Why Aren’t You Using Cloud Computing to Future-Proof Your Business?
You already know that cloud computing isn’t just another tech industry fad. The cloud is turning 10 this year, and it has become a business standard. If you’re not taking full advantage of cloud services to future-proof your business in this economy, you are making a potentially expensive mistake.
The benefits of cloud computing are practically limitless. For example:
- The cloud grows with you. You may think that your old standby servers and network are adequate enough for day to day operations. If you want to future-proof your business, then you need to take advantage of cloud computing. The cloud is fully flexible and scalable. The infrastructure and applications are leased, ensuring you are using the fastest and latest technology. Plus, you buy only the services you need and pay for only what you use. This means you can dynamically increase or decrease your cloud services as your needs change.
- It helps protect your data. The cloud’s security architecture is multi-layered, and has safeguards against cyber attacks. There are different types of security controls employed and all of them work to protect your sensitive information and intellectual property, especially where federal compliance regulations are an issue (like HIPAA, SOX, PCI).
- Save money – put it back into your business. There’s no better way to pad your future business endeavors than cutting costs. Cloud computing helps you do just that. Cloud services can replace expensive infrastructure and outdated software. Cloud-hosted applications give your staff the ability to have virtual desktops and access their projects no matter where they are. Apps, data and documents come together into one constantly updated platform.
- Real-time collaboration and unlimited mobility for your staff. Cloud computing gives end users access to the data they need from any device, increasing productivity. Your staff could be anywhere in the world and still collaborate in real-time on projects, allowing your business to work faster for clients and increase your profit margin. Take Microsoft Office 365 for example. Microsoft has always been a familiar face in business productivity. Now, with O365, they’ve raised the performance standard. O365 is just one of the applications bringing together all of your people, processes and technology through cloud computing, and giving you the ability to manage all of that productivity seamlessly.
The time spent maintaining your hardware and its performance are costing you both production and dollars. Lost hours are a killer when you’re trying to migrate data from one network to another. Firms that handle their own migration on average take 2 months to complete the move and can spend up to $3,000 trying to finish it. Your best bet? Partnering with a managed IT services provider (MSP) to handle your move to the cloud. An MSP reduces/eliminates downtime, gives you seamless migration and implementation, and manages your data with new, integrated technology.
That’s where we come in. To get the most out of your cloud services, you need to partner up with a great MSP. Not sure which cloud computing services are right for your company’s needs? Our team of experts will evaluate your servers and network and consult with you to come up with the perfect plan for cloud migration minus the worry.
Give us a call and we’ll help you take that leap into the future. Come join us in the cloud – life is better is up here.
4 Statistics that will Have You Rethinking Office 365
Moving to the cloud can be a big decision for any business. And it makes sense to take every precaution for your employees and your customers. Office 365 has been gaining a lot of recognition for its simplicity and big benefits. So what’s keeping you from making the move? Don’t let your own reservations hold your team back. If you’re not already using Office 365, read on to see a few statistics that might sway your decision.
According to Global Business Travel Association 1.3 Million Business Trips Occur Each Day in the U.S
The mobile workforce is on the rise and Office 365 is the solution that keeps everyone connected – from virtually anywhere. So, whether your team is in and out of meetings, traveling for a business trip or posted up at a local coffee shop, they’ll still have access to everything they need to keep up with their workload.
According to Project Management Institute Approximately 33% of Projects Fail Completely Because of Poor Communication
Miscommunication and working in silos creates an environment that’s anything but successful.
With Office 365, gone are the days where one person makes edits to a document, and then emails it to another person so they can make changes too. This process is messy and leaves too much room for mistakes. Instead, take advantage of Microsoft’s collaborative capabilities, so you can have your whole team editing the same document and see the changes happening in real time.
According to Contingency Planning and Strategic Research Corporation 96% of All Business Workstations are Not Backed Up Regularly
What happens when your data isn’t backed up? It goes missing, and now you’re in big trouble. Storing your information safely in the cloud is the easiest way to protect it. So, whenever you change a document, update an Excel spreadsheet or basically do anything in Office 365, everything is automatically saved. You’ll always know where your data is and can easily access it – no matter what.
Companies can save up to 60% on Licensing Fees with Office 365
Office 365 is extremely appealing for small businesses who don’t want to deal with high upfront costs. Instead, you get a flexible monthly bill that allows you to add or decrease the number of users based on your needs. Plus, you’re not locked into a contract and you can change plans at any time to suit your growing business.
Office 365 is an obvious choice for businesses that want to encourage communication and collaboration, have the ability to access their information no matter what and want lower technology costs. If you don’t want to do accomplish these goals, then yes, stay away from Office 365. Otherwise, it might be a smart decision to give us a call. We can help you with Office 365 migration and make sure you’re set up for success.
