Services
Small business, home office, and residential support
So your computer won't boot, programs won't run, you're getting all sorts of pop-ups and error messages, and your system is running so slowly that you've gotten used to starting it up and then walking away and having a cup of coffee in hopes that it'll be ready to perform when you come back to it. You're not alone - lots of people are in the same boat, and it goes without saying that loss of productivity becomes a severe burden both to your patience and your pocketbook if it's not dealt with appropriately.
Our onsite pick-it-up and drop-it-off services and speedy turn-around time will deliver great peace of mind. Maybe you need more memory or a bigger hard drive? Perhaps you want to make sure that your important files are being backed up properly, or you want to surf the web and do your banking securely from the comfort of your couch on a home wireless network? We come to you, providing a broad spectrum of applicable services - and almost always for less than you'll pay to take your computer to a competitor.
Affinity is proud to support virtually all of the standard technology needs of small businesses and folks at home. As you'll find, it becomes a major convenience having your IT needs handled all in one place. From computer support to wireless networking to backup solutions to disaster recovery to phone and data cabling to web development, chances are we can get you taken care of - with a smile!
For your convenience, we've provided a quick-click menu to help get you to where you need to be.
- File Server Solutions
- Custom Software Solutions
- Data Migration
- Voice/Data Cabling & Support
- Web Design & Development
Backup Solutions
Although not everyone has experienced it firsthand, data loss - specifically the loss of irreplaceable files such as pictures, legal documents, and the like - can be devastating. You'd be amazed how many businesses (and residences) have no backup regimen in place, or aren't sure what's being backed up (or if their backups are even working!). We don't deal with ridiculously overpriced backup solutions - nowadays, the equipment is inexpensive, and the services are worth every penny.
Skeptical about the need for backups? Ask yourself this - if my hard drive were to crash and I were to lose all of the documents, music, pictures, and e-mail as it is right now, how would that affect me? If it's no big deal, then backups aren't either. Chances are, though, you're not going to want to lose what you've got, and we can make sure it's safe for less than you think.
Affinity is proud to be have developed the region's premier secure off-site backup solution, custom-crafted and designed to serve the individual needs of our corporate and residential customers. In addition to (or separate from) a local backup system, for as little as $10/month you can rest at ease knowing that you've got your important data not only stored safely away from your location, but also available two places in town and replicated to our two offsite storage facilities in Minnesota and Georgia.
Visit our Solutions are for information on Assurance™, Affinity's premier backup system.
File Server Solutions
Small businesses traditionally have a file server in place, and, also traditionally, probably paid for a lot more machine than they needed. After a few years, it will become outdated and require a replacement - there goes another seven to ten grand! Affinity is very pleased to offer a truly unique file server solution that provides lightning-fast file sharing and even both local AND off-site backups. We call it Convergence™. Learn more.
Computer Repair & Upgrades
Inevitably, hardware is bound to fail in a computer. Most commonly the hard drive, where all your data is stored, will crash, rendering your system unusable. The majority of the time we are able to recover most (if not all) of the data on a failed hard drive, but the success rate is entirely dependent on the severity of the hard drive problems. The first thing you should do? Turn the computer off and leave it off. Then give us a call!
If your computer's being slow or you're getting pop-up windows or notifications that you have viruses or other badware on your computer, check out our virus, spyware, and malware removal.
Recovery of a system with a failing hard drive starts at $89. ^ back to menu
Web Application Programming
If you're looking for a custom web-based solution to make your business more efficient, you may be surprised at how cost-effective they can be. We can tailor a PHP or Silverlight application to your individual needs and host it on a dedicated server with a Microsoft SQL/MySQL backend.
Perhaps you have a frequent buyer club that you need to be able to access from anywhere in the world with the functionality to import and export from your Constant Contact database? Or maybe you're tired of writing out the same forms over and over for submission to a government entity? We can help. Contact us.
Custom Software Solutions
If you're in the market for a specific software solution for your business, we can help. We have the ability to write custom system-level software applications at reasonable prices. We've developed everything from employee management software to full Point of Sale systems and can integrate our solutions with your existing system. Contact us for more information.
Virus/Malware Removal
Perhaps the most predominant plague affecting the PC world today is the omnipresence of viruses and spyware. Generally propagated via e-mail and shared files, visits to 'bad' web sites also are to blame for this epidemic. The infection of viruses and other 'badware' can be as minor as occasional, annoying pop-ups to your system being unable to boot. On top of the inconvenience of losing important data files, identity theft is also a common plague. Protect yourself by using an Internet Security suite and being mindful of your Internet activity.
Already infected? Getting you back up and running usually takes no time at all and won't break the bank. Bear in mind, though, that installing an Internet Security suite or anti-virus software on a computer already infected won't fix your problem - the symptoms will continue to come back until it's taken care of properly.
Having spam problems? It's probably a separate issue. See our e-mail solutions for additional information. ^ back to menu
Smartphone Support
Data phones such as iPhones, Androids, and Blackberries have myriad nifty features - but configuring them to handle your business-specific needs can seem impossible! If your company is running Microsoft Exchange, getting your Smartphone properly configured can be a nightmare. Let us help.
