 2011 tournament:


Weighing the fish

Setting up the awards stage


 
Technology can do a lot, but...
Written by Don Dawson of IT360, Inc.
Friday, 20 May 2011 16:03

With the latest firewalls and security products, keeping companies systems secure continues to advance.  With the right network equipment, it’s much easier to block “questionable” web content or to keep the “bad guys” out.  However, a trend that I have noticed most recently is that some clients are looking to these technology tools to keep their employees on task and out of sites they do not deem productive.  Sure, with technology, we can easily create a rule on your firewall to block specific websites, such as Facebook, so that when your employees attempt to go that site, they cannot.

However, while the concept is good, it just doesn’t work.  Yes, I said that – it does not work.  Unfortunately the problem isn’t Facebook.  It’s your policy (or a lack of policy).  Let me explain.  Facebook, in its rawest form, is a time killer which translates into “I’d rather waste time, than do the work before me.”  Before Facebook there was Instant Messaging.  Before the internet there was solitaire.  Before computers there was hanging out at the water cooler, personal phone calls, or whatever other means to pass time – and kill productivity. 

The point is that a well written (and enforced) Internet Usage Policy goes much further than just blocking websites.  If you choose the path of solely blocking sites, you will most likely always chase this issue.  If you block a site like Facebook, your employees do not necessarily become more productive.  They just find other time killing websites to spend their time on.  If you block their entire web access, they will in all likelihood return to playing solitaire. 

My suggestion:  write a good usage policy and enforce it.  An effective way to enforce your policy is to review monthly usage reports from your firewall.  You most likely already know which employees will show up on those reports well before you even read them.  Address the issue from a management perspective rather than through technology.  Instead, use the technology piece to validate what you already know and use it as a metric for measuring against your policy.

Do you need help developing your Internet Usage Policy or just not sure where to start?  Let us help.  IT360 has helped many businesses develop a plan and policy, with great success.  Contact us if you would like to find out how.


 
IT360 Becomes A gloStream Certified Partner
Wednesday, 11 May 2011 13:19

IT360 Now Qualified to Sell and Support gloStream
Electronic Medical Record and Practice Management Solutions


PEORIA, Illinois (May 11, 2011) – IT360, Inc., a local IT solutions provider, announced today that it has become a gloStream certified partner.  IT360 has proven it has the IT proficiency and capability to sell and support gloStream’s certified, voice-enabled, Microsoft Office embedded electronic medical record (EMR) and practice management (PM) software solutions to physician practices.  IT360 serves small and mid-sized businesses throughout Illinois, providing customized full-service IT solutions, including gloEMR – gloStream’s flagship EMR application.

“Technology shows great promise to transform quality of care while simultaneously improving productivity and efficiency for doctors and their staffs,” said Don Dawson, President, IT360, Inc. “gloStream’s integration with Microsoft technology allows us to offer local doctors an easy to use and proven solution that’s crucial to their everyday work.”

As a gloStream partner, IT360 has access to sales, marketing and support tools, special training and a variety of other gloStream resources.  The company plans to use these tools to enhance its brand recognition and increase its footprint in the healthcare community while providing valuable local support to the physicians the company serves.

“We are proud and excited to welcome IT360 to the gloStream community as a partner,” said Brenda Hodge, Executive Vice President for Partners and Practices at gloStream. “Their level of commitment to the gloStream Partner Program ensures that physicians throughout Illinois will have access to not only the best EMR and PM software, but also to an IT advisor that can implement and support entire networks and essential data.”

About IT360, Inc.
IT360, Inc. was founded in February of 2006 by Don Dawson and Matt Machala, its current President and Vice President respectively.  Their vision was to offer small and medium sized businesses the same support levels that were available to larger corporations, at a fraction of the cost to hire a full-time, in-house support staff.
IT360’s fundamental values center on responsive 24/7 support without inflated after-hours rates, a simple yet affordable pricing structure, and the belief that all customers are equal - regardless of their size or budget.


About gloStream
gloStream provides doctors and healthcare facilities with certified, voice-enabled electronic medical record and practice management solutions delivered and supported through a nationwide community of local technology Partners. gloStream products are secure, easy-to-use applications and the only solutions on the market with Microsoft Office built right in. gloStream Partners leverage gloDNA (“gloStream Detailed Needs Analysis”), a proprietary implementation process that allows gloStream to offer the industry’s only 15-Day Money Back Success Guarantee. For more information, visit www.glostream.com or call 877-456-3671.

gloEMR 6.0 from gloStream (CC-1112-501340-1), a complete EHR, is ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 compliant and has been certified by the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT®), an ONC-ATCB, in accordance with the applicable certification criteria for eligible providers adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. gloEMR was certified on Sept 30, 2010, and has been certified for the following clinical quality measures: NQF 0421, NQF 0013, NQF 0028, NQF 0041, NQF 0024, NQF 0038, NQF 004, NQF, 0012, NQF 0032. This certification does not represent an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or guarantee the receipt of incentive payments.


 
Secure your online information
Written by Don Dawson of IT360, Inc.
Tuesday, 03 May 2011 12:22

As of the time of this writing, Sony has announced that 10 million of its subscribers may have had their account information and credit card numbers stolen. The total impact of the breach effects 77 million.

