IN THIS ISSUE:

* eLearning Members Savings Tops $104,000!

* Upcoming Events

* Specials from Gateway and Brodart

* A Lesson in Leadership

* The Newest RFP Initiative

* Keeping Your Network Safe From Threats

* Welcome To New Members

* The Summer Roundup Newsletter is On Its Way!

* MiCTA Vendor Establishes New Picture Sharing Service

* Just for Fun!

We are pleased to announce that so far this year MiCTA Members have saved over $104,000 on eLearning technology! MiCTA’s contracts allow members to take advantage of discounted pricing offers from eLearning vendors Desire2Learn, Blackboard, and WebCT. Each of these vendors work meticulously to provide cutting edge technology with top of the line customer support. If you are not a member and would like to become one please click here to take advantage of MiCTA Member Pricing or call our office at (888) 870-8677.

Important Upcoming Events

Specials from Gateway and Brodart

Account Executive: Mike Shields Phone: 800-211-4952 ext. 56464 Fax: 775-898-5047 E-Mail: mike.shields@gateway.com

GW Quote #: 0801204

Gateway M250E

System Quote

Part Number: 1008469
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition (SP2)
Operating System Software Backup Media: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional (SP2) Backup CD
Application Software: Microsoft® Works 8.0
AntiVirus Software: Norton AntiVirus 90 day introductory offer
Processor: Intel® Pentium® M Processor 740 (1.73GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache)
Memory: 512MB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-256MB modules)
Hard Drive: 40GB 4200rpm Ultra ATA hard drive
Floppy Drive: Integrated 6-in-1 memory card reader
Optical Drive: Integrated 24x/10x/24x CD-RW / 8x DVD combo
Expansion Slots: One type II PC card slot
External Ports: (3) USB 2.0, VGA, IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Recycling Fee: My order is not shipping to California - no recycling fee required
Screen: 14" Widescreen XGA TFT Active Matrix (1280 x 768 max. resolution)
Video: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
Keyboard and Mouse: Full-Sized Keyboard and EZ Pad® Pointing Device
Multimedia Package: Integrated sound and stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, and mic jacks
Speakers: External speakers not selected
Battery: Primary 12-cell Lithium ion battery with AC pack and 1 yr. limited battery warranty (to accommodate additional cells, this battery extends beyond the end of the system)
Modem: Integrated V.92 56K modem
Network Adapter: Integrated Broadcom® 10/100/1000 Ethernet Adapter
Integrated Wireless Networking Adapter: Integrated 802.11b/g wireless networking card
Extended Service Plan Including Limited Warranty: Notebook Value Service Plan -- 3 year part/labor/no on-site/3 year technical support
Additional Software: Adobe® Acrobat Reader® 6.0
Standard Training: Intro to Mobile Computing
Carrying Case: Gateway Carrying Case

________________________________________
System Quantity: 1
Discounted Price (including S&H): US $1,241.00
Delivered Price (including S&H): US $1,241.00
________________________________________
Comments:

When placing your order, please attach this quote to your purchase order.
A copy of this quote will be held for a period of 90 days after 08/01/2005
Quote subject to terms of current Agreement signed by you and Gateway, or absent Agreement, to Gateway’s Standard Terms of Sale and applicable product and services warranties which are available by visiting gateway.com or calling 1-800-846-2000 for a free copy. Service agreements are issued and performed by third parties. May not be available in all locations. Accidental Damage Protection not available in all states. Phone charges may apply for tech support. If purchased, on-site service technician will be sent if necessary, following phone-based troubleshooting. Availability varies. Other conditions apply. YOU WILL BE CHARGED SHIPPING AND HANDLING OR RESTOCKING FEES TO RETURN PRODUCTS. All offers valid in US only and are subject to change without notice or obligation. Quoted product only available through Gateway.com or by calling 1-800-846-2000. Prices exclude shipping, handling, and taxes unless otherwise stated. FINANCE/LEASE CUSTOMERS: Financing and leasing provided by independent lenders to qualified US residents only. REBATE OFFERS: For more information about rebate offers, log onto http://www.gateway.com/rebate or call 1-800-846-4208. © 2005 Gateway, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks used here in are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. See important Microsoft activation requirements at http://www.gateway.com/ms-req

Laminating Systems: 20% Off!

Great protection for everything from ID cards to tabloid-size documents!

Brodart has the latest state-of-the-art laminators from 3M®, GBC® and MultiSeal™ and Ledco. Choose from heat-free laminating systems, heat-seal pouch laminators and film roll laminators. Brodart has powerful laminators designed for professional use along with easy-to-use low-maintenance laminators that are perfect for classrooms, offices and libraries. Check out the special features like photo-quality technology, safety shields and laminator cabinets. See our complete line of laminators on pages 335 to 338 in our full line catalog. Or go online at:
http://www.shopbrodart.com/shop/toc/toc.aspx?nodeid=a70d2146c7ef498f96d18119f661608d&toc=default

For more information on products and services for MiCTA members from Brodart:
Call: 1-800-233-8467 ext. 4338
Click: www.shopbrodart.com/pricing/micta/
Fax: 1-800-578-1064
E-Mail: supplies.quotes@brodart.com

A Lesson In Leadership

Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi is best known for leading hundreds of millions of people to independence against one of the greatest world empires of all time. In contrast to political leaders or military commanders of his time-men such as Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Churchill, Roosevelt, de Gaulle, Eisenhower, Patton, Montgomery and MacArthur-Gandhi commanded no armies, wore no fancy uniform and held no government office. He remained committed to nonviolence throughout his life of leading change and fighting for the rights of his people. His life was governed by principles, not policies. His commitment to causes and persistence to their end were successful because he walked his talk, maintained constancy and made incredible connections with his followers

