Category Archives: Uncategorized

Driving Change at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 2021-22

Background 

JPL is a federally-funded research and development center managed by Caltech for NASA with more than 6,000 full-time employees and numerous subcontractors and affiliates. In 2018, JPL began long-term planning to retire its Exchange on-premises infrastructure and implement the collaborative capabilities of the Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud. JPL’s ITSD (Information and Technology Solutions Directorate) had contracted Microsoft gold partner ITS Group to support its hybrid cloud architecture and ManTech International Corporation to support its Institutional Computing Environment, but to ensure a seamless and productive migration for its dedicated and diverse population of scientists, engineers, developers, designers, and other experts, ITSD needed additional support for end-user change management to bridge the exposed gaps in technology, process, and culture.  

Approach 

Seer Strategic Solutions proposed an adoption plan centered around a multi-phased program with rapid content development to create high-fidelity presentations, targeted communications, and a blended learning program – the last encompassing live webinars, self-paced video playlists from LinkedIn Learning, enablement checklists, online articles, and steady-state user guides uploaded to ITSD’s knowledge base. ITSD tasked Seer to design content that would demonstrate the business drivers for JPL and personal benefits for its user community to fully embrace the capabilities of Microsoft’s Modern Workplace, clear messaging around migration tasks and time frames, and best practices for the co-existence period between on-premises and cloud environments. Seer’s assets were required to synthesize NASA’s and JPL’s security protocols such as multi-factor authentication, mail encryption, and in later phases mobile device management required for access, data protection, and preservation of governmental and intellectual properties.  

Solution 

Seer joined ITSD’s program team to coordinate dynamic efforts over multiple projects that tested device configuration for multiple cloud environments, data migrations from legacy Exchange and Enterprise Vault, and identity management in NASA’s Active Directory applications (NAMS and IdMAX). Seer delivered webinars to ManTech’s Service Desk team and pilot members on the end-user experience and plans to deliver Train the Trainer to JPL organizational trainers, business administration managers, and subject matter experts for basic and advanced use cases. Due to privacy restrictions for usage analytics, Seer, ManTech, and ITSD co-developed pass/fail standards, evaluation surveys, and user forums to capture feedback on the migration experiences and deliver high-level reporting to JPL’s CIO. The program is still in progress with readouts expected at the end of JPL’s fiscal year. 

Seer Strategic Solutions is a digital adoption and change consultancy based in Las Vegas. For more information, please contact hello@seersolution.com or visit www.seersolution.com.

Partner-to-Partner Case Study: Google Migration to Microsoft 365

Background

 

The Miguel Contreras Foundation (MCF) is the nonprofit partner of Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. Operated by less than a dozen board and staff, it delivers programs that build access to good quality jobs and livable communities for underserved workers. Like many nonprofit orgs their size, MCF relied upon a mix of fragmented productivity tools like Google Workplace and Dropbox, so their team struggled to organize their information and collaborate effectively. For example, after staff would manually update their reports in Google Sheets, leadership would uncover discrepancies and stale data, which made it difficult for them to make proper decisions. As a result, their jumbled toolset failed to modernize operations, and the team felt overwhelmed, leading them to look for a product suite that could fulfill their needs.

 

Approach & Solution

 

Seer Strategic Solutions assessed the MCF organization and recommended the Microsoft 365 suite because of its integrated applications that improve communication and collaboration, manage data, and automate reporting within a single environment. Seer teamed up with Think AI’s architecture team to demonstrate advanced capabilities, design Microsoft Teams sites for each department, and plan an email and file migration that distributed documents to OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online based on contribution levels. Seer proposed a blended learning program that included custom learning artifacts and live training for Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Forms, and Power BI.

Results

 

Think AI successfully migrated all mailboxes to Exchange Online, created five SharePoint sites, and configured Microsoft Teams for each department. Seer’s Adoption Consultant delivered four webinars, conducted five 1-on-1 white-glove calls for executives, and delivered a personalized training on Power BI. The entire project from kickoff to close took only six weeks. MCF’s Program Director confirmed that the board and staff adopted the new toolset 100% right after migration and identified additional unexpected wins. For example, user survey feedback reflected appreciation for staying connected on-the-go with the Microsoft mobile apps and identified additional demand for training and support.

 

 

Next Steps

 

Having met their success criteria for this first implementation, MCF is planning deployments for Dynamics 365, Power BI Enterprise, and several other Microsoft applications to continue strengthening its collaboration internally and services externally – improving its capabilities to achieve its mission of empowering working Angelenos.

Seer Strategic Solutions is a digital adoption and change consultancy based in Las Vegas. For more information, please contact hello@seersolution.com or visit www.seersolution.com.

Microsoft Partners Forge International Alliance for a New Approach to Business Applications

(Las Vegas, Nevada – November 4, 2021) In an effort to drive greater consumption of Microsoft 365 cloud services, Seer Strategic Solutions, LLC announced a new partnership today with ITSystems – a Microsoft Gold Partner based in Montevideo, Uruguay.

 

Founded in 2010 by Andres Barreiro and Marcelo Barberena, ITSystems is an IT service company that develops business applications on SharePoint Online, BizTalk, and custom .NET development. Certified by Microsoft in Application Development and Application Integration, ITSystems serves clients across North, South, and Central America.

 

According to founder Andres Barreiro, “Our signature strategy is to become one with our partners, and this is what we had in mind when joining Seer. The aim is to build a solid and long-lasting relationship that will translate into achieving our client’s goals and meet their expectations. We deeply believe in bringing added value to the table as we work together as a team that understands our clients’ needs and their end customer’s preferences.”

 

Based in the southwestern U.S., Seer seeks to pair its new Adoption-as-a-Service model with ITSystem’s development initiatives. Seer touts this model for emerging technologies, allowing organizations to contract expert consultants on a subscriptive service to ensure project success and maximize business value.

 

“Partnership with ITSystems allows us to positively impact users who want more out of SharePoint,” said Sheila Volante, Seer’s managing partner. “When users learn to streamline their internal business processes with these tools, our clients can unlock the full potential of the Microsoft 365 suite.”

 

Named a Top B2B Company by Clutch, ITSystems drives its developers to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies, while maintaining three critical skill sets.

  • Problem-solving skills: The main thesis of software development is “solving some kind of problem.” Software development provides the solution to that problem.
  • Business skills: Any skilled software developer can develop software applications, but a great software developer is the one who understands the business significance of the software application.
  • Communication skills: It is mandatory for us to have English-speaking employees who can explain a concept or relay information clearly to their managers, other co-workers, and clients.

 

Seer partner Jason Price said, “Responsibility, reliability, and commitment – the core values at the heart of ITSystems make it an ideal partner to Seer.”

 

For more information on ITSystems, please visit www.itsystemsinnova.com.

 

For more information on Seer Strategic Solutions, LLC, please refer to our website at www.seersolution.com.

 

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ACM and the Texas Tornado

What do user adoption, change management, and a Texas Tornado all have in common?

 

Hosted by Manish Bhardia of Think AI Consulting, Eddie Bader of Aegis Innovators, Eric Klauss of PartnerSource Solutions, and Brian Iinuma of Strategic Systems Group, the True Stories in Tech podcast explores life-changing conversations in the areas of technology, business, and belonging. 

 

In this episode, Jason Price and Sheila Volante of Seer Strategic Solutions discuss the importance of creating a space without bias and listening to the voice of the user. 

Seer Strategic Solutions is a digital adoption and change consultancy based in Las Vegas. Schedule a free consultation at seersolution.com/consult.

Microsoft Partner Certified by NGLCC for Diversity and Inclusion

(Las Vegas, Nevada – August 24, 2021) Seer Strategic Solutions, LLC was recognized today as a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, a certification provided through the NGLCC’s Supplier Diversity Initiative.

“Organizations that implement diversity and inclusion practices find tremendous value for their sustainability models,” said Sheila Volante, Managing Partner of Seer Strategic Solutions. “This certification allows Seer a seat at the table, so that our business partners can appreciate the principles behind our services. By recognizing businesses of diverse backgrounds, NGLCC drives thought leadership and innovation to positively expand the progression of institutions globally.”

The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community, the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people, and the exclusive certifying body for more than 1,700 LGBT-owned businesses.

 

The non-profit advocacy group has built sustainable relationships around the world by connecting LGBT business owners with diversity program managers and other advocates within their communities. It has helped over a hundred Fortune 500 organizations attain the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality List, and it is recognized by more than 330 corporate partners, state agencies and federal agencies.  

