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We’ve been delivering technology as a service for over 25 years. We offer personalized service to small business, non-profits and public institutions.
What We Do
Initial consultations are always free.
We specialize in technology architecture, project development and training. Don’t sweat the tech.
~ Reach out today.
Solve. Secure. Evolve.
Scott Rakestraw has been delivering technology as a service for nearly 4 decades. After earning a Bachelor Degree in Communication, specializing in mass media, Scott’s early career was a mix of radio, publishing and television supporting technology for font-line team members and senior corporate executives
Scott has worked for major media outlets including, Mediabase Research, Cox Broadcasting, Paramount Television Stations and CBS Television. He has also been a team leader in publishing, serving as the Research Director at Monday Morning Replay and the Senior Technical Support Analyst for Gale Research (now Cengage).
“Working in the media was a great place to learn how the world and the world of business operates- how to work with a team to accomplish a mission.” says Rakestraw. “I learned many things living in the corporate world but I was always searching for some meaning to the work.”
The search lead Scott directly into to public service roles. He has served as Telecommunications Manager for The Library Network and as a Senior Technology Project Manager for public libraries. He founded “Save Your Breath.org” in 1998 and to help fine organizations, specifically non-profits implement and deliver technology solutions.
“People get overwhelmed by technology. When you have the right partner, you’ll never have to ‘Sweat the Tech’.”
“SaveYourBreath.org” is a Michigan based consulting firm specializing in Technology Project Management, Solution Design, System Architecture and Staff Development.
Blog
The AI Trust Crisis
A Strategic Opportunity for Libraries Society is at a crossroads. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping (or going to reshape) virtually every industry. Yet, in the latest poll by You.gov, the public trust in AI is Plummeting like circulation stats during the pandemic closures. This isn’t just another tech wave— it’s a defining moment for libraries …
The ‘Subversives’
They speak of radical ideas like privacy, literacy and inclusiveness. They live and work in our community and very often, they are activists and advocates. Today’s librarians teach seniors to navigate tablets, guide job seekers through career transitions, and nurture creative expression through community arts and STEM programs. In a world drowning …
Disrupting the Disruptors
There’s a little company out there with incredible influence on popular music and you might never have heard about them. A dedicated team of researchers is spying on radio stations, listening and recording every title played. When I worked there many years ago, we didn’t really realize it was a technology company. We just loved …
News
River of News*
* This “River of News” is syndicated from 3rd party sites. We are not responsible for this content. “River” content is presented for your convenience and entertainment and may not be suitable for all purposes.
Digital Content Next Official Website
- How one publisher turned newsletters into a digital growth engineby Michelle Manafy, Editorial Director – DCN on July 30, 2026 at 12:37 pm
For Rough Draft Atlanta, newsletters aren’t just a distribution channel. They’re the engine powering its digital reinvention. Recognizing their value, publisher Keith Pepper rebuilt editorial workflows, audience development and advertising... The post How one publisher turned newsletters into a digital growth engine appeared first on Digital Content Next.
- DCN’s media industry must reads: week of July 30, 2026by Michelle Manafy, Editorial Director – DCN on July 30, 2026 at 11:27 am
Here are some of the best media stories our team has read so far this week: The post DCN’s media industry must reads: week of July 30, 2026 appeared first on Digital Content Next.
- What paid newsletter economics reveal about subscriber valueby Michelle Manafy, Editorial Director – DCN on July 28, 2026 at 11:33 am
Publishers continue to expand paid newsletter businesses as readers show a growing willingness to pay for specialized content. But long-term success depends on more than attracting subscribers. It requires converting... The post What paid newsletter economics reveal about subscriber value appeared first on Digital Content Next.
- Content licensing: the revenue gap worth closingby Michelle Manafy, Editorial Director – DCN on July 27, 2026 at 11:23 am
Content licensing is a revenue channel where third-party demand has outpaced publishers’ ability to commercialize it. While many publishers engage in licensing, fewer treat it as a dedicated business with... The post Content licensing: the revenue gap worth closing appeared first on Digital Content Next.
- How Hearst uses AI to make targeted advertising smarterby Michelle Manafy, Editorial Director – DCN on July 23, 2026 at 11:36 am
Hearst is using AI to turn advertising RFPs into bespoke audiences in minutes with a new product that moves the company beyond targeting into strategy. AURA IQ, launched last month... The post How Hearst uses AI to make targeted advertising smarter appeared first on Digital Content Next.
Adweek Feed Breaking News in Advertising, Media and Technology
- Stagwell’s Strong Q2 Anchored By Record New Business Haulby Chris Cicchiello on July 30, 2026 at 2:19 pm
The holding company secured major accounts this quarter, including IBM, Heineken and Navy Federal Credit Union
- How Brands Can Help Save Lives with The Trevor Project’s Jaymes Blackby Eva Kis on July 30, 2026 at 12:43 pm
Positioning your brand as a defender of universal human values.
- X and WFA Settle, but the Brand Safety Wars Are Far From Overby Kendra Barnett on July 30, 2026 at 12:34 pm
The settlement closes one of advertising's highest-profile legal fights in recent memory, and reveals how brand safety efforts are being reshaped under new forces.
