Forza Technology Solutions

Record – Journal, May 2008

Wallingford – If your company could use improved computer capabilities, support, network development or upgrades, and secure access to company information when you’re not in the office – just like larger companies have, but without the budget they spent on it – Forza Technology Solutions can help.

Forza, located at 329 Main St. in the Yalesville section of Wallingford, has been serving organizations of every size throughout the area for nearly 25 years with a comprehensive variety of affordable technology services.

“It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to have professional technical support like larger corporations have,” says CEO Joe Pannone.  “We take pride in offering customized customer support designed to meet each client’s technology, schedule and budget needs.”

Forza can take full responsibility for you systems, or supplement existing in-house capability.  Our certified technical engineers are knowledgeable, courteous and able to talk with you in lay-terms, without the confusing jargon.  Each service call coming in to the Forza offices is answered by a service manager and usually met with on-site service the same day.

Pannone started Forza in his basement and the business grew from there.  In the year 2000 Forza acquired Bassett Computer Systems of North Haven.  The firm was named to the Connecticut Technology Council’s Fast 50 for its rapid growth.  Today the 15-person company has become a trusted local provider for computer system maintenance, repair, upgrades as well as new system installations and more.  Among its many designations and awards the company has achieved Microsoft Gold Partner status, which represents the highest level of relationship possible with Microsoft.

“We know small firms need reliable, fast response and trustworthy professional service just like larger ones.” Pannone said.  “If a workstation or network component develops problems or stops working we will either fix it or recommend a more economical alternative for restoring productivity.”  We can secure your company’s vital information and help you stay protected from viruses and spyware, ensuring your software is fully updated against the latest threats.  We can implement remote or mobile access solutions so you can work with your company’s information and emails when out of the office.  Our capabilities also include implementing firewalls that protect against outside intrusions and creating virtual private networks that make intersite connections, fast, secure and seamless.

When it comes to business technology solutions, Forza can do everything from start to finish.  From providing company data backup solutions to providing all you need when it comes to new installations and upgrades.

“We can recommend, purchase and install upgrades and expansions to you technology systems,” Mr. Pannone said.  “Or, we can design, recommend and purchase components for first-time networks, including all hardware and operating software.  We can even access a firm’s computer system remotely to fix small problems behind the scenes before they become larger ones.”

Forza also provides customized software.  If a firm uses Microsoft Excel or Access for data retention and finds this limiting, Forza can customize the program to provide the functionality needed.  Forza enjoys established partnerships with leading hardware, software and database vendors including Microsoft, Symantec, Dell, IBM and HP.  The company has brought cost-effective technology solutions to the business and legal services, health care, education, manufacturing, finance, pharmaceutical, construction and non-profit sectors.

“We help firms, that, by virtue of their small size, just don’t have full-time technical support in their budgets,” Pannone said.  We stay informed of all the ways we can best help them so they can focus on their business and not on computer problems.  “We feel good when a client’s technology is operating at peak effectiveness and we know we’ve played a role in that.”

For additional information, call (203) 265-2933 or emailinfo@forza.com for a free, no obligation discussion of your firm’s computer or network needs and visit Forza.com for more information.

Joe Pannone sits at his desk at Forza Technology Solutions in Wallingford. The firm is the first in the state to be designated as a small business specialist by Microsoft.

WALLINGFORD, CT. USA — March 14 2007 — Joseph Pannone is passionate about technology, but he admits that doesn’t necessarily make him a businessperson. So Pannone surrounds himself with partners Eric Brodwin and Harvey Heyman who both have master’s degrees in business administration. They understand marketing and the bottom line; Pannone handles the technological details that drive good customer service.

Forza Technology Solutions began in Pannone’s basement in 1993 and grew large enough to acquire Bassett Computer Systems in North Haven in 2000 and spin off a search engine optimization company called Innovative Internet Marketing Solutions.

Q. What does Forza do?

A: Two things, actually. We do network integration, which allows companies that have from one to 100 computers workstations share systems and talk to each other. We setup up, stage and support. These days there are a lot of security issues –concerns about viruses, spam and malware (a catch-all term for various types of software that can cause problems; also called malicious code) that all have to be addressed seriously and taken care of, especially in a business environment.

The other side of the business is software development. For instance, we do work for V.I.C.E. Script in Cheshire that allows them to read vehicle identification number information etched in car windows. They can access details about the car or truck – including whether it’s been stolen – from anywhere. We also developed dementia drug testing software for Pfizer Inc. The software allows patients to be tested before and after taking a drug to evaluate its effectiveness on Alzheimer’s patients. We also work with attorneys on computer forensics, or hard drive recovery of emails and other evidence.

Q: There has been some talk by technology experts lately that viruses are being created faster than the technology to block or remove them. Is this true?

A: We like to say we’re on the proven edge of technology, as opposed to the cutting edge. We want them to say it’s been proven. We don’t try things if we are not sure they are going to work, and we are constantly keeping up with new technologies.

In the United States, we have tighter laws against virus developers than in Eastern Europe and Asia. But we now have whistleblower laws that generously reward those who report abuses. The people who write these viruses should be treated like arsonists and punished. They are taking down networks and systems and it’s not for financial gain.

Q: You have been named to the Connecticut Technology Council’s Fast 50. How did you grow so quickly?

A: Surrounding myself with smart people. Knowing how to treat clients, client referrals and the Basset acquisition and how to work hard. My father Paul Pannone came here at age 16 with $20 in his pockets. I am the first generation of immigrant parents. My sister recently passed away, and all of that teaches you something – to work hard. I went almost a year and a half with no salary [in the beginning of Forza].

Alot of the companies that were here in 2000 are gone. Many, like myself, were good with technology, nut not in business. Again, I surround myself with people who are smarter than I am. We are also a Microsoft gold partner, one of the few in the state, and are constantly evaluating Microsoft’s software and telling them you need to fix this or that. We stay on top of the newest technology to better serve our customers. We have about 100 regular ones.

Q: What does the future hold for Forza?

A: We want to continue our strong customer service, and our ability to stay nimble. Larger companies can’t make decisions as quickly. We are also looking at other network integration firms. We wanted to look at smaller firms that may be working too hard and not seeing results. Again, I have smart people looking at stuff.

Business New Haven, May 2006

WALLINGFORD, CT. — May 2006 – Once again Forza has made the top list of software development companies in Connecticut. Business New Haven magazine in its annual “Book of Lists” has sited Forza as one of the best software firms in the state.

Business New Haven is a publication of Second Wins Media Ltd., with offices at 1221 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT.