Should your business go serverless?
29th Sep 2023
Businesses are constantly looking for new ways to improve the development process and deliver more value to users. Serverless architecture is one such approach that offers a number of benefits over traditional server-based infrastructure, including better scalability, greater flexibility, faster time to market, and more cost-effective software development. [...]
NEVER use too many online apps in business
15th Sep 2023
Technology has had a profound impact on workplace productivity over the past decade. From cloud computing and collaboration tools to project management software and artificial intelligence, there are now a wide range of technologies that can help businesses streamline their operations and get more done in less time.
However, the proliferation of workplace apps has had some unintended consequences. Some studies show that workers use up to 35 different tools on the job, leading them to jump back and forth between apps for up to 1,100 times every day. In many cases, the high volume of online apps, which intends to address every imaginable issue, leads to lower productivity and other problems. [...]
Overcome the biggest cloud security challenges in 2023
30th Aug 2023
DID YOU KNOW?
Cloud data breaches are becoming increasingly common. In the 2023 Cloud Security Study by Thales, 39% of respondents claimed that they suffered a data breach in their cloud environments. Learn how to overcome the biggest cloud security challenges in 2023. [...]
5 Awesome business benefits of Power BI
15th Aug 2023
Put yourself in the shoes of a manager overseeing a nationwide retail chain. You've got your team hard at work, analyzing sales data for the annual report. Can you dig deep and break down sales by state? How about by month? What were the sales trends by region over the seasons? And can you determine potential trends for the upcoming quarter or year?
You must have a powerful data analysis tool that can rapidly slice and dice large amounts of data to gain insights. Enter Microsoft Power BI, a tool designed to easily analyze your data, uncover trends and insights, and visualize the results in beautiful dashboards. [...]
Zero trust cloud security framework; why you need it
31st Jul 2023
2022 was a year of significant data breaches, and some of them may have even affected businesses in Campbell, California. One look at the top breaches last year shows that even well-known companies are not safe from cyberattacks. These include Twitter, Uber, and MediBank to name a few. [...]
Nonprofit organizations benefit from the cloud
14th Jul 2023
The cloud has revolutionized the way organizations operate, and nonprofit organizations benefit from the cloud as well. With the power and flexibility offered by the cloud, nonprofits can streamline their operations, enhance collaboration, and scale their impact like never before. Here are nine ways nonprofit organizations can benefit from embracing cloud computing technologies. [...]
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Slack vs. Microsoft Teams: A 2023 Comparison
15th Jun 2023
Slack vs. Microsoft Teams: Chat-based collaboration software is an essential tool in today's business landscape, and two popular options for enterprises are Slack and Microsoft Teams. The significance of these platforms cannot be overstated, especially considering the impact of the pandemic, which highlighted the future of remote work and collaboration. [...]
AI technology and cloud computing benefits
15th Jun 2023
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as an innovative technology that finds applications in various domains. With the integration of AI, cloud computing platforms can provide users with personalized experiences and seamless access to resources. For instance, AI-powered digital assistants such as Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant leverage cloud computing to enhance their intelligence and deliver exceptional user experiences. Let's explore other key areas where AI is transforming cloud computing: [...]
What to do if your cloud accounts are hacked
30th May 2023
With the rise in cyberattacks in recent months, the security of cloud accounts is becoming a major concern for business owners.
Hacked cloud accounts can lead to devastating consequences, such as data loss, financial loss, and reputational damage. In this article, we will discuss what business owners should do if someone hacks their cloud accounts. [...]
Seven Best Cloud productivity apps for businesses in 2023
15th May 2023
In today's fast-paced digital world, businesses need to work smarter, not harder, to stay competitive. The use of cloud productivity apps has become essential to maximize productivity and efficiency in the workplace. These apps allow teams to collaborate seamlessly and access work-related information from anywhere, anytime. In this article, we will discuss the seven best cloud productivity apps for businesses in 2023. [...]
How to get company buy-in to deploying new cloud solutions
28th Apr 2023
Deciding to move your company’s infrastructure and data to the cloud is a big step. It can be difficult to convince employees of the benefits of this change, especially if they are comfortable with the way things are currently done. In this blog, we will discuss some tips for getting your team to buy into deploying new cloud solutions. [...]
Common SaaS implementation problems
14th Apr 2023
Cloud computing has transformed the business landscape. In particular, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has enabled organizations to manage their infrastructure cost-effectively, and so has become increasingly popular in business. SaaS provides various advantages to businesses, such as cost-efficiency and scalability. However, common SaaS implementation problems can keep organizations planning to adopt SaaS from reaping its full benefits. This article will identify these challenges and provide solutions to overcome them. [...]
