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Survey Supports Recent Labor Statistics Showing Increased Productivity, Despite Less Hours Worked

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Central Desktop, the Complete Business Collaboration platform for business teams, today announced findings from a recent survey that reveals organizations using Central Desktop’s business collaboration platform are enjoying a 30% increase in productivity while decreasing their total cost of doing business. The findings are in line with recent government labor statistics, which revealed an increase in worker productivity, yet a decline in hours worked.

The Central Desktop survey, conducted in Q2 2008 polled over 160 SMBs across various industries found that:

- Customers are seeking a low-cost, pure-play SaaS collaboration platform that does not require IT resources to implement, configure or manage.
- On average, customers have increased productivity by 30% by using Central Desktop.
- 36% evaluated MS Sharepoint, but choose Central Desktop for affordability and ease of use and management.

“The findings are in line with what we’ve experienced over the years — the successful organizations are the ones that use the latest technology to get more out of less, which is always important, but critical in a poor economy,” said Isaac Garcia, CEO of Central Desktop. “And if the economy continues to weaken, we expect businesses to push harder for virtual workers to keep costs down, which will catapult collaboration software from a pure cost saving benefit to one that is more strategic in nature.”

Central Desktop, delivered as a pure-play web-based collaboration platform (SaaS) allows business teams of all sizes to work virtually and seamlessly without the IT hassle. Uniquely positioned to serve the mid-market, Central Desktop’s platform delivers the richest set-of-tools available for business users with ease-of-use and at affordable price-points, leveling the playing field for small and mid-size companies wishing to do business with enterprise partners and customers. Its complete set of collaboration tools, all accessible from a single workspace, help teams connect, share and collaborate on business activities seamlessly and inexpensively. The technology is as simple as launching a Web browser.

About Central Desktop

Central Desktop delivers a Complete Business Collaboration platform for the mid-market enabling business teams to connect, share, collaborate and manage business both internally and externally on customizable web workspaces. Its solution is delivered as a pure-play web-based platform (SaaS) that combines the most robust collaboration tools available with consumer-level service and afford-ability. Central Desktop enables teams of all sizes to work virtually and seamlessly without the need for IT resources, leveling the playing field for SMBs wishing to do business with the Fortune 500 through technology that is as simple as launching a browser. Central Desktop was founded in 2005, and is a privately-held company located in Pasadena, California. For more information, visit www.centraldesktop.com.

© Central Desktop. All rights reserved. Central Desktop and the Central Desktop logo are all registered trademarks of Central Desktop. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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This would have never happened if they were using Central Desktop. All of their documents and project data would have been stored online...no need for paper.



[We have our doubts about whether this is real or not; either way, its hilarious! Its been making its rounds online already, so you may have already seen this.]

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This weekend we released a plethora of small features, additions and improvements for Central Desktop. We wouldn't call this a "big release" by any means buts its our first "post funding" release - and to many of our existing users - many of the features will be significant.

Below is a quick highlight of what we released today:

General Improvements
- Ability to download multiple files at once. Use the checkboxes on the right in Docs & Discussions and select Bulk Actions -> Download.
- Ability to Clone a Task List
- "vCards" are now attached to all User Profiles.
- Saving a Duplicate Web Page will prompt that a duplicate web pages already exists.

Database Feature Improvements
- You can now create a relational link to a field using a database view instead of the entire database. This is helpful when you want to show a filtered list instead of all the values from the linked database.

Calendar Improvements
- Email notification for New Events and Updated Events (includes an iCalendar (ics) file))
- Timezone abbreviations have been added next to each start/end date.

Application Blocks
- When inserting an Upcoming and/or Overdue Block into a wiki page you can set the number of items to display.
- When inserting a Calendar Application Blocks into a wiki page you can display "All Calendar items for User" or "Just in this Workspace". This allows for a better "custom dashboard" experience within a workspace.

Notifications
- Nightly Reminders can now be turned off under the Account -> Email & RSS Subscriptions tab (per User)
- We have added Weekly (Sunday) and Monthly (Last Day of the Month) Email Digests frequency options.
- All emails originating from a Workspace will contain the shortname of the workspace at the beginning of subject line. This is so you can identify which workspace the email orignated from more quickly.
- When you receive a notification of a new or updated task you can now complete the task directly from your email without logging into Central Desktop. (yay!)
- Company plan subscribers can edit the Subject, Name & Email address the Digests originate from for a more customized end user experience. (This is modified under Company Setup -> General Settings)

Administration
- Manage Workspaces screen has been rearranged and reworked to allow quicker access to admin functions such as making Workspaces Templates, Adding them to the "Top Navigation" and Allowing CD Support Access.
- On Company plans w/ the Security Pack option, you now have the ability to specify custom "start pages" for EACH user if you like (both internal AND external users can be customized).

Click here for a complete run-down of the new enhancements - and feel free to provide us with comments and feedback. We are eager to hear from you!

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I just upgraded to Office 2007, from Office 2003. Generally I am pleased with the upgrade, the new ribbon menu is nice, it puts the most used features up front, instead of hiding them away down several branches of sub menus.

Outlook 2007 finally has native iCal support, which is a HUGE plus for us (we use iCal extensively within our organization).

But I have to share an experience that was, in my opinion, very unintuitive.

The old Office menus were pretty straight forward: File, Edit, View, etc…. Click on File and get the standard Save, Save As, Print, Print Preview etc… as seen here:



When I started using the new Office menus I couldn’t find the File menu anymore. What happened to it? After about 15 minutes of searching I found a little arrow down that required me to manually add the standard buttons I was used to such as Save, Save As, Print, etc…. to my “hot links” see below:



As it turns out the File menu was literally one click away. All you have to do is click on the Office icon. Maybe I am an atypical user, but it took me about 3 weeks of using the new Office for me to even click on the Office icon, which reveals the new File Menu.



Developing software gives you an appreciation for other products, the good and bad, the challenges that every software house faces. This instance was so bizarre to me, I had to share my experience.

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Central Desktop Raises $7M In Venture Funding From OpenView Venture Partners

Over 125,000 Customers Marks Rapid Adoption of the Central Desktop Collaboration Platform

PASADENA, Calif., April 16, 2008 – Central Desktop, the Complete Business Collaboration platform for business teams, today announced a $7M investment from OpenView Venture Partners. The funding is the company’s first round of institutional investment and will be used to further accelerate Central Desktop's R&D, marketing and sales efforts into the under-served SMB market that requires robust business tools with ease of use at affordable prices. The company now serves over 125,000 users and business teams as its approach to Business Collaboration continues rapid adoption in the SMB market. In related news, (see: http://centraldesktop.com/customers), Central Desktop was named a finalist in both the 2008 Red Herring 100 and SoftwareCEO's Most Innovative General Business Software Awards.

“We were customers before investors,” said Scott Maxwell, Founding Partner, OpenView Venture Partners. “Not only have these guys created a truly remarkable product, but the traction Isaac and Arnulf have achieved without any capital resources is unprecedented. We evaluate 3,000 companies for every one we invest in, and I have extremely high expectations for Central Desktop, not only because of the great market opportunity here, but because I believe this team is capable of true greatness.”

Central Desktop, delivered as a pure-play web-based collaboration platform (SaaS) allows business teams of all sizes to work virtually and seamlessly without the IT hassle. Uniquely positioned to serve the mid-market, Central Desktop's platform delivers the richest set-of-tools available for business users with ease-of-use at a price-point, leveling the playing field for small and mid-size companies wishing to do business with enterprise partners and customers. Its complete set of collaboration tools, all accessible from a single workspace, help teams connect, share and collaborate on business activities seamlessly and inexpensively. The technology is as simple as launching a web browser.