If you have an account on the PlayStation network, we at IT360 recommend you take the following steps:

  • First, call your bank and have a new card reissued. You can never be too safe and this is the first action you should take.
  • Don’t use debit cards for online transactions. That money comes directly out of your checking account. If your card number is stolen and your bank doesn’t catch it as fraudulent, you are out that money until you can go through the process of getting it back. With a credit card you are just fighting the bill at the end of the month and not out any immediate cash.
  • Place a “fraud alert” on your file with the credit bureau.
  • Change your passwords. Not only on the PlayStation network site, but ALL sites. Don’t use the same password for every website you go to. The PlayStation network breach is a good example of why. Each site you use should have its own password. Now they have the password you used at Sony. If you used that password for your bank account, you may be in for more problems.
  • It also looks like secret questions/answers have also been compromised. You will need to change these on the other sites you go to. What was your favorite pet’s name? It shouldn’t be Spot any more.

Sony has posted information about what you can do on their website: http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=2185

If your company accepts credit cards, know the risks.  PCI/DSS compliance can be a daunting task.  IT360 has helped many companies work through the process to secure their customers information.  Contact us if you would like to find out how.


 
Don Dawson on 1470 WMBD (05.02.2011)
Written by Matt Machala of IT360, Inc.
Monday, 02 May 2011 12:17

If you weren't able to listen to Don Dawson's interview on "The Greg & Dan Show" this morning, feel free to check it out at your convenience. 

In his interview, Don talks about the laptop we were able to recover for one of our clients, how we did it, and a few of the fun things we have in store for the Build the Block Camera (which can be found at: www.buildtheblockcam.com).

Greg And Dan Audio Archives:
Don Dawson, IT360, Inc. (5/2/2011)


 
Attack of the third party programs
Written by Don Dawson of IT360, Inc.
Monday, 25 April 2011 13:27

There are four primary “attack” vectors that allow viruses onto your computer: Internet Explorer, Flash, Acrobat Reader, and Java.  As of late, there have been many vulnerabilities associated with these programs and virus writers have been successful in exploiting them. 

The best way to protect yourself is to make sure these programs are updated to the latest release and all old versions of the programs, java in particular, are removed.  There are a couple ways you can go about this.  First, run Windows updates.  This will take care of Internet Explorer updates.  Then go to each company’s website, download the latest release of the program, and install it.  Not too difficult –until you have to do this to more than 10 computers every week to keep up with the multiple updates that are published.

The right tool for the job is always important.  Enter Ninite (www.ninite.com).  This is a site that allows you to create a custom installer to install/update all of the above mentioned programs – plus more.   Run the installer on each computer to update the software to the latest release.  It works great and cuts down time spent updating each machine.  If you have many machines to update there is still a time commitment involved in running the installer on each computer.

IT360, Inc. routinely runs these updates each week and validates the successful install of the latest programs for those clients that are under our 360TotalCare plan.  Under this plan there is nothing more for you to do, and one less thing to worry about in your busy day. 

To learn more on how your business can stay protected, contact us at 309-680-2100.


 
Technology Company Outwits Thief, Locates Laptop
Monday, 18 April 2011 14:16

When Ron Schroeder’s laptop was stolen in early 2010 he reported it to the Peoria police department. Peoria Police Detective Craig Willis was assigned to the case. Schroeder also informed IT360 that his computer was lost. Because they provided technology services to Schroeder’s business, IT360 had also installed a monitoring agent in his personal computer, just like it typically does for its client’s business’ computers. This software is used to remotely monitor a PC functions to detect failure and to allow proactive maintenance to be performed.

After Schroeder informed IT360 that his computer had been stolen, IT360 owners Don Dawson and Matt Machala activated the monitoring software installed in Schroeder’s computer to help them locate the computer. However, for the monitoring software to work, the current user has to connect to the Internet on the laptop. For over 10 months, nothing was heard from the computer. Then, on Thanksgiving evening, the laptop suddenly started logging on to the Internet. Through information retrieved from the laptop IT360 was able to provide a name and address to Detective Willis.

“With Ron’s permission, we were able to retool the software on his computer to detect the laptop’s activity,” explained Don Dawson. “While there was no indication that this was the same person who stole the computer, as soon as it was connected to the Internet, we were able to start logging information to help determine the location of the laptop. The computer was in the possession of an older woman. She made an electronic purchase and entered her name and address over the computer. We supplied this information to Detective Willis, and it was instrumental in helping him recover the laptop.”

Detective Craig Willis takes up the story, “Prior to hearing from IT360, we had no leads on Ron’s computer — it was just ‘another stolen laptop’ until IT360 called me. Lots of laptops get stolen — very few are recovered. Don Dawson of IT360 deserves a lot of credit because he did a ton of work. If I ever buy a laptop, I’ll take it to Don and have him put this software on it.”

“When IT360 first suggested that I put monitoring software on my personal laptop because I travel a lot, I did it, but I didn’t think much about it,” said Ron Schroeder. “But now that I have lived through having my computer stolen, I have seen first hand everything IT360 did to help recover it and I trust them. It is a great thing to have a company that is truly looking out for your best interests!” Ron was working for another company when his laptop was stolen, but now IT360 takes care of the computers and network for his company, Progressive Housing, Inc., a non-profit that provides group homes for developmentally disabled.

“We are sharing this story as a public service,” said IT360’s Matt Machala. “When we can help someone like Ron recover a stolen laptop, it is extremely rewarding. And when we hear of others who have had the same thing happen to them, but weren’t able to recover their laptops, we want to tell them this story. We call ourselves ‘the IT department for small businesses’ because our approach to helping our customers is to treat their technology as if it were our own. Putting our customers’ needs first has helped us become the most referred technology company in central Illinois.”


 
Have you seen the Peoria Riverfront Museum's progress?
Written by Matt Machala of IT360, Inc.
Thursday, 16 December 2010 12:14

If not, check out out the latest progress at buildtheblockcam.com!