World Backup Day: How to secure your cloud backups
30th Mar 2023
World Backup Day is an important reminder to businesses that no one is immune to the risk of data loss, whether it's due to a natural disaster, a cyberattack, or simply human error. That's why it's so important to have a robust cloud backup solution in place and to make sure those backups are secure all the time. In this blog, we'll discuss five tips for keeping your cloud backups safe and secure. [...]
How can Microsoft Places benefit your hybrid workforce?
15th Mar 2023
A lot has changed in the workplace over the past few years. For instance, more organizations are implementing hybrid work arrangements. This can be a great thing for employees who get to enjoy the flexibility and freedom to choose where to work. But hybrid work can also pose a challenge for managers, especially those who need to find ways to engage and empower their hybrid teams. Microsoft Places is a great solution that aims to solve this problem. Read on to learn more. [...]
Why is app overload an issue and how can you address it?
28th Feb 2023
Businesses use apps to engage with customers and improve productivity. However, with the increasing reliance on apps, app overload issues are emerging. Read on to learn more about why app overload can be bad for your business and how you can address it. [...]
What a security awareness training program should cover
15th Feb 2023
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, human error is responsible for 95% of cybersecurity issues in 2022. So it's imperative that businesses take steps to protect their data from user-related breaches and remain compliant with regulatory standards. [...]
Review your data backup plan
31st Jan 2023
When it comes to data backup, businesses have a lot of misconceptions. Some believe that if they have a backup plan in place, then they're good to go. Unfortunately, this is not the case. It's important to regularly review your data backup plan to ensure your business is protected from data loss.
In this blog post, we will discuss the compelling reasons why you should review your data backup plan to help protect your business from disaster. [...]
Should you switch cloud service providers?
16th Jan 2023
With the rapid advancements and changes in cloud technology, your cloud service provider must offer unmatched financial value while also freeing up your internal teams to focus on areas of growth.
If you think that your cloud provider can no longer meet your business's needs or are concerned about any of the following issues, you may need to switch cloud service providers. [...]
Top cloud vulnerabilities in 2023
30th Dec 2022
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate. It allows companies to access vital data and applications from anywhere in the world, making it a convenient option for organizations of all kinds.
However, with great convenience comes great risk. Cloud vulnerabilities can leave your business susceptible to cyberattacks and data theft. Here are the top cloud threats in 2023 that you need to be aware of. [...]
Why cloud compliance matters for your business
15th Dec 2022
Cloud computing has changed the way we work and live, and it is now the foundation of many businesses. With cloud technologies continuing to be crucial drivers of growth, complying with new guidelines and regulations is more important than ever. [...]
Measure your cloud ROI
30th Nov 2022
Without measuring ROI, it's impossible to manage a cloud project and understand how it will affect the bottom line over time. The money invested in migrating to the cloud often pays off in terms of increased efficiency, cost savings, and scalability. When business owners and decision makers see that the cloud investment is paying off, they will be more willing to greenlight future cloud endeavors. [...]
Best practices to efficiently manage a hybrid cloud environment
15th Nov 2022
Many companies are moving to a hybrid cloud computing environment. And while there are several advantages to doing this, managing one comes with some challenges. In this article, we’ll talk about the best practices for efficient management of a hybrid cloud environment. [...]
Cloud backup best practices
31st Oct 2022
It's an unfortunate reality that the drawbacks of local backups often outweigh their benefits. This is why organizations are turning to cloud backups. If your firm has decided to do the same, make the most out of your IT investment by following these best practices : [...]
What is wasted cloud spend, and how can you avoid it?
3rd Oct 2022
When used correctly, public clouds can provide sizable returns in comparison to how much your business initially invested in them. To illustrate, the processing power the cloud can grant to your eCommerce website can result in way more orders fulfilled than if you continued to rely on on-premises (on-prem) IT resources.
Conversely, improper use of public clouds can lead to needless spending that can get your business into financial trouble. This post takes a closer look at what wasted cloud spend is and what you can do to avoid it. [...]
SMBs and multi-cloud strategy
30th Sep 2022
For many small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the cloud is the cornerstone of their IT strategy. By leveraging the cloud, SMBs can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge.
There are various cloud strategies that SMBs can choose from: single public cloud, single private cloud, hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud. But in this blog post, we'll zero in on a multi-cloud strategy and assess whether it's viable for SMBs. [...]
Six essential cloud business applications for SMBs
15th Sep 2022
With the continuous advancement of business IT over the years, many business software programs are now hosted on and accessible through the cloud. This means employees can utilize these cloud business apps from anywhere, anytime, using almost any internet-connected device.