“We believe that SMBs often don't receive the level of service and support they need from the larger software vendors in our space,” said Isaac Garcia, CEO, Central Desktop. “We chose OpenView Venture Partners because they're committed to helping us build a sustainable customer focused business. This investment will allow us to stay focused on product enhancements based on user feedback and continue to build a scalable 24x7 service and support organization. Our customers rely on us to manage their day-to-day business operations, and we take this very seriously.”

Central Desktop has received considerable market praise this year via industry awards and recognitions, including;

-2008 SoftwareCEO's Most Innovative General Business Software Award: Finalist
-2008 North America Red Herring 100: Finalist
-PricewaterhouseCoopers and Entretech 5th Annual Entrepreneurship Awards 2008: Finalist
-To EContent 100: Named "Companies That Matter Most"

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About Central Desktop
Central Desktop delivers a Complete Business Collaboration platform for the mid-market enabling business teams to connect, share, collaborate and manage business both internally and externally on customizable web workspaces. Its solution is delivered as a pure-play web-based platform (SaaS) that combines the most robust collaboration tools available with consumer-level service and afford-ability. Central Desktop enables teams of all sizes to work virtually and seamlessly without the need for IT resources, leveling the playing field for SMBs wishing to do business with the Fortune 5000 through technology that is as simple as launching a browser. Central Desktop was founded in 2005, and is a privately-held company located in Pasadena, California. For more information, visit www.centraldesktop.com.
© Central Desktop. All rights reserved. Central Desktop and the Central Desktop logo are all registered trademarks of Central Desktop. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About OpenView Venture Partners (www.openviewpartners.com)

OpenView Venture Partners is an expansion stage venture capital fund with a focus on high-growth software, Internet, and technology-enabled companies. Through its staff of seasoned operating executives, who collectively bring several decades of technology & management experience to the firm, OpenView is able to help portfolio companies with quickly ramping up sales, marketing and product development functions to best practice levels. The firm was founded in 2006 by Scott Maxwell with an inaugural fund encompassing $100 million in committed capital. OpenView Venture Partners is based in Boston, and invests on a worldwide basis.

News Coverage:
Red Herring, VentureBeat, TechCrunch, Always On, socalTECH.com, The Industry Standard

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The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the leading trade association for the world’s information technology (IT) industry, announced the finalists for the 2008 SoftwareCEO Software Innovation Awards.

The SoftwareCEO Software Innovation Awards will recognize innovative software products and new business models in eight different categories. Award winners will be announced at the Software Marketing Perspectives conference this May in Santa Clara, Calif.

Central Desktop was named a finalist for the Most Innovative General Business Software category. Thanks CompTIA!

Click here for a complete list of the finalists.

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Doug Mitchell (founder of RentalMetrics) interviewed Isaac Garcia for his RedMeat Podcast. RentralMetrics is an "in-sourced" management consulting firm for the construction equipment rental sector.

RentalMetrics is a very unique consulting firm in that they are using social media and Web 2.0 technology to reach "old school" industries. Doug and his firm leverage opensource tools, social video, podcasts, wikis and blogs to organize and market their business.....and of course they use Central Desktop for lightweight project management.

As part of their subscription and consulting services, RentalMetrics includes a subscription to Central Desktop as well! We are proud to be part of RentalMetrics solution to the construction equipment rental sector.

Click here to listen to the podcast interview with Isaac Garcia of Central Desktop.

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Central Desktop has been selected as a finalist for the 2008 North America Red Herring 100.

Every year, Red Herring recognizes the top 100 privately held companies in North Amercia. Central Desktop is honored and grateful to be part of this prestigious list.

Click here to view the entire Red Herring Finalists list.

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Tell us in the FIRST few sentences WHY you are the best at what you do! We are a small agile team and we want A class people.