 

Managing Partner Jason Price added, “Combined with our membership in the Black Channel Partner Alliance, this certification validates Seer’s fulfillment of Microsoft’s mission and corporate values. By promoting respect, Microsoft believes that every person has intrinsic worth, and by empowering every person on the planet to achieve more, it invites new perspectives and accomplishments. At Seer, we take pride in our role as champions of change and thank our partners for their approval.”

"Organizations that implement diversity and inclusion practices find tremendous value for their sustainability models."

Sheila Volante Tweet

Seer Strategic Solutions is a digital adoption and change consultancy based in Las Vegas. It is a proud member of the Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Nevada. For more information, please contact hello@seersolution.com or visit www.seersolution.com.

New Partnership to Transform Business Applications for Microsoft Customers Leveraging AI

(Las Vegas, Nevada – August 12, 2021) Microsoft partners ChatMode and Seer Strategic Solutions, LLC announced an agreement today to empower American businesses to develop solutions with chat bots and artificial intelligence.

 

The newly formed partnership pairs ChatMode’s expertise in AI, automation, and customer experience with Seer’s competencies in software adoption and change management to increase efficiencies, cut costs, and drive revenue for Microsoft customers.

 

ChatMode works with mid-market and Fortune 500 organizations to deploy solutions that leverage Azure AI, Azure Bot Services, Azure Cognitive Services, and Microsoft Power Platform to create superior experiences for customers and employees.

 

“ChatMode empowers organizations to peer through the lens of user experience to enable a vision for the future of work,” explained Chad Oda, head of consulting. “With our expert consulting and cutting-edge insights, we help customers transform their business applications to stay ahead of the competition.”

By creating self-sufficient centers of excellence around this creativity, organizations can tap latent talent in their people, scale development beyond their limited DevOps resources, and sustain a culture of innovation.

Jason Price Tweet

To support that process of transformation, Seer has paired with ChatMode to deliver employee, champion, and leadership enablement programs that run in parallel to AI design and implementation.

 

“As businesses users approach automation, most hesitate due to their own hard-wired habits, fear of the unknown, or perceived lack of skills,” said Seer managing partner Sheila Volante. “Seer’s approach entices business users to participate in the process with structured envisioning, testing, training, and success management programs – ultimately reinforcing organizational change at the individual level.”

 

In this fashion, the partners are announcing combined offerings for the Azure products above, as well as Microsoft Power Platform – fully inclusive of Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Virtual Agents.

 

Seer partner Jason Price added, “Microsoft’s low-code solutions have lowered the barrier to entry, allowing subject matter experts and citizen developers to rapidly develop production-grade applications. By creating self-sufficient centers of excellence around this creativity, organizations can tap latent talent in their people, scale development beyond their limited DevOps resources, and sustain a culture of innovation.”

To illustrate the capabilities of the new partnership, Chat Mode and Seer recorded an event today on LinkedIn Live around Activating Technology Leadership Within Your Organization. The session explores a case study of a thriving center of excellence for the Microsoft Power Platform to derive a practical framework for leadership, trust, and people-side resources.

 

ChatMode is a strategic AI/automation firm that develops strategies and technologies that focus on a superior customer experience. For more information, please contact hello@chatmode.io or visit www.chatmode.io.

 

Seer Strategic Solutions is a digital adoption and change consultancy based in Las Vegas. For more information, please contact hello@seersolution.com or visit www.seersolution.com.

Activating Technology Leadership Within Your Organization

While technology and process are pillars of a healthy operational ecosystem, people are undeniably the third pillar. But businesses often struggle to build internal resources and communities that can support, govern, and sustain development, which unnecessarily burdens their IT departments and decelerates speed to market.

 

In this session, Chad Oda of ChatMode and Jason Price of Seer Strategic Solutions explore a case study of a thriving center of excellence for the Microsoft Power Platform to derive a practical framework for leadership, trust, and people-side resources.

 

Our session is a primer for organizations that are just beginning to explore Power Platform and for organizations that have already adopted Power Platform and are looking to institute standards, consistency, and governance across their organization.

 

This event was broadcast Thursday, August 12 on LinkedIn Live. You may view the recording at this link. 

ChatMode is a Strategic AI/Automation Firm & Microsoft Partner that develops strategies and technologies that focus on a superior customer experience (CX) to enable the future of work and avoid missed customer opportunities at any stage of growth. To schedule a discovery consultation call, please visit https://chatmode.io/contactus/.