Among the many cloud-based business apps in the market, here are six that we believe small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) like yours must have in their arsenal. [...]
The most concerning cloud security threats today (Part 2 of 2)
31st Aug 2022
In our previous post, we covered two of five of the most troubling cloud security threats that businesses face today. We’ll tackle the remaining three threats in this post. [...]
The most concerning cloud security threats today (Part 1 of 2)
15th Aug 2022
Creating capacity in on-premises (on-prem) IT infrastructure entails investing in more assets that may become idle if your business slows down. However, by leveraging the IT infrastructure of a cloud service provider (CSP), you avoid this risk and potentially save a lot of money in the process. This is because the cloud grants you the ability to rapidly create or remove user accounts and instances as needed, providing your business with scalability and adaptability. [...]
How SMBs benefit from cloud computing
29th Jul 2022
Cloud computing is the delivery of servers, storage systems, networks, databases, and other computer resources via the internet. Before the development of cloud technology, companies relied on their own in-house servers to deliver programs and data to end-users' computers. Today, it's difficult for many businesses to function without the cloud.
Many small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) find it more practical to use cloud services than maintain an on-premises (on-prem) system. Learn how SMBs benefit from cloud computing: [...]
Local backups: Benefits and drawbacks
15th Jul 2022
If malware deletes your company's data or locks you out of your files, costly downtime and unfulfilled transactions ensue, hurting your bottom line. Backing up your data backups is therefore crucial for the continued operations of your business.
The more pressing issue is whether these backups should be kept in house or not. To make this choice, you must first understand what local backups are, your backup requirements, and your financial capabilities. You should also learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this backup type. [...]
Microsoft Enterprise Mobility and Security: Do you need it?
30th Jun 2022
Nowadays, office staff can go log in to their user account using any PC in the office. Additionally, they’re not limited to the office — they can work practically wherever they want and use all sorts of portable devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Microsoft aims to help businesses leverage portable technology and secure their data with Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS). Let’s take a look at what EMS is and how it can benefit businesses like yours. [...]
The biggest challenges of migrating legacy data to the cloud
16th Jun 2022
More and more companies are migrating legacy data to the cloud for a variety of reasons. Chief among these reasons is the ease of access that comes with having data in the cloud. With all company data in one place that's accessible via the internet, on-site and remote employees can easily find what they need without wasting time navigating through disparate systems. [...]
Four Perks of using Microsoft Azure IAM for your business
31st May 2022
To help businesses keep unauthorized users out of their apps and IT resources while allowing authorized users to fulfill their tasks, Microsoft built Azure Identity and Access Management (Azure IAM). Azure IAM is a set of cybersecurity solutions that include conditional access policies, ID management, multifactor authentication (MFA), and advanced monitoring, reporting, auditing, and suspicious activity alerts.
This set of solutions provides businesses with numerous benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more important ones in this blog post. [...]
The latest tips to optimize cloud spend
16th May 2022
If you’re running a restaurant, you would do your best to avoid food spoilage. You’d also want to prepare orders properly so they don’t get sent back to the kitchen by unsatisfied diners. Waste erodes profit, so you want to minimize waste as much as possible.
This mentality should be the same when businesses use cloud services. Surely, you save money by leveraging a cloud provider’s servers and staff instead of having these in house. However, if you’re not careful, you may lose your initial savings and even overspend on the cloud. The good news is that these outcomes are avoidable. Here are tips to ensure that you make the most of your cloud spending. [...]
Add the cloud to business continuity disaster recovery plan
30th Apr 2022
Many companies still rely on traditional business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) methods like tape backup and off-site storage. While these methods are effective, they also have their drawbacks. This is why cloud computing can be a valuable addition to your Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) plan, offering many benefits that traditional methods cannot match.
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using the cloud for BCDR and how it can help keep your business running in times of crisis. [...]
How using the cloud helps environmental sustainability
15th Apr 2022
Cloud computing grants businesses like yours access to vast amounts of processing power and data storage. But did you know that it also helps your organization become more environmentally sustainable? Let’s take a look at some of the ways it can do so. [...]
How a hosted desktop benefits your business
31st Mar 2022
To understand what a hosted desktop is, let's first take a look at Software-as-a-Service or SaaS. Unlike a software program that’s installed on your laptop, a SaaS app is hosted on the cloud and delivered to your device over the internet. When you use a SaaS app, your device becomes an input interface and output display, but the processing and storing of data is done in the cloud.
Now, think of the apps and functionalities a computer has, but delivered to your device in one neat package over the cloud. This package is a hosted desktop, which is also referred to as Desktop-as-a-Service or DaaS. [...]