Here are some representative examples of the last 100 cover letters I have received:

My name is _______ and I am inquiring about your Technical Support position. I have read through your job description. I am confident I can perform the duties listed in the job description. I will attach my resume for your viewing and if you are interested in my skills you can give me a call anytime.

My name is __________. After reading the job description, I think this is a great opportunity for me to start my career. I'm really interested in the position. As you can see in my enclosed resume, I have an academic background in Management Information System combined with my work experience in Technical Support and Networking Management.

I am hard working and pick up new programs and procedures very quickly. I am not easily overwhelmed and find it easy to feel calm and collected in a fast paced or even manic environment. If offered the position I will commit myself completely to the task at hand and focus as hard as needed to ensure that the results are produced as desired. Thank you for your consideration.

After reading your job description, I am confident that my skills and my passion for technology are a perfect match for this position. I would bring to your company a broad range of skills, including: ……
I am very experienced and a fast learner. Here is my cover letter and resume for your evaluation.

I am responding to the ad for Technical Support Representative and am very interested in this particular position with your company. As you will see by my enclosed resume, I have extensive professional experience in the computer industry usually in both a Creative as well as a Technical Management role. …………

My name is ________ and I am attaching my resume, salary history and coverletter for your review. I am applying for the technical support representative position.

They are all virtually identical, I cannot tell one apart from each other. Tell me something that makes YOU GREAT OR tell me something relevant about our company that you think is great or needs improvement and how YOU can make an impact.

Examples:
* I reduced our support volume by ___% in 1 year by implementing a knowledge base.
* I/our team increased customer satisfaction by ___% by introducing Live Chat.
* I consistently outperformed my peers with lower call times or ________.
* I am fascinated by Web 2.0 and how the software industry is moving to a Software as a Service Model. I want to work for your company because ……
* I read [fill in relevant blog, industry feed] daily because…..
* [fill in relevant industry leader] is my mentor, and this is why….
* I love your product because ……..
* I love your product, however think the following things need to be improved …..
* I think [company name] has a bright future because _______, however its greatest challenges are ______________ and you need to hire me to help with __________.

Net Net, my recommendations for Cover Letter/Resume:
* Write a PERSONALIZED cover letter, keep it short (2-3 paragraphs max), and make it good. Make it succinct and stand out. Tell your prospective employer why you kick ass.
* On your Resume put specific accomplishments on them. I sold XX, I lowered XX, I fulfilled XX, etc… Metrics score big points!
* If you put technologies on your resume you better know them well. Don’t put PHP on your resume if you have read someone elses PHP code 2 years ago and added some text to the HTML portion of the PHP.


When you talk with us or your prospective employer you should:
* Show up on time.
* Again, tell us why you are great and WHY you are the best for the job.
* Know what we do. (spend some time before the call understanding what your prospective employer does). Absolutely nothing turns me off more than if you cannot describe in 1 or 2 sentences what we do. The more research you do here and the more you can demonstrate you actually care about the product being created or company the better. If the company you are interviewing for cannot make it clear on their website what they do they need a new marketing team. Maybe you are their answer.
* Tell us you don’t know if you don’t know something. Its ok if you don’t have the answer.
* Have your own questions for us or your prospective employer. Asking your prospective employer questions shows that you have done your homework.
* Send or bring sample work. Show code you have written, reports you have created, marketing collateral you have created, etc….

After you interview with us or your prospective employer start making suggestions or send 1-2 follow up emails as if you were working there already. Examples:
* I have the following 2 customers very interested in your services. I will forward their contact info…
* I have answered some support forum questions for you. Let me know what you think of the replies.
* I have the following suggestions for you about your product.
* I read _____, how do you think this plays into your strategy?


If you are completely switching industries, have no relevant experience, yet really want the job try on the following:
The best way to show you are passionate about jumping into another industry, is to offer something like “give me 60 days to prove to you that I am worth your time, and if you don’t like what you see after this period of time you don’t need to pay me”. Virtually no employer would turn down your offer (assuming they had a semi entry level job opening).