Affinity is proud to associate with a local development firm that specializes in iPhone application development. If you've got an idea for an iPhone or Blackberry app, but aren't sure if there's already something similar in place, let us connect you with our partner.
Data Migration
Systems upgrades are an inevitable factor in technology. As we all know, the world of tech evolves at an exponential rate, and while you don't necessarily need to replace your computers and servers every other year, the time will come when it'll need to be done.
If your computer is too old or has too many problems to make it worth fixing, remember that even when you buy a new computer, you'll still need to have your files and settings transferred. Those who are a bit more computer savvy may have more luck with this, but getting e-mail and printers and networking set back up properly isn't as easy as you think - and if it's been a long time since you've had a new computer (perhaps you're running Windows XP and you'll be migrating to Windows 7), you might be in for some unpleasant surprises. Let us help you.
Perhaps you're thinking, "That's all well and good, but I need three new file servers to replace what I've already got!" Not to fear; we can get that taken care of for you as well. We've got the server-side knowledge necessary to make it happen. ^ back to menu
Network Design
One of the solutions we suggest to our customers who have chosen to implement an Convergence™ unit in their network is an upgrade to the physical network itself. The speed difference - particularly in an environment with applications on a file server across the network - can be amazing.
If you've arrived at the point where it's time to expand to a few computers and implement a new network, we can help you from the start to finish, from helping you select cost-effective hardware solutions, physically wiring the building with Category-5e cabling, and anything else you may need.
To learn more about GigAffinity™ Networking and our other unique solutions, visit our Solutions page.
Disaster Recovery
Along the lines of our hard drive replacement services is disaster recovery. It's a topic nobody likes to bring up, but if you haven't prepared accordingly with a backup system, you just might need to have some files - or even your entire computer system - recovered. From recovering files from a crashed hard drive to a full multiple server system setup with SCSI RAID redundancy, we can get you back up and running as soon as humanly possible.
If you've surfed around, you'll find that most companies providing disaster recovery services charge an arm and a leg to help you out. That seems a bit extreme considering that you're already out time and money! We take your situation into consideration and will be happy to provide you with a reasonable quote. ^ back to menu
Voice/Data Cabling & Support
Need some extra "orange plugs" put in the walls for your computers, or some more phone lines run? Guess what? We do that, too! Or maybe you're starting to get customers coming through, and it's no longer viable to have wires running across the floor. We're experienced in installing patch panels in closets and receptacles in walls, and the outcome will be clean and professional.
Data Recovery/Transfer
Similar to data migration, sometimes you just need files moved safely and securely from one system (or network) to another. We can help. ^ back to menu
Systems Upgrades
A new computer or file server isn't always the answer. Oftentimes, a new hard drive or memory upgrade can make a tremendous difference. Remember that just because new computers are $350 nowadays doesn't necessarily mean that you're getting a good deal. Cheap things are cheap for a reason. Let us assess your system to see if an upgrade will make financial sense - if not, then let us help you find a suitable replacement.
Web Design & Development
Affinity has been providing handsome, functional, fast-loading web sites for our customers since 2007. As of June 2010, Affinity Online Marketing was founded to focus on the web design, development, and hosting aspect of the industry. For information on how AOM can assist you in your web design and development project, please click here (you will be redirected to a new site). ^back to menu
Dedicated Web Hosting
In June of 2010, Affinity shifted all of its web hosting to a dedicated web hosting system to better serve our customers. Using a Dedicated Server through GoDaddy, we have the ability to completely control our online hosting environment as well as have all of our data replicated to other servers to prevent downtime in the case of failure.
You'll have access to unlimited e-mail storage space, as many MySQL databases as you need, unlimited subdomains, and a handsome web-based interface to manage it all from.
The best news? Hosting your web site with Affinity costs only $15/month. Don't waste money with another hosting provider that charges twice that much for less - make the smart move today and switch your hosting over to Affinity! Learn more here.
Our Clients Say ...
Thanks so much for all the work you do!
" The honesty, timely manner, and very personalized support with which Affinity has assisted me has been outstanding. I would recommend services from Affinity to my closest friends and family for their personal and business needs. "
- Ashley K., Traverse City
" Affinity has played an integral role in maintaining our computer system. Ben is competent, reliable, trustworthy, and gracious. He avails himself with short notice. I endore Ben and Affinity for any tech-related issues. "
- Frank Ambrosius, Mainstream Marketing
" I wanted to write you a quick thank you note for your services yesterday. You were responsive when we called and gave us a time to expect you that same day! You showed up on time and were very professional and efficient. Sally mentioned today the difference even in the atmosphere when you were here versus the last tech company we used. We appreciate your professionalism and your thorough but simple explanation of what happened and for not making us feel inept. I'm pleased that I made the switch to your company. Thank you for being great at what you do! "
- Charity Anderson, Cornerstone Title Insurance Agency