 

Seer Strategic Solutions is a digital adoption and change consultancy based in Las Vegas. Schedule a free consultation at seersolution.com/consult.

Miss Communication, the Mother of Miss Management

Dale Carnegie believed that 90% of management problems are caused by miscommunication. That holds especially true when you roll out a technology solution. If you fail to proactively communicate the benefits of new processes and tools, then inevitably your help desk will reactively handle more escalations. Learn Microsoft’s best practices for communicating service adoption.

Seer Strategic Solutions is a digital adoption and change consultancy based in Las Vegas. Schedule a free consultation at seersolution.com/consult.

Managing Remote Teams Webinar

Looking past the pandemic, many businesses are beginning to operate in hybrid workspaces with employees that work either partially or completely remote. What is the impact of this “new normal” on teams, and what problems does it create?

 

Presented by California Junior Chamber International, this webinar will explore best practices to reorganize your team across time zones and run effective virtual programs that entertain, drive progress, and enable optimal performance. 

 

Register at this link. 

Jason Price leads marketing, operations, and talent development for Seer Strategic Solutions, an IT consulting firm based in Las Vegas. Over the last ten years, he helped more than a million people to adopt and optimize Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and custom software applications. In 2018, Microsoft awarded his department Intelligent Communications Partner of the Year, recognizing their innovative work in Microsoft Teams collaboration.

 

Jason holds a master’s degree from Cal Arts and is a JCI chapter past president, a JCI Certified National Trainer, a JCI Outstanding Young Californian recipient, and most recently a JCI Senator #79515. He appreciates working remotely from Santa Clarita, California, where he lives with his wife (and fellow JCI chapter past president) April.

 

Schedule a free consultation at seersolution.com/consult.

New Partners Join Forces to Power Secure Innovation for Microsoft Customers

(Las Vegas, Nevada – July 28, 2021) Microsoft partners ECF Data, LLC and Seer Strategic Solutions, LLC announced an agreement today to accelerate the process of digital transformation for commercial businesses and government entities across the U.S.

 

The newly formed partnership pairs ECF’s competencies in cloud productivity and communications with Seer’s expertise in user adoption and change management to fulfill Microsoft’s ideal deployment methodology for its customers.

 

Founded in 2010, ECF Data is a Microsoft Gold Partner with services across architecture, implementation, and management of IT applications and infrastructure. President and CEO Joseph Henderson said, “As Microsoft begins a new fiscal year, we recognize its heavy investment into building customer capabilities in three critical areas of cloud: security and compliance, business applications, and telephony and voice in Microsoft Teams. These capabilities are key to boosting productivity for employees post-pandemic, whether they are working fully from home or returning to hybrid office spaces. However, deployment alone is not enough to ensure these capabilities are realized by individual employees, and for that companies need to consider their adoption strategy.”

Deployment alone is not enough to ensure these capabilities are realized by individual employees, and for that companies need to consider their adoption strategy.

Joseph Henderson Tweet

A young firm specialized in adoption consulting, Seer Strategic Solutions approaches technology deployments from the business user perspective. “New technology inherently produces change within a business,” said managing partner Sheila Volante. “Yet many businesses instinctively react to change – and, as research reflects, often fumble it – as opposed to proactively and organically developing it, managing it, and ultimately sustaining its benefits.”

 

Under the combined service model, Seer applies Microsoft’s adoption and training resources to employee and leadership enablement programs while ECF designs and implements the technologies in parallel. In this fashion, the partners are announcing combined offerings for the following workloads effective today:

Seer partner Jason Price explained, “Suppose I give you a widget. If I cannot convince you of its value nor help you use it, it will end up on a shelf gathering dust. Our partnership with ECF Data is built to show employees the capabilities of these applications, train them on optimal workflows, and help them achieve more of their potential. Until employees incorporate a tool into their daily work, a deployment has yet to succeed.”

 

ECF Data is an IT service firm based in Las Vegas but with national reach. It is a Microsoft Gold Partner that specializes in their three clouds: Modern Workplace, Azure, and Business Applications. For more information, please visit www.ecfdata.com.

 

Seer Strategic Solutions is a digital adoption and change consultancy based in Las Vegas. For more information, please contact hello@seersolution.com or visit www.seersolution.com.