100th Mac Server Install

Monday, April 5th, 2010

Our 100th Mac Server Install

Installation of a Mac Pro server in Dr. Bennett Brodwin’s office in Dublin, CA was our 100th client to convert from an Alpha Micro server to a Mac server for their Datacon Dental System software. Mac Pro servers are our “One Box Solution” for all your dental needs including digital x-rays and images. This “One Box Solution” allows a single server and backup of all your vital data and images. So, before you buy a new peer server for your imaging software program, consider buying a Mac Pro server for both!

As a reminder, Datacon integrates with all the major imaging systems.

Call, or email us today for details!

Dear Valued Clients…

Monday, April 5th, 2010

Important News from Duane de Long, President

Dear Valued Clients,
After 37 years at the podium orchestrating the Datacon “players”, I have decided it is time to pass on the baton. In fact, I have decided to pass on two batons.
We have decided that in order to grow Datacon more efficiently and effectively, separating it into two unique businesses would facilitate more flexibility and opportunities for each entity.

Effective April 1, 2010 (no jokes here!) one baton will be passed to my sons, Jim and Jay de Long who will orchestrate the dmi Networking Solutions division. Collectively, they have been involved in Datacon for almost 8 years. This business will handle hardware sales, service and installation for current Datacon clients and others.

The second baton will be passed to the Datacon Dental Systems software division. This business will be lead by Buddy Kurz. As most of you know, Buddy has been the genius behind Datacon’s software creation and development since 1981.

How will these changes affect you? Very little. You will receive separate statements going forward and future upgrade proposals will consist of two parts; hardware (dmi) and software (Datacon Dental Systems, Inc.) In fact, to insure a smooth transition, both divisions will continue to occupy the same facility with the same personnel.

Effective April 1 you will begin receiving new, separate statements from dmi Networking Solutions, and Datacon Dental Systems, Inc. Your dmi statement will include any balances and account details prior to April 1, 2010. After April 1, your dmi statement will include charges for hardware, repairs or IT related sales and support. Your Datacon Dental Systems statement will include charges for monthly software support, training, billable software support and purchases of Datacon software including pcLink, Time Clock, and our Mac server support software. We do not anticipate making any changes to our billing rates or monthly support fees in the near future.

As those of you who are business or professional owners realize, your business becomes much like your child so leaving is somewhat bittersweet; similar to a child leaving home for college or getting married. Fortunately by keeping part in the family, this allows me the privilege of keeping a desk and being available. I consider many of you much more than clients; I consider many of you professional friends with whom I have been fortunate to nurture very long-term professional relationships with. For that, I am extremely grateful.

A few years ago, I had the privilege to serve the U.O.P. Dental School Alumni Board with the esteemed Dr. Art Dugoni. Those of you who know or have worked with Dr. Dugoni realize he is an extraordinary individual. Once while I was standing with him and a small group of others, someone asked him what he believed enabled to achieve the high level of success that he had attained… he didn’t hesitate a moment when he replied “Surround yourself with positive individuals. Others will only tend to drain you from your ambition, goals and passion for achieving them.” In my own way, I have subscribed (somewhat unknowingly) to that same premise.

Datacon’s success was not realized by my skills and capabilities, but by the wonderful and talented individuals I was fortunate enough to associate with along the way. Dr. Colin Wong of Mill Valley, CA who believed enough in my dream to assist me financially. Mr. Buddy Kurz who was willing to share his genius with me 28 years ago and create the Datacon Dental Systems package. In 1991 this software program was rated #1 in the nation for multi-user dental offices.

There have also been many loyal employees who were willing to put up with me for almost 20 years… many I’m certain you know:

• Dianna Vantine (1980-1997) Data entry (keypunch!) and bookkeeping
• Elyse Jaynes (1984-2005) Reception, inventory, bookkeeping
• Michele Weitzenberg (1984-2008) Vice President, Sales and client relations, and general “thinker outside of the box.”
• Rachael Schlief (1988-current) trainer, bookkeeping and software support
• Julie Thompson (1988-current) trainer, software support

And there were many, many others who were team members for over 10 years, plus my current team of all-stars.

In addition to loyal employees over 150 current clients have been using Datacon for over 20 years. THANK YOU ALL.

Now comes my time to pursue new dreams. My time now will be spent working my “Red Poppy Farm” and Vineyard with my wonderful wife, Sheila, woodworking, travel, winemaking, grandkid time, diving, cycling, watching over dmi and Datacon and generally celebrating life and my good fortune.

Thank you all for everything!
Sincerely,
Duane de Long