Make the Switch to Unified Communications - The Top 5 Reasons to Help You Make Up Your Mind
Communication is essential to the success of your business. Whether you’re collaborating with team members or meeting with new customers, it’s imperative that you optimize the communication process. Unified communications (UC) helps optimize the communication process by providing features like video conferencing, call control and more. So, why haven’t you made the switch yet?
Adopting unified communications is a big decision that requires asking some tough questions: is it the best choice for your business in the long-term? Does it make financial sense to invest? How easy is it to integrate with existing solutions? There’s a lot to consider, so we found five reasons to help ease the decision process.
Reduce the cost of multi-platform solutions.
UC includes video conferencing, call control, presence and other solutions that are typically bought separately. By integrating all of those features, you not only create a seamless technology experience, you reduce the number of fees you’re paying for each platform.
Connect your team with improved availability.
No matter where your team is located – different offices, states or countries – you’ll have a direct line to the person you need. Using instant messaging and UC solutions, see when someone is available or when they’re in a meeting, so you can stay connected with your team easier.
Provide a better customer experience with call control.
Nothing is more frustrating for a new or existing customer than being placed on hold for extended periods of time and experiencing multiple call transfers. With call control, you know exactly why a customer has called, who they’ve already talked to and how long they’ve been waiting before you say “hello.”
Clean up your workflow with employee accountability.
With traditional phone systems, it’s difficult to track which team members are talking to which customers. UC optimizes your work processes by minimizing the finger-pointing. You’ll see exactly which team member spoke to which customer and how long they conversed.
Improve productivity with streamlined communications.
By uniting your communications, you not only reduce the amount of back-and-forth between your internal team, but you minimize the call-holding times of your customers. UC uses direct communication methods to boost productivity, reduce wait times and help solve your customer’s challenges faster.
When it comes down to it, deploying unified communication solutions is easy with the right partner. Contact us today to learn more about our UC services and how we can help you optimize your telecommunications.
How to Perfect Your Remote Workforce with Managed Services
Technology has introduced the “remote workforce”. And without innovative breakthroughs in technology, working from home would not have become such a popular option in today’s world. That’s why you need the latest technologies and expertise to succeed with your remote workforce.
Time, remote access, security and productivity – these are some of the biggest issues most businesses face when moving to a remote workforce.
- Can files, data and communications be accessed remotely?
- Is there a way to centralize and organize collaboration?
- Are you putting your server and network at risk?
- How do you keep everyone on the same page?
- What happens when your system fails?
Some of the greatest challenges with your remote workforce can be overcome simply by understanding which types of systems and solutions you need.
That’s where an MSP (managed service provider) comes in to save the day.
Virtual Private Network
Can files, data and communications be accessed remotely?
A virtual private network (VPN) keeps you connected everywhere you go. VPNs not only do this but offer an added layer of security to your technology stack, and this type of network is ideal for those employing a remote workforce.
BYOD or “bring your own device” policies are one aspect of your remote workforce that leaves you vulnerable, but a VPN works to protect end-user devices no matter how mobile you go.
Office 365
Is there a way to centralize tasks and organize collaboration?
Some of the best tools for a remote workforce come from the cloud. Office 365 is a cloud hosted application package that includes everything your team needs to develop projects, set appointments and send messages all in one place.
The beauty of Office 365 is having one software solution that does it all. A managed service provider helps organizations install these applications, update them as needed and renew licenses to end tedious disruptions in your daily operations.
Risk Prevention Monitoring
Are you putting your server and network at risk?
Take extra precautions when working remotely. As with any type of business or organization, moving to a remote workforce tempts cyber criminals. For each additional remote worker, you add another gap in your security, because cyber-attacks tend to exploit the end-user most; and why wouldn’t they when it’s so easy to do?
Risk prevention monitoring with a managed service provider helps you prep for an attack or even deflect threats before they happen. This puts your remote workforce on the defense and minimizes the risk of downtime in the long run.
VoIP Phone Systems
How do you keep everyone on the same page?
Keep your remote workforce communicating. A voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system works to consolidate your communications and allows you to add or remove lines with ease. This phone system communicates over Wi-Fi connections to unite your workforce and offer you the option of dialing in to conference calls.
The best part about VoIP is how much you can save on your phone bills. With many businesses saving an upwards of 40 percent with VoIP, making the switch seems a matter of logic.
Technical Support
What happens when your system fails?
Remember Murphy’s Law – anything that can go wrong will go wrong. As much as we wish it wasn’t true, plenty of break/fix bills prove it. But the problem with waiting to fix it after it’s broken is that the solution to your problem often costs much more than it would if you had simply patched the holes in your security in the first place.
It is possible to prevent downtime events and slowdowns with a managed service provider. But when there isn’t time, emergency technical support is a much-needed service for your remote workforce. Not only does it give you a rapid response team, it gives you the tools and expertise you need to avoid future problems.
What solutions does your organization need to succeed with a remote workforce?
