3 Technology Resolutions for the New Year

A lot can change in a single year, and the same goes for technology. Every day, someone is coming up with a way to make life easier and work more productive. Technology evolves fast, and unfortunately, if you don’t evolve, too, you’ll be left behind. But, before you rewind that summer hit of ’17, we want to help you take a confident step into the future (2018) with three simple technology resolutions:

Give Your Data Some Extra Space

According to the Interop ITX and InformationWeek 2018 State of the Infrastructure study, companies are continuing to invest in data centers, storage space, and networking. Storage is a huge focus for companies as they try to keep pace with skyrocketing data growth. In fact, the rapid growth of data and data storage is the single greatest factor driving change in IT infrastructure.

Shift Your Focus from Protection to Detection

One thing 2017 taught us is that you won’t be able to stop every threat. Cyber criminals get smarter every day – if they want to get into your system they will. It’s no longer a question of if they’ll get into your system, but when. Instead of simply protecting your networks, focus on detection and how you’ll respond if an intrusion or virus is found. Solidifying a plan for quick remediation will ensure nothing gets in the way of your team’s productivity.

Experience More Face Time in the New Year

Every year, more and more employees are moving towards a mobile work lifestyle. This has created a growing need to strengthen the lines of communications with technology. The collaboration technology industry underwent rapid growth this past year with many organizations jumping on the unified communication bandwagon. West's Unified Communications Services report on the state of video conferencing, found that 54 percent of employees regularly participate in video conferences to stay connected to their team and clients.

There’s no doubt that technology will be a major player in the state of your organization in 2018. But is your tech ready to carry you towards a successful New Year? We’d like to help by taking the time to evaluate your infrastructure, security and communication processes and make recommendations to ensure you’re ready for 2018 and beyond. Let’s ring in the New Year together – contact us.


Upgrading Your Tech is Oh So Easy This Tax Season

Your technology may not have an expiration date but, like a bruised banana, it sometimes shows indications of wear and tear. It's not uncommon for organizations to try to extend their computer lifespan, however they'll become frustrated when older systems "unexpectedly" quit working. In reality, these older systems cost you more in downtime than it would cost to buy brand-new devices.

So, when do you need to update your systems?

Computers-- Every 3 to 5 years
Other Tech (including printers and switches)-- Every 2 to 6 years
Business Vehicles-- Every 6 to 10 years

What if we said you have the ability to make your upgrades right now and can deduct the total cost of your purchases this tax season? Well, it's absolutely true! Section 179 of the US Tax Code allows you to deduct the full price of any qualifying hardware or applications purchased or rented during the year, including:
Bought, financed or rented equipment
Desktops, laptop computers, tablets, smartphones
Servers, printers, routers, network security devices
Off-the-shelf applications (productivity, administrative, anti-virus, operating systems, etc.)

All you need to do is utilize form 4562 to declare your deduction. The full deduction can be declared up until you've reached $2-million in hardware and application purchases. Past that point, the deduction reduces on a dollar-for-dollar basis. You just have to make certain the hardware and applications are deployed by December 31, 2017.

With Section 179, your company has the opportunity to utilize brand-new equipment right now instead of waiting and potentially slowing down growth and innovation. To find out more about Section 179 or if you require help getting started, contact us to request your complimentary, no-obligation Section 179 consultation.


Three Ways You Can Kick the Cost of Downtime to the Curb

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could spend your time running your business instead of worrying about unplanned IT outages? Well, get ready to tackle your to-do list, because here are three preventative steps you can take so you don’t have to spend your workday messing around with IT issues.

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