Optimize your hybrid cloud environment; five tips
15th Mar 2022
In most cases, migrating your business apps from in-house servers to the cloud makes sense. Your apps can leverage greater processing power, memory, and storage in the cloud than in an on-premises (on-prem) system.
However, there are cases where the need for greater control over data security and compliance with data regulations compel you to keep mission-critical apps on premises. Your staff would need to access one system to utilize on-prem apps and another to tap cloud-based apps, often at the same time. This is not as simple as it sounds. [...]
Windows 365 Cloud PC; what it does for your business
28th Feb 2022
Back when remote and hybrid setups weren't as common as they are now, getting work done meant using your desktop at your workstation. If you had a laptop, then you could work wherever you wanted, but using only that device. [...]
Why Microsoft Cloud is special for business
15th Feb 2022
For your small business to grow, your operations must be efficient and ready to serve more customers. To improve your processes and increase your capacity, you need powerful IT in the form of Microsoft Cloud. Let's take a look at how Microsoft Cloud can unlock the potential of your business. [...]
Secure your data in the public cloud
26th Dec 2021
Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, more and more companies have subscribed to public cloud services to support remote and hybrid work arrangements. This means that there is also an increasing amount of company data being stored in the cloud, which makes it vulnerable to cybersecurity risks. This is why your businesses must secure your data in the public cloud. Here are four ways you can protect your company data in the public cloud: [...]
2022 Cloud tech predictions
15th Dec 2021
Much of the world is finally recovering from COVID-19. Businesses have adapted to shifts, such as spikes in online ordering and dips in the number of employees who prefer to work in offices. These shifts resulted in more companies adopting cloud services, which gave them access to vast computing, networking, and data storage resources and empowered them to quickly implement necessary infrastructural changes. Here are some of the most important 2022 cloud tech predictions: [...]
Cloud computing in 2022
15th Dec 2021
From 2020 to 2021, the ROI for on-premises or on-prem IT infrastructures dramatically went down as businesses implemented remote work setups and powered these with cloud computing. Companies initiated the shift to remote work by adopting cloud-based tools that enabled processes and functions that used to be on premises. For example, with people working in their own homes, face-to-face conversations among coworkers became impossible, so companies utilized tools like Zoom and Google Meet to enable long-distance communication. [...]
Should you invest in a private cloud?
30th Nov 2021
Did you know that many of the mobile apps you use on your smartphone are powered by the cloud? That is, when you download an app onto your device, you don’t really install the entire program, but only the interface for transmitting inputs and displaying outputs. The bulk of the app — which does the actual data processing — is in the cloud. This means that apps won’t consume as much space and processing power as they would if they were locally installed in full. [...]
What are the benefits of cloud automation?
15th Nov 2021
Managing and operating your cloud resources is tedious and time-consuming. For example, you must implement load balancing so incoming network traffic is distributed for optimum network performance. You also need to ensure that cloud resources are provisioned properly so you don’t pay for idle resources. These and other tasks can divert your IT staff’s time away from high-value projects. Thanks to the benefits of cloud automation, many cloud tasks can be taken off the hands of your IT team. [...]
Save money through virtual hosted servers
29th Oct 2021
For most businesses in the United States and beyond, servers are a necessary expense. These machines enable you to store, analyze, process, send, and receive data, but their upfront and operational costs can be expensive for small- and medium-sized businesses. If you’re looking for a low-cost alternative that offers the same benefits — and more — as a traditional server, then learn how you can save money through virtual hosted servers. [...]
Best practices to secure your hybrid cloud environment
15th Oct 2021
With cyberthreats rapidly evolving, not even the cloud is fully secure. If you’re using a hybrid cloud environment, however, you can customize your cloud’s security to mitigate the risk of cyber incidents. In this blog, we will talk about the best practices to secure your hybrid cloud environment. [...]
The productivity benefits of cloud technology
30th Sep 2021
As businesses consider returning to the office, you need to take stock of which technologies will become the most useful to your own company in the post-pandemic normal. Cloud adoption can help you save money, but it can do much more than that for your business. In this blog, we will talk about the many productivity benefits of cloud technology. [...]
Cloud misconfiguration dangers and how to protect your data
15th Sep 2021
As the number of companies migrating to the cloud increases, so does the occurrence of cloud data breaches. In fact, a 2021 survey reported that 98% of respondents experienced a cloud data breach incident, a marked rise from last year’s 78%. And the issue, it seems, isn’t that the cloud isn’t secure enough, it's due to cloud misconfiguration dangers. [...]
Use virtualization to boost your disaster recovery strategy
31st Aug 2021
You need a strong disaster recovery strategy because unplanned downtime can hurt your business in several ways. It can stagger the flow of your revenue, lower your teams’ productivity, and make you appear unreliable to your customers. Outages may also make you vulnerable to data breaches and, consequently, more likely to incur penalties, especially if you are in a regulated sector like finance and healthcare. [...]
Overcoming common hybrid cloud challenges
16th Aug 2021
Many businesses have successfully adopted a hybrid cloud and are enjoying the scalability, customizability, and security it offers, but that doesn’t mean moving to such an environment is a walk in the park. In reality, the various steps and aspects of moving to a hybrid cloud may present challenges you need to address early, lest they make managing your infrastructure more difficult later on.
These are the usual challenges with adopting and managing a hybrid cloud and how you can tackle them: [...]
After cloud migration: What you need to do
30th Jul 2021
Cloud migration isn’t as simple as installing software or copying your files from one folder to another. It’s a multistep process that requires careful attention to detail and even the assistance of experts. Some business owners think it’s good enough that they’ve migrated their files and workloads to the cloud, but that’s not completely correct. Here are the steps you need to do next: [...]
Hosted desktops help secure remote workers
15th Jul 2021
Remote work may have helped keep some businesses alive during the pandemic, but implementing it does have consequences. One particularly worrisome risk of remote work is how it can make your business more susceptible to different cyberthreats. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to protect your data. One of these is by using hosted desktops. [...]
How to maximize colocation and the public cloud for your business
30th Jun 2021
Many companies are migrating to the public cloud for very good reasons. Cloud technology can help you save a lot of money, improve your operation’s flexibility, and open you up to new solutions that make business processes more efficient. But migration isn’t a practical option for businesses with concerns such as:
● Business-critical legacy applications that cannot be migrated to the cloud
● Security or compliance issues brought about by the public cloud’s multitenant structure
● Users having limited control and visibility over the public cloud environment
Such businesses usually use on-premises (on-prem) servers, invest in third-party private clouds, or implement colocation. Colocation, in particular, is a popular option because it offers most of the benefits of on-premises and cloud servers while being a lot easier on a company’s finances. [...]
Public cloud vs colocation: Which is better for your business?
16th Jun 2021
Hosting your own servers in your office has plenty of benefits, especially in terms of data security, but doing so can be severely prohibitive. Besides spending on the upfront cost of necessary hardware and software, you’ll have to budget for repairs, maintenance, upgrades, and the possibility of hiring additional personnel who will manage your machines. What’s more, servers take up space, consume electricity, and require cooling to function properly.
Business owners looking to avoid these issues usually have two options: the public cloud or colocation. [...]
Cloud sticker shock; how to prevent it
30th May 2021
Cloud technology offers businesses many awesome benefits, including improved flexibility, data security, and efficiency. Potentially lower costs are also among its upsides, but many businesses counting on this particular advantage end up getting sticker shock when they do receive their monthly cloud bill. [...]
Why a hybrid cloud is great for SMBs
14th May 2021
Considering how uncertain times are these days, you must calculate how every decision will affect your small- to medium-sized business (SMB). How much money will that decision cost? What do you stand to gain from it? Does it pose any risks? This is true even when you’re considering investing in the cloud. [...]
6 top data backup tips for 2021
30th Apr 2021
Industry experts predict that ransomware attacks, a frequent cause of significant business data loss and downtime, will happen about six times a minute in 2021. Unfortunately, the increasing popularity of remote work will likely make things worse. This is because although the practice has been instrumental in many businesses’ survival during the coronavirus pandemic, it can also open large gaps in a company’s IT security. [...]
Five ways to boost cloud security in 2021
15th Apr 2021
The cloud has been critical in keeping businesses operational since the pandemic hit, and experts predict that it will only continue to become invaluable in the future. As cloud technologies become a staple in the workplace, the need to keep them secure becomes even more vital. [...]
Secure distributed teams with identity and access management
30th Mar 2021
With employees scattered because they’re all working from home, it can be difficult to ascertain if they are who they say they are when they log into their accounts. Or, it can be easy — thanks to identity and access management (IAM). [...]
Streamline screen clutter with Microsoft Teams
15th Mar 2021
Nowadays, working on a computer feels like juggling. We have multiple tabs open in our web browsers while using other apps at the same time. It’s now normal to switch our attention back and forth between two or more devices. It can be exhausting for our minds to keep track of so many things at once, so one way to reduce stress is to declutter our screens. In this regard, Microsoft Teams can help out by letting us access many of the apps we use in just one place. [...]
Empower your distributed team with Google Chrome Enterprise
28th Feb 2021
Last year’s shift to remote working compelled organizations to implement three drastic changes to their operations:
1. Work from home devices – Companies had to either supply their staff with portable devices such as laptops or let them use what they already had at home.
2. Access to company apps and data – Firms had to either migrate their apps and data to the cloud or grant staff access to the company network via remote network access. Then, businesses also had to implement online collaboration solutions so that the productivity of distributed teams may be optimized.
3. Security systems to mitigate data breaches – However businesses granted staff access to IT resources, the former had to apply cybersecurity measures to ensure that only authorized users had access to company data. [...]
Cybersecurity trends in 2021
15th Feb 2021
As a business owner or manager, you do not want to be caught unawares of developments that may endanger your company.
These emerging data security threats are turning out to be ones that organizations must not waste time preparing for. [...]
Deploy virtual desktops faster with Desktop-as-a-Service
30th Jan 2021
Managing and maintaining your organization’s desktop environment in-house takes up a lot of time and resources. Your IT staff must constantly support, troubleshoot, and update your business computers and applications. Unfortunately, this task is even more demanding if all or many of your employees are working remotely. [...]
US businesses are rushing to adopt cloud computing
15th Jan 2021
Cloud computing is now at the forefront of business technologies, thanks to its unparalleled versatility and accessibility. It offers scalable resources as well as faster innovation, helping businesses all around the United States reduce operating costs, run infrastructures more efficiently, and quickly adapt to ever-evolving needs. [...]
How do you defend your business against business email compromise?
30th Dec 2020
In a nutshell, business email compromise (BEC) is a broad category of cyberattack that uses email-based fraud to obtain access to sensitive and valuable business information. In a typical BEC attack, a cybercriminal poses as the victim’s superior (e.g., a manager or CEO) or a trusted party (e.g., business partner). The email directs the recipient to either share important information or it can tell the victim that a payment must be made to a new account. [...]
On-site or cloud hosting? Which is the better choice for your business?
15th Dec 2020
For the sake of optimizing your operations, where must your business host your data? Considering cost, control, and configuration requirements, should it be hosted in-house or in the cloud? Let’s take a quick look at your options to help you decide. [...]
Tips to secure your business cloud storage
30th Nov 2020
The ability to access company data from any internet-connected device enables American businesses to enjoy remote working setups during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this convenience also makes it easy for cybercriminals to access your sensitive files using any device, even those they may have stolen from you or your staff. [...]
Cloud migration: Top 4 cybersecurity risks you need to understand
15th Nov 2020
We’ve consistently extolled the benefits of migrating to the cloud, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). And with a sharp rise in the number of American organizations embracing remote work, adoption of cloud services increased as well. [...]
Enterprise cloud services used for nasty phishing campaign
30th Oct 2020
Phishing emails — the type that seem to come from legitimate sources but are actually ploys for stealing access credentials or delivering malware — have become even more difficult to spot in recent times. In fact, a newly discovered phishing campaign pretends to come from companies’ help desks and use enterprise cloud services to pull it off. Here’s how the scam works: [...]
Top practices to ensure cloud security
15th Oct 2020
Cybersecurity is a business aspect that managers in America understandably often put on the back burner. They want to focus on operations — and preventing data breaches is a complicated distraction they’d rather have someone else take care of. [...]
Four proven ways to control your cloud spend
30th Sep 2020
Cloud computing is often hailed as a solution for reducing capital expenses and consolidating operational expenses into a predictable monthly fee. But while there’s no denying the benefits of scalability and cost control the cloud brings, many organizations spend more than they need to. This is often due to unnecessary complexity and the fact that many companies use far more apps, systems, and services than they should. [...]
The pandemic reveals our need for data security in the cloud
15th Sep 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a mass exodus from corporate offices, prompting a surge in the number of work from home staff who rely on the cloud to remain productive. This sudden shift in operations introduces many challenges to IT departments, especially with regard to data security. Let’s take a look at some of them. [...]
A shift to cloud computing calls for a shift in business mindset
31st Aug 2020
Much like how plants rely on root fungi for mineral uptake and bees for pollination, businesses form mutually beneficial relationships to drive growth. One such relationship is outsourcing — and using the cloud is a prime example of this. When you utilize cloud resources, you rely on a cloud services provider (CSP) for IT resources and services instead of on your own machines and manpower.
Such a dramatic shift in operations requires business owners and managers to rethink the way they operate. [...]
Ensure resilient IT systems with your cloud providers
14th Aug 2020
The more complex a system is, the more ways it has of failing. Let’s look at an automobile: if a tire blows out while it’s going fast, then the car can spin out of control and crash. The same tragic outcome could happen if the brakes fail. And when a vehicle has a drained battery or fuel tank, it would become an oversized paperweight. [...]
Fully adopt cloud computing now
31st Jul 2020
While other countries have dramatically reduced the spread of COVID-19 in their respective territories, the United States has yet to do the same. And as disagreements about reopening schools for in-person classes have flared up between federal and state governments, some businesses continue to implement remote work policies to help their staff avoid the contagion. [...]
The challenge of cloud security compliance
15th Jul 2020
The conveniences that cloud computing brings to businesses make it the tech du jour of many industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, construction, and education. And as COVID-19 forces people to practice social distancing, the cloud is instrumental in letting employees work remotely.
However, cloud computing is not without its challenges. Thanks to governments becoming more protective of their citizens’ privacy and security, cloud security compliance has become one of the biggest challenges that organizations face. [...]
Cloud migrations: Considerations for SMBs
30th Jun 2020
The cloud lets firms leverage the IT resources of a service provider to achieve their IT-related goals. For small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in particular, outsourcing data storage and access tasks allows them to focus on their business proposition. This means that, among other things, they can forgo allocating capital to acquire IT infrastructure. They can also skip spending on hiring, training, and retaining in-house IT specialists. [...]
Take these steps to ensure cost-efficient data backups
17th Jun 2020
When it comes to business data storage and access, we’re always told to never put all of our eggs in one basket. That is, instead of only having one copy of your entire data set in one location, you’ll want to have backups stored in different locations. However, people fail to mention that baskets beyond the first also cost money. [...]
Edge computing; what you must know
29th May 2020
Edge computing. No, it’s not something that Lady Gaga sang about (that’s “The Edge of Glory”) or a Tom Cruise sci-fi movie (that’s Edge of Tomorrow). Rather, it’s a technological innovation that may just be what businesses like yours would need to take full advantage of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the cloud. [...]
Cloud migration: What businesses should consider
15th May 2020
Growing your business often means increasing your capacity to market to more people, produce more products, deliver more services, and manage the burgeoning business processes that go with all of those things. IT is a great tool for scaling up, and cloud computing makes IT much more affordable than it has ever been before. [...]
Criteria for choosing a private cloud
30th Apr 2020
Conceptually, the cloud is like a serviced condotel, and cloud storage and other services are like the rooms, amenities, cleaning and maintenance services, front desk, and security services provided to tenants. A public cloud serves “multiple tenants,” whereas a private cloud only has a “single tenant.” [...]
Cloud consolidation: Tech trend to consider
15th Apr 2020
It’s now a cliché to say that technology advances rapidly and the changes it causes can disrupt industries. While not all changes are that dramatic, businesses still have to be vigilant so as not to be taken by surprise. Cloud consolidation is a good example. [...]
Five warning signs of cloud breach
30th Mar 2020
With the cost-efficiencies and scalability that cloud computing provides businesses, it’s the IT tool of choice for growing startups and established enterprises. Knowledge truly is power in this Information Age, which is why countless hackers are always spawning new and more sophisticated malware that will let them into clouds and steal valuable data. [...]
Developing a multicloud strategy that works
16th Mar 2020
As with any effective business solution, cloud offerings don’t come in one-size-fits-all packages. Different cloud solutions solve different business needs, which is why it’s no longer unusual to find companies that use many clouds from different vendors. While being able to stick to one cloud is good if your business really needs only one, developing a multicloud strategy might very well be necessary for yours. Here are a few tips to consider before implementing such an approach. [...]
How to avoid the cloud compliance trap
28th Feb 2020
More and more small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are moving to the cloud because of the great business potentials it can provide. However, compliance is still one of the biggest reasons why some SMBs hesitate to fully adopt a cloud-first strategy. Having a clear understanding of how to achieve compliance in the cloud but avoid the cloud compliance trap will help your company take advantage of the business agility and growth cloud technology can provide. [...]
Boost employee engagement through cloud technology
14th Feb 2020
“Engaged employees” might not be the newest management phrase around, but it is still something that businesses want to have for themselves. It’s like having every member of a basketball team emotionally invested in winning the NBA championship. More than wanting multimillion-dollar contracts and product endorsement deals, each member believes in what the team stands for and wants the team to win. [...]
Help your staff adopt the cloud
30th Jan 2020
We’ve all encountered at least one individual who’s self-taught when it comes to IT. The field always outpaces academia, so professionals who want to remain useful and relevant show initiative by expanding and deepening their skills on their own or via peer mentoring. [...]
Cloud security 2020 - protect yourself
16th Jan 2020
Another year has come and gone. Everyone has New Year’s resolutions — including cybercriminals. It’s wishful thinking to hope that they’d all turn over a new leaf, since it’s more likely that they’ve resolved to hack harder and smarter than last year instead. With this in mind, we anticipate that they’ve made the cloud one of their primary targets, and that these are the vulnerabilities they’ll most likely take advantage of. [...]
Using Microsoft EMS with your BYOD policy implementation
30th Dec 2019
Setting up a bring your own device (BYOD) option for your business is an effective way to increase the flexibility and efficiency of your operations, as well as attract new and tech-savvy talent. BYOD is not without its fair share of risks, but these can be managed effectively if you invest in a solution that lets you access your emails and other work-related data securely while on the go. [...]
Five good reasons you need a hosted desktop
16th Dec 2019
An on-premises IT system isn’t always the best option for your business. One alternative worth trying is a hosted desktop. This solution gives you access to the major benefits of an on-premises system, but with a few differences that just might make it better suited for your company’s needs. [...]
When will your business need a server?
29th Nov 2019
There are many types of server programs. The most common are file servers, database servers, web servers, email servers, print servers, app servers, and game servers. When you consider that one server device can hold many server programs, and that one server program can serve multiple clients, that device has to be considerably more powerful than your consumer-grade PC. This also means that a server device (hereafter called “server”) is more expensive, consumes more electricity, and will require more monitoring, maintenance, and repair than regular computers down the line.
Question is, when will your business need that much more power? Here are a few cases where the use of a server is warranted: [...]
Healthcare providers need cloud-based identity management
15th Nov 2019
When it comes to protected health information (PHI), health professionals and their partners walk a fine line between giving authorized parties immediate access to it and blocking everyone else. Data accessibility via the cloud allows doctors from practically any hospital to be immediately informed about critical patient information. If, for instance, a person gets into a car accident and is knocked unconscious, that person can’t say which medicine they are fatally allergic to or if they have legally issued a Do Not Resuscitate order for themselves. In cases such as these, accessing PHI quickly is critical. [...]
New Office 365 features that will change how you work
30th Oct 2019
Microsoft has long reigned as the king of desktop operating systems and productivity suites. This market dominance is in no small part due to its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. During Build 2019, Microsoft’s highly anticipated developer conference last May, they unveiled some nifty new features to Office 365 that may yet again change how everyone works. [...]
Regulatory compliance in the cloud - overcoming the fear
15th Oct 2019
Firms are eager to migrate data processes and storage to the cloud, however, as governments all over the world create more and more data privacy and security regulations, regulatory compliance in the cloud can spark some fears. [...]
Azure protects your confidential business data
30th Sep 2019
Ideally, company data should only be seen by authorized eyes. But firms must also communicate with customers, suppliers, partners, and government regulators. All of them are entities that are outside of your firewalls.
By connecting with external parties, companies run the following risks: [...]
G Suite or Office 365 for Education?
16th Sep 2019
In an apparent bid to enroll users while they’re young, both Google and Microsoft have deployed free online app suites that help schools facilitate learning in their establishments. Both G Suite for Education and Office 365 Education have free and premium versions, but to keep things simple, this post will only focus on the former. Let’s examine them: G Suite or Office 365 for Education? [...]
Cloud benefits: Recover quickly after a natural disaster
30th Aug 2019
Calamities such as severe hurricanes and earthquakes usually grind communities and the businesses within them to a prolonged halt. Many data-reliant companies that had the foresight to use backups would still end up folding because they kept their storage on-site or within the reach of the natural disaster. The key to surviving such catastrophic circumstances is to have backups in a safe place: the cloud. Here’s why: [...]
Ways the cloud has changed supply chain management
14th Aug 2019
Moving raw materials and assembled components through production facilities and across borders involves byzantine systems. At first glance, the cost savings achieved via such complicated chains look very labor-intensive and expensive to administer. However, the savings are retained, thanks to one particular technology: cloud computing. How is this possible? Let’s take a look. [...]
How Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security helps your business
30th Jul 2019
We’re undeniably in the mobile-first era. Those ahead of the curve control their home gadgets via touchscreen toggles or voice prompts they make on their smartphones — while they’re still on the commute from the office. Others have mobile apps that let them order frappes to go as they walk towards the cafe. And now desk-bound staff and laptop warriors alike are now using their personal smartphones for work as well. [...]
Should you move your cybersecurity solution to the cloud?
5th Jul 2019
So many business tools and functions have been migrated to the cloud. Productivity suites like Microsoft Office 365 are cloud