- Marketing Vanguard at Cannes: Why Joy Makes Better Marketing ft. Todd Kaplan of Kraft Heinzby Eva Kis on July 30, 2026 at 12:33 pm
How Kraft Heinz turns culture into brand momentum.
- Adidas’ World Cup Win Comes at a Cost as Q2 Marketing Spend Tops $1 Billionby Rebecca Stewart on July 30, 2026 at 7:27 am
Adidas' Q2 marketing spend hit more than $1 billion as it went all in on the tournament with some help from Timothée Chalamet.
- States' Lawsuit Against Paramount-WBD Is 'Trash,' Ari Emanuel Sayson July 30, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Ari Emanuel, CEO of talent agency WME Group, came out in defense of the deal for Paramount Skydance in its efforts to buy WBD in a 'Wall Street Journal' op-ed column.
- Battle Of Cartoon Cat Comedies: 'Alley Cats' Vs. 'Top Cat'on July 30, 2026 at 12:00 pm
It took 64 years for TV to return to cartoon cats with human characteristics living in an urban alley. The catalyst for this revival is comedy top cat Ricky Gervais, whose new animated series about feral felines premieres on Netflix on August 7. The show, titled “Alley Cats,” is reminiscent of that early ’60s animated series “Top Cat,” about another group of cat characters residing in an alley. Like “Top Cat,” “Alley Cats” features a pack of cats, each with distinct personalities. In “Top Cat,” there were six who were all male. In “Alley Cats,” the pack has seven members, including three female felines. Also on both shows, one cat is top dog. In “Alley Cats,” it is a fat cat named Gus, voiced by Gervais. In “Top Cat,” it was the charismatic title character, voiced by the late Arnold Stang. Top Cat -- known to his pals as “T.C.” -- was the leader of a cat pack whose five other members were Benny the Ball (Maurice Gosfield), Choo-Choo (Marvin Kaplan), Brain (Leo De Lyon), Spook (also Leo De Lyon, a pseudonym for Irving Levin) and Fancy-Fancy (John Stephenson). In “Alley Cats,” Gus is joined by Ponce (Tom Basden), Fang (Andrew Brooke), Puke (David Earl), Lara (Kerry Godliman), Kitten (Jo Hartley) and Olive (Diane Morgan). Netflix describes “Alley Cats” as “an adult animated sitcom [that] follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats from all walks of society who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life.” ABC described “Top Cat” in a press release in March 1961. " 'Top Cat' deals with a band of fun-loving, adventure-seeking felines who live in a big city,” the release said. “They have hilarious human characteristics, and each has a distinctive personality of his own. Their leader is Top Cat, familiarly known as T.C., a brash, aggressive opportunist,” it said. Produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, “Top Cat” ran for only one season, September 1961 to April 1962, airing in prime time on Wednesday nights (sponsored by Bristol-Myers and Kellogg). The season consisted of 30 half-hour episodes. The first season of “Alley Cats” consists of six episodes, all under 20 minutes. Production reportedly began in 2023. The format of “Top Cat” was said to have been modeled on “The Phil Silvers Show,” a 1950s ensemble service comedy in which Silvers starred as Sgt. Ernest G. Bilko. According to a Google Gemini search, “Alley Cats” does not seem to be based any other show. Instead, it reportedly stems from Gervais’ interest in cats.
- MS Now, CNN, NewsNation Viewing Up In Julyon July 30, 2026 at 3:54 am
Collectively, viewership for the top five cable news networks was up 10% this month to 4.4 million prime-time viewers, according to Nielsen data - vs. 4.0 million in July 2025.
- WPP Media Debuts 'Made Together,' Plugs Trade Desk In First Episodeon July 29, 2026 at 9:33 pm
WPP Media CEO Brian Lesser asked Green whether he felt The Trade Desk was misunderstood and Green responded in the affirmative.
- Local TV News Refuses To Die, Which Is Awkward For Everyone Planning Its Funeralon July 29, 2026 at 6:04 pm
About 47% of U.S. adults say they watch local TV news daily or most days, matching the highest level since 2020.
The Honest Broker A trustworthy guide to music, books, arts, media & culture by Ted Gioia
- Mark Zuckerberg's Empire Is Now Crumblingby Ted Gioia on July 30, 2026 at 4:42 pm
Has any company in history made more bad decisions?
- The 50 Essential Western Films (Part 2)by Ted Gioia on July 27, 2026 at 8:40 pm
In this installment, I cover the period from 1955 through 1968
- My Gripe with LeBron Jamesby Ted Gioia on July 24, 2026 at 8:12 pm
Am I the only person who feels this way?
- Predictions on the Future of Netflix (and Other Huge Platforms)by Ted Gioia on July 23, 2026 at 7:39 pm
I dig more deeply into the collapse of audience capture
- What Do You Have to Hide?by Jared Henderson on July 21, 2026 at 5:00 pm
A conversation with Lowry Pressly on why we need privacy as part of the good life