After having scanning thousands of resumes and interviewing many many candidates for various positions over the years, these are my suggestions on how to stand out.

If are interested in applying to Central Desktop please visit: http://jobs.centraldesktop.com

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Central Desktop Delivers Enterprise-Grade Security to Business Teams of All Sizes Through Its Complete Web Collaboration Platform

As Web 2.0 Technologies Gain Adoption In Business Security Becomes Top Concern

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Central Desktop, the complete business collaboration platform for business teams today announced the release of the Central Desktop Security Pack to meet the growing needs of business teams for enterprise-grade security for SaaS adoption. (See: www.centraldesktop.com/security for details). This new feature set addresses security requirements that Central Desktop's customers have been asking for to help them comply with internal security requirements. The enterprise-grade security offering delivers state-of-the-art perimeter, network, server, application and data security to ensure greater data privacy and availability for customers. This applies to both SMBs and organizations that work within industries that require security compliance such as, healthcare and financial services as well as business teams within larger organizations that have more stringent requirements enforced by their IT departments (Corporate Governance, HIPAA, etc).

These new near-enterprise grade features are turnkey, affordable, easy to use and easy to administer which is critical to business teams that rely on Central Desktop's SaaS platform to manage day-to-day business. “We have over 10 GB of information stored and shared by over 200 users in our 125 retail stores nation-wide all accessing the Central Desktop platform on a daily basis,” said Ken Sully, CEO, iSold It. “I evaluated a number of different solutions, including Google's offering, and they lacked the features, flexibility and security we needed. Now with the secure single sign-on features in this release, I've been able to integrate even more functionality into my workspaces without forcing users to log-in to a different system. This is just not available anywhere else for the low cost that Central Desktop offers.”

Unlike many of its competitors, the Central Desktop platform runs on a proven infrastructure designed to provide maximum performance and reliability with state-of-the-art physical and data security and redundancy. Central Desktop's security policy was architected with multiple layers, safeguards and redundancy to ward off external security threats.

“We believe that we are one of the only SaaS companies in the team collaboration space to offer this level of security on a turnkey basis. The security and integrity of our customer's data is integral to the success of our customer's businesses and our reputation as well,” said Isaac Garcia, CEO and Co-Founder, Central Desktop.

Central Desktop provides its software services to more than 100,000 users worldwide. Its average customer is a fast-paced, small-to-medium sized business organization or a team or department within a large Fortune 500 or Global 2000 company. All of these customers, companies and organizations, regardless of their size, trust and rely on Central Desktop to manage their day-to-day business operations. Central Desktop is also proud to serve local, state and federal government agencies, healthcare institutions, financial institutions, non-profits, religious and educational organizations including schools, colleges and universities around the world.

More on The Central Desktop Security Pack

The Central Desktop Security Pack is an optional add-on to Company Plans for companies and organizations that require deeper and more granular security features to comply to internal, corporate or 3rd party compliance codes (Corporate Governance, HIPAA, etc). The Security Pack is a prerequisite for companies and organizations that wish to integrate a Single Sign-On experience between Central Desktop and a third party application (additional configuration may be required). The Security Pack is available to all Company Plan subscribers for an additional $99 per month. There are no additional “per user” fees.

The key features and functions available with the Security Pack can be found at www.centraldesktop.com/security.

About Central Desktop

Central Desktop delivers a Complete Business Collaboration platform for teams to connect, share, collaborate and manage operations both internally and externally on customizable web workspaces. Its solution is delivered purely as a web-based platform (SaaS) that combines the most robust collaboration tools available with consumer-level service and affordability. Central Desktop enables teams of all sizes to work virtually and seamlessly without the need for IT resources, leveling the playing field for SMBs wishing to do business with the Fortune 5000 through technology by simply launching a browser. Central Desktop was founded in 2005, and is a privately-held company located in Pasadena, California. For more information, visit www.centraldesktop.com.

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