Our technology guru, Casey Gatti, manages all Davis & Company’s IT needs (and, in his spare time, creates and edits video, programs web sites, is a fabulous artist and designs apps!). So periodically he lets us know when he has to upgrade software, install hardware . . . all that kind of stuff.

Usually, Casey uses email to communicate what he’s working on. On Friday, he sent us a typical note giving a heads up about an upgrade he was going to install recently.

I’m sharing Casey’s email with you because it’s a best practice of how to communicate about technology. It’s simple, clear and personal. The message is not geeky or technical.

Can you say the same about your company’s IT communication?

(BTW, none of us so-called professional communicators help Casey write his messages. I wish I were as good at technology as Casey is at writing!)

Also, BTW, the photo I've posted is not Casey. Where do stock photography houses get these guys, anyway?

Here it is:

Hi everyone,

I'll be upgrading two of our network switches tomorrow at 8am. The upgrade will take roughly 1–2 hours.

What does this upgrade do?
This upgrade will make our Ethernet/LAN network fully operate at 1,000/Mbps speed. It is a welcome change from many of our computers capping at 100/Mbps due to the network switch that they currently run through. This will relate to faster connectivity to our internal servers. (This will not affect web/internet speed.)

Will this affect me from doing work?
Well, hopefully you'll be sleeping or mowing your lawn during this timeframe. If you happen to be working, please keep in mind that the STU/Cumulus server may not be accessible. However, the email and Davis consulting/graphics server will be accessible. If you plan to come in to the office, let me know.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!