While living in South Africa, Gandhi led protests and negotiated settlements that resulted in Indian marriages being recognized and abusive taxes against his people being reversed. After returning to India he worked for over 30 years to secure Indian independence from the British, peacefully and through principles. During that time he also labored to erase the discrimination against Untouchables while being rigorously opposed by tradition-bound Hindus. Gandhi became a powerful leader through gaining massive influence with his followers. He maintained and increased his influence by serving others, not compromising character and by keeping hundreds of millions of countrymen focused on the bold vision of independence. In 1947 Gandhi's vision was realized when his country became independent without raising an army or fighting a war

Lessons In Leadership:

Gandhi's commitment to his purpose resulted in his being thrown in prison ten times between his work in South Africa and India, the last time when he was seventy-three years old. His persistence and resolve never wavered. His vision empowered him and his followers to keep moving.

As Gandhi worked to end untouchability, revive village industries as a means to end poverty, promote communal harmony and achieve Indian independence he remained constant in his values, a model of integrity with his motives and relentless in walking his talk. He modeled the change he wanted to make. His life and actions were his message. He led by example.

Like many great leaders, Gandhi spent much time in reflection: going so far as to spend one day per week in silence. He continually evaluated and contemplated his actions looking for ways to improve.

Gandhi's commitment revealed itself in many ways. He took voluntary vows of poverty, chastity and commitment to service.

As a youth, Gandhi showed no special gifts in school and did not stand out in any way. He was committed to self-development through a process of lifelong learning and study: trademarks of great leaders.

Gandhi tirelessly communicated his beliefs and vision by editing, at different times, three different news weeklies. He knew his vision would be impotent without constant communication.

Commentary:

Mohandas (later renamed Mahatma, meaning "Great Soul") Gandhi's patience and resolve are unmatched in modern times. His successful, 30-plus year journey to fulfill his dream of driving out one of the world's great powers and gaining independence without armed conflict is one of the incredible feats of the 20th century. His persistence and focus on achieving a vision, his success in influencing others to give their support, his maintenance of integrity and refusal to compromise his principles to reach his goals are nearly unimaginable in today's "instant gratification", "do it at any cost" environment. Leaders today can learn the significance of constancy, focus, vision, influence, personal reflection and growth, service and commitment by studying the life of Gandhi. His commitment to principles are being emulated today by character-based companies like The Body Shop and Ben & Jerry's. From Gandhi leaders can learn that keeping the "big picture" in mind regardless of cost, submitting to personal sacrifice, serving others rather than manipulating them and keeping a savage persistence in spite of obstacles can defeat monstrous, overwhelming odds.

This article was courtesy of Dave Anderson. Mr. Anderson writes for his own website LearntoLead.com. The site is packed with motivational articles for managers, salespeople, and anyone in a leadership position.

MiCTA Establishes a new Learning Management RFP

MiCTA is pleased to announce the development and release of our newest RFP. This new Learning Management RFP is a product of hard work and cooperation by member organizations across the country . The RFP will cover the needs of all levels of education from PreK through Higher Ed. The contracts should be in place by late October or early November. More information for the new RFP is available on our website by clicking here.

Keeping Your Network Safe From Computer Threats

There are a multitude of threats in cyberspace today. Whether it be spyware, spam, viruses, or worms-companies must make sure they are prepared to deal with potential computer problems that can arise at any time. The following article lays out six crucial steps that computer administrators can take in order to ensure that the network stays in tact. The article, by Jean Marie Angelo, can be read by clicking here. Reprinted with permission from University Business magazine, www.universitybusiness.com, August 2005. All rights reserved.

MiCTA would like to welcome our newest members

HealthCare Partners of K.C.
State of Georgia, DHR/OIT
Tulsa Community College
Turner Chapel AME Church
W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Be on the lookout for the MiCTA Summer Roundup

The MiCTA Summer Roundup was recently mailed out. If you do not receive the Roundup or would like an additional copy please call our office at (888) 870-8677. The Newsletter contains articles about Getting the Best Possible Work Staff, Supply Chain Management in the Healthcare Field, and the Top Ten Myths of 2005. In addition to the articles, make sure to glance at the announcement from our featured vendor, Sprint, as well as Why MiCTA and Our Vendor Partners Work Hard For You.

MiCTA Vendor Establishes Deal for Wireless Picture Service

One of the biggest innovations of the 21 st century has been in mobile telecommunications. Recently one of our endorsed vendors, Sprint, was involved in a major transaction that will provide cheap and reliable camera phone service to all of America. The pact with Verizon Wireless was announced in mid-July 2005, and should be implemented into service areas as early as the end of the year. The article in its entirety is available by clicking this link to internetnews.com.

Just for Fun!

1. The winner of the annual football game between the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin is awarded _____ for the period of one year.
1. Paul Bunyan's Axe
2. A Spittoon
3. A Bucket
4. A solid bronze football commemorating the game


2. Philadelphia was the name of what Middle Eastern city until it was changed in 635 A.D.?
1. Mecca, Saudia Arabia
2. Damascus, Syria
3. Amman, Jordan
4. Baku, Azerbaijan


3. The Bowling Hall of Fame is located in what U.S. city?
1. Phoenix, Arizona
2. Saginaw, Texas
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
4. St. Louis, Missouri


4. According to the NBA rulebook, what is the maximum weight for a legal NBA basketball?
1. 18 ounces
2. 22 ounces
3. 25 ounces
4. 28 ounces

For answers to the above questions, please visit the MiCTA member’s homepage

PREVIOUS MICTA ALERTS

• July 2005

• June 2005

• May 2005

Alert Index