Our business specializes in managed services for your remote workforce. Contact us today, and let’s talk about the best IT tools for you.
5 New 2018 CES Tech Products Will Change Your Life
Every year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) announces the latest technological breakthroughs and inventions by top companies around the world. Out of the hundreds of new electronics featured, a few of these reveals are sure to change the way you do business in 2018.
In case you missed out on the CES coverage, here is a quick rundown of innovations that will definitely be on your radar this year.
Physical security is constantly evolving, and Aura gives you the power to detect intruders without a camera or infrared sensors. You read the specs correctly! Aura uses your Wi-Fi network to create an invisible area of motion and detect disturbances, such as people entering or moving about in the space. When motion is detected, the system sends an alert to your phone, and if enabled, sounds a built-in alarm.
Aura offers a starter kit for $199, and its coverage extends across a 700 square-foot area. This system indicates the current direction security is taking and will shape the future of the way we view surveillance.
Do you currently use your laptop to sign documents? The Samsung Notebook 9 Pen is a sleek notebook computer that’s light as a feather (relatively speaking). This laptop is made from Metal 12, a new super light and amazingly strong magnesium alloy. The computer offers a system much like that of a Samsung convertible laptop combined with a Galaxy Note device – with a fancy stylus included!
The Samsung Notebook 9 Pen comes with the power of an Intel Core i7 processor and up to 16GB of RAM. You may have been struggling with tasks last year but signing documents, writing down your thoughts and taking care of daily business is a cinch in 2018.
Are you missing calls? Dell just came out with a software that simplifies connectivity. You can now integrate your smartphones and tablets with your PC and accomplish more in one day. Simplify everyday tasks, such as checking messages and responding to inquiries by turning your computer into your digital dashboard. Checking all of your notifications in one place gives you a truly integrated solution that keeps you on task.
This Dell Mobile Connect software is included in new Dell computers and allows you to make calls, send texts and receive notifications while also giving you the ability to interact with your favorite mobile apps directly from your PC screen.
This mobile phone turns into your personal projector! Imagine pulling out a cell phone at your next meeting and using it to project your presentation or notes for a room full of people. That’s what you get with Moviphone, not to be confused with Movifone. This phone can be used with any wireless service provider and includes all the features of your current phone – and then some.
Moviphone works using a Wireless Mobi Solution (WMS) to offer a 50-lumen projector that supports 720p HD video streaming. It mirrors your device screen to project anything from YouTube and Netflix videos to PowerPoint presentations. Now you can use a 5.5-inch screen to display 100-inch projections wherever you go.
Artificial intelligence is slowly making its way into our daily lives, and this particular robot recognizes your emotions and responds to how you’re feeling. It uses a combination of smart speaker and touchscreen to mimic the capabilities of Alexa or Google Home. But what separates TiTAN AI is the advanced facial and speech recognition features that adapt the way the robot will reply.
Not only does this robot come with the capabilities you need to make video calls, check surveillance, search the web, play music or control a smart home with voice commands, it also uses your personal preferences to make food, music and movie recommendations. TiTAN AI Robot also swivels with your movement and follows you throughout the room.
How do you innovate and keep up with the latest technology breakthroughs?
Get a free consultation to pinpoint the vulnerabilities in your infrastructure and determine which new technologies will benefit you in 2018 – contact us today.
Don’t Break the Bad News – Be PCI Compliant
With all the recent incidents of data breaches across the country, the last email you want to see in your inbox is this one:
“Dear Valued Customer,
It was recently reported that we were attacked by cyber criminals. We’ve confirmed that our payment data systems have been breached, and this could potentially impact customers using payment cards at our stores...”
Does this make your stomach squirm? Maybe sweat begins to form on your forehead. You start to backtrack to what days you were at that particular business – thinking what’s going to happen if you’re one of the unlucky ones. It’s not a good feeling.
Now, here’s an email you would never want to have to send out on your company’s behalf:
“Dear Valued Customer,
It was recently reported that we were attacked by cyber criminals. We’ve confirmed that our payment data systems have been breached, and this could potentially impact customers using payment cards at our...”
Remember all those unsettling feeling from before, you’ve just made every one of your customers feel that way. Isn’t that worse?
Luckily, there’s a solve – making sure you’re PCI compliant and keeping up with it. Here are the six PCI regulations, you must comply with:
- Have a secure card processing network
- Protect all cardholder information and data
- Protect your systems against malware
- Put strong access control measures in place
- Monitor and test your networks
- Create and maintain and Information Security Policy
With these steps in place, you’ll be able to decrease the risk of security breaches, boost customer confidence and gain peace of mind. And, if you use a third-party processing system, don’t automatically assume you are protected.
While being PCI compliant doesn’t mean you’re 100 percent safe from seeing the first email in your inbox, it does make sure you won’t write an email filled with bad news. Let us help you make sure your customers’ payment information is kept secure. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation PCI compliance audit.
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.