Sparks IT Consulting
Richard J. Cullen, P. E.
The story of the logo
1747 Brookdale Road
Naperville, IL 60563
voice: 630-258-3417
fax: 630-839-6158
rich@sparksit.com

Sparks IT Consulting, in the person of Rich Cullen, provides professional information technology guidance to small companies that cannot justify a full-time IT Director.

Services provided range from strategic planning to cable installation.

Current Specialties:

Setting up small business and home networks
Setting up and securing wireless networks
Internet connections; DSL, cable, wireless
Setting up remote access
Cleaning up virus and spyware problems
Voice over IP phones for small businesses
Digital photography and photo manipulation
 

Sparks provides a variety of services to small businesses. My typical client has a dozen or so computers and a local area network (LAN). They are large enough to have some sophisticated computer issues, but not large enough to be able to employ a full-time computer guru. Generally I work with one or two individuals on the staff who handle day-to-day computer issues, and they call me when they need help. For many clients, I stop by on a regular basis to check on server event logs, backups and that type of thing.

Internet connectivity has become a significant part of my work. Most of my clients have migrated from dial-up access to DSL, cable or T1 access. I help them select a carrier, get everything installed and configure their router.

Many clients have asked me to set up a simple Web site for them (like this one) so that they can have a Web presence and an e-mail address with their own domain name.  I can set them up very inexpensively, and refer them to a graphic designer if they want a more sophisticated site.

I "nag" my clients about three things: backups, virus protection and firewalls.  A fourth nag is creeping in, spyware.  Spyware is that nasty accumulation of junk that grows on your computer as you use the Internet.  It is not a dangerous as my primary nags, but it can sure be a nuisance.

I work with many different industries.  It fascinates me to learn about different industries and about the specific software packages that have been developed for the industry.  Years ago, I would often develop database applications to suit a specific industry or a specific problem.  This was, and continues to be, an expensive and time consuming process.  Fortunately, with today's software, it is almost never done.  Almost every industry, regardless of how "special" it is, can choose from a selection of industry-specific software packages.

My "niche" is that I am not a specialist.  I am a technically competent engineer and a savvy business person who realizes that you are not in business to play with computers.  Computers should be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

I have been satisfying clients as Sparks IT Consulting for over five years.  Clients range from folks with one computer at home to businesses with over fifty computers.

Photography has long been my hobby; perhaps my passion. Thirty years ago, I had a portrait studio in my home and I developed and printed my own work. Today, digital photography has changed the photography industry. Some of my clients have asked me to shoot pictures for their web sites or other promotional materials.


Cullen Resume
Logo Story
Software Skills
Photography


Your invoice from Sparks IT can now be paid using PayPal.  There is no extra cost to use PayPal.


Give me a call or send me an e-mail, and let's discuss how I might help you.