Press Release – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC)

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NISC® Launches Additional Cybersecurity Offering to Help Members Address Vulnerabilities

Mandan, N.D., Aug. 5, 2020 – With malicious attacks on the rise and cybercriminals capitalizing on the uncertainty surrounding COVID, National Information Solutions Cooperative® has added NISC CyberPatch to their existing NISC Cybersecurity Services suite of solutions to help independent telephone companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities defend themselves against ever-present cyber threats. NISC CyberPatch, powered by Kaseya® VSA, is a comprehensive patch management system for both operating systems and third-party applications that will decrease the risk of a security breach while increasing staff efficiency. "Quite often, the cybersecurity focus is on perimeter protection, spam filters and network monitoring, leaving the often-overwhelming patching tasks neglected," said Jeff Nelson, NISC Vice President of Information Security & Risk Management. "This oversight can completely sabotage your overall cybersecurity plan." According to the Ponemon Institute, 57% of data breaches are attributed to poor patch management. Completing operating system and third-party patches and updates are of incredible importance with today's dynamic and ever-changing cybersecurity landscape – and the one vulnerability many are postponing or completely overlooking. With the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and malware attacks, the focus needs to shift to ensuring operating systems and applications are up to date with the latest fixes, or patches, to ensure the discovered vulnerabilities are secured – without business disruption and a major impact on your staff's time. NISC Cybersecurity Services offers a complement of solutions to protect vital operational data: NISC CyberAcademy – Online user awareness training and phishing simulationNISC CyberDetect – Incident detection and incident responseNISC CyberProtect – Endpoint protection with 24/7 monitoringNISC CyberDefense – Perimeter defense leveraging firewalls and report monitoringNISC CyberScan – Vulnerability management with advanced scanning, reporting, tracking and risk scoringNISC CyberPatch – Comprehensive and flexible [...]

By Mary Miller| August 5th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Board Approves New Partnerships

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., July 14, 2020 – The National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) Board of Directors welcomed several new Members to the cooperative in its virtual meeting June 30, bringing NISC’s Membership total to 849. The following utility and telecommunication companies were welcomed to the NISC family. Utilities Custer Public Power District, Broken Bow, Neb.Dakota Electric Association, Farmington, Minn.City of Pella, Pella, IowaErwin Utilities Authority, Erwin, Tenn. Telecoms EPICTOUCH, Elkhart, Kan.Oneida Telephone Exchange, Oneida, Ill.Ontario Telephone Company, Phelps, N.Y.Steelville Telephone Exchange, Inc., Steelville, Mo. NISC’s primary mission is to provide maximum value to its current Members. Simultaneously, the cooperative continues strategic growth of its Membership. Growth of the Membership enhances NISC’s economies of scale, allowing for an annual investment of more than $50 million in research and development and steady Membership rates. “Our Members are resilient, driven and serve as pillars within their communities,” said Susan Imm, NISC vice president of Sales and Marketing. “We’re grateful for their steadfast partnership with NISC, and humbled by the trust these new Members have placed in us to help them provide reliable service to those who depend on them.” About NISCNational Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology organization that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to 849 independent telephone companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including billing, accounting, operations, automated mailroom services, third-party integration as well as many other solutions. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Shawano, Wis., Austin, Texas, and Blacksburg, Va., NISC and its subsidiaries employ approximately 1,400 professionals between the six locations and [...]

By Mary Miller| July 14th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Named Among Computerworld’s Best Places to Work in IT for 17th Straight Year

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., June 23, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, was named a Best Place to Work in Information Technology (IT) by IDG Insider Pro and Computerworld, ranking no. 8 among midsize organizations (1,001 – 4,999 employees). 2020 marks NISC’s 17th straight year on the list and 18th recognition overall. “We're honored to have been recognized by Computerworld for the 18th time,” said NISC president and CEO Dan Wilbanks. “NISC’s employees and their commitment to serving our Members and being a leader in the technology industry are what make this such a great place to work. It’s reassuring to know our employees recognize and appreciate our efforts to uphold our incredible culture, Shared Values and collaborative working environment.” Since 1994, the annual Best Places to Work in IT feature has ranked the top 100 work environments for technology professionals. The list is compiled based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, career development, training and retention. In addition, IDG conducted extensive surveys of NISC’s IT workers, and their responses factored heavily in determining the rankings. “As technology continues to evolve more rapidly than ever, attracting and retaining top IT talent to research, deploy and maintain that technology has never been more important or more challenging,” said Dan Muse, editor of IDG’s Insider Pro. “Companies that have earned a spot on the Insider Pro and Computerworld 2020 Best Place to Work in IT list share a common denominator: They create an environment that not only rewards workers with competitive compensation and benefits, but they also foster a spirit of diversity, social responsibility, training and innovation.” NISC was also [...]

By Mary Miller| June 23rd, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Announces Upgrades to Its Online Platform, the NISC Community

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., May 4, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, has launched an upgraded version of the NISC Community, NISC’s online communications and content sharing platform for Members and employees. The NISC Community, which was first established in 2008, is a one-stop-shop enabling users to discover valuable resources and information to assist in their jobs, share information with NISC subject matter experts and peers across the country, and grow through collaboration and training opportunities. The upgrade marks the fifth generation of the NISC Community. “Just as we continually update our solutions and software, we’re always looking for new ways to enhance the NISC Community for our Members and employees,” said NISC Engagement Analyst and Community Manager Tammy Eck. “We’re excited by the new capabilities available with this upgrade and for what’s to come as we build out our roadmap for future offerings.” For more information regarding the NISC Community, please contact Community Support at community.support@nisc.coop. About NISCNational Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology organization that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to 844 independent telephone companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including billing, accounting, operations, automated mailroom services, third-party integration as well as many other solutions. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Shawano, Wis., Blacksburg, Va., and Austin, Texas, NISC and its subsidiaries employ more than 1,300 professionals.

By Mary Miller| May 4th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Board Approves New Partnerships in April Meeting

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., May 1, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) strives to provide maximum value to its current Members, while continuing strategic growth of its Membership. That growth was exhibited by the NISC Board of Directors' approval of several new Members during its April meeting. The approvals, coupled with the consolidation of two Member organizations, brings NISC's Membership total to 844. The following utility and telecommunication companies were welcomed to the NISC family. Utilities Bridger Valley Electric Association, Mountain View, Wyo.Cowlitz County, Public Utility District No. 1, Longview, Wash.Dixie Electric Membership Corporation, Baton Rouge, La.Surprise Valley Electrification Corp., Alturas, Calif. Telecoms Citizens Telephone Company, Hammond, N.Y.Consolidated Business Services, Mt. Angel, Ore. "Membership growth enhances NISC's economies of scale, while allowing for an annual investment of more than $50 million in research and development and steady Membership rates," said Susan Imm, NISC vice president of Sales and Marketing. "Now more than ever, we understand and appreciate the critical role our Members play in their communities," Imm said. "We're grateful for the trust these new Members have placed in us to leverage technology, improve efficiencies and help them provide reliable service to those who depend on them." About NISCNational Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology organization that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to 844 independent telephone companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including billing, accounting, operations, automated mailroom services, third-party integration as well as many other solutions. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Shawano, Wis., Austin, Texas, and Blacksburg, Va., NISC and its subsidiaries [...]

By Mary Miller| May 1st, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Takes Proactive Measures Against COVID-19

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., March 16, 2020 – In response to growing concern surrounding the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) has initiated a number of proactive measures to ensure the safety of its employees and Members while maintaining stellar business continuity. "As NISC works to mitigate the risk of COVID-19, we do so guided by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations," says Dan Wilbanks, NISC president and CEO. "Additionally, we have initiated a number of measures to proactively assure continuity of business, while doing our part to keep our employees, Members and communities safe." NISC enacted a pause on all employee travel effective March 11 through April 30, except in special circumstances. Furthermore, the technology cooperative has announced plans to transition employees who are capable of effectively supporting its Members and doing their job remotely to a temporary work-from-home environment, with the goal of all capable employees working from home by Friday, March 20. "While the CDC is not advising that all employers move to remote work, we do, however, believe it is incumbent upon us to be prepared should guidelines change," Wilbanks says. "We are taking all necessary efforts to make this transition seamless to minimize impacts to our Members." NISC is well positioned for remote and virtual work arrangements. "As a technology company with campuses across six states and 100+ virtual employees, we are accustomed to working remotely and are confident that our employee base will continue to step up and keep delivering on the NISC promise to our Members: superior service, reliable solutions and value in that partnership," says Wilbanks. NISC's response to COVID-19 is the direct result of an effort the technology [...]

By Mary Miller| March 16th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Focuses on Member Value at Annual Meetings, National Shows

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Mar. 12, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of technology and IT solutions to utility and telecommunications organizations, focused on the cooperative's Membership at its telecom and utility Annual Meetings, held Feb. 16 and March 1 in conjunction with the NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) and NRECA national trade shows. Dan Wilbanks took the stage at the NISC Annual Meetings for the first time as President and CEO following the retirement of Vern Dosch in January. Wilbanks discussed NISC's product direction as well as his main goal for NISC in the year ahead: to ensure Members get maximum value from their partnership with NISC. "NISC's success will not be defined only by margin and numbers of Members, but by the value we bring in contributing to Members' success," Wilbanks said. Reg Rudolph, General Manager of San Isabel Electric Association and Chairman of the NISC Board of Directors, concluded his tenure as Chairman of the NISC board with a report to the Membership. Rudolph focused on NISC's growth and the collaboration between NISC and its Members. "NISC doesn't develop technology solutions in a vacuum, instead they collaborate with the Members through user groups, conferences, and feedback received daily from the Members," Rudolph said. "In true cooperative fashion, none of us are smarter than all of us." During the Annual Meeting, NISC announced the Directors elected to NISC's Board of Directors via NISC's online election process. Each of these Directors will serve three-year terms, expiring at NISC's Annual Meeting in 2023: Bob Paulling, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative – District 2 Carol Wright, Jackson Energy Cooperative – District 3 Robert Loth, Central Texas Electric Cooperative – District 10 Larry [...]

By Mary Miller| March 12th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC to Sponsor and Exhibit at NRECA’s 2020 TechAdvantage Conference & Expo

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Feb. 27, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, will be sponsoring and exhibiting at NRECA's TechAdvantage Conference and Expo Mar. 1-4 in New Orleans, La. NISC will be exhibiting on Monday, Mar. 2 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Mar. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. TechAdvantage attendees are encouraged to stop by booth #2001 to learn about the latest in NISC innovations, test drive solutions and visit one-on-one with NISC's staff. Visitors will also have an opportunity to win an Apple iPad or Apple AirPods. Again this year, NISC will be a sponsor in NRECA's expo booth, "The Lab", which demonstrates some of the data-driven, efficient and forward-thinking technologies changing how electric cooperatives serve their members. NISC is also sponsoring this year’s CEO Lounge in the Rivergate Room at the TechAdvantage Expo. The lounge will serve as a quiet, relaxed meeting place for executives to gather and conversate and will also feature unique NISC giveaways. Over the course of the week, NISC staff members will also be presenting in breakout sessions at TechAdvantage and at NRECA's Annual Meeting. See below for session dates and times: The Avalanche of Data is Coming: Be Prepared so You’re Not Stuck in the SnowMonday, March 2 – 1:30 p.m.Matt Fauconer, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative; Walt Hillis, NISCSecuring the OT (Operational Technology) Network and Who Owns It?Tuesday, March 3 – 10:45 a.m.Ron Schmitz, Great River Energy; Mark Peterson, Great River EnergyChad Schauf, Oakdale Electric Cooperative; Linda LaTourelle, NISCWhat is Data Privacy and Why Does it Matter? (NRECA Annual Meeting)Tuesday, March 3 – 1 p.m.Susan [...]

By Mary Miller| February 27th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC Launches Initiative to Maximize Member Partnerships

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Feb. 17, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, is launching an initiative to ensure Members get maximum value from their partnership with NISC. The Member Value Initiative sharpens NISC's focus on helping Members improve their utilization of NISC's solutions, and formalizes employee training programs for onboarding and ongoing development. Spearheading the initiative is a dedicated 12-person team of NISC employees led by Amber Kilber, who previously served as manager of Support for NISC's Accounting and Business Solutions. The new team, which incorporates expertise on various NISC solutions, is leveraging data collection and analytics to help identify opportunities to add efficiency and benefit for Members, and ensure that Members have the needed support from NISC to implement those features. The initiative is tied directly to NISC President and CEO Dan Wilbanks' vision for NISC going forward. "NISC has had amazing success thanks to our innovative and engaged Membership and service-oriented employees," Wilbanks said. "Yet, we cannot become complacent. NISC's future success will be defined by the value we bring in contributing to Members' success." About NISCNational Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology organization that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to 840 independent telephone companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including billing, accounting, operations, automated mailroom services, third-party integration as well as many other solutions. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Shawano, Wis., Blacksburg, Va., and Austin, Texas, NISC and its subsidiaries employ more than 1,300 professionals between the six [...]

By Mary Miller| February 17th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off

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NISC to Sponsor and Exhibit at NTCA’s 2020 RTIME Event

Mandan, N.D., Feb. 13, 2020 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, will be sponsoring and exhibiting at NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association’s Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & Expo (RTIME) Feb. 16-19 in Phoenix, Ariz. NISC will be exhibiting Monday, Feb. 17 and Tuesday, Feb. 18. RTIME attendees are encouraged to stop by booth #100 to learn about the latest in NISC innovations, test drive solutions and visit one-on-one with NISC’s staff. Visitors will also have an opportunity to win an Apple iPad or Apple AirPods. RTIME is rural America’s largest annual telecommunications industry event, bringing together more than 2,200 thought leaders and telecommunications experts from across the country to discuss key topics facing rural communities. This year’s event, themed “Accelerating Solutions,” focuses on advancing communities with accessible and affordable next-generation technology that’s in high demand and allows subscribers to stay connected locally, nationally and globally. For more information on RTIME, please visit www.ntca.org/events-education/events/2020-rtime. Annual Meeting to Provide NISC HighlightsIn conjunction with the RTIME events, NISC will be hosting its 2020 Telecom Annual Meeting Sunday, Feb. 16, from 5:15-7 p.m. in Encanto on the second level of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. NISC President and CEO Dan Wilbanks, along with representatives from NISC’s Board of Directors and Executive Team, will present a summary of financial performance, share an overview of key objectives from the past year and current research and development initiatives, including upcoming enhancements to the NISC Enterprise. Additional information about NISC can be found at www.nisc.coop.

By Mary Miller| February 13th, 2020|Press Release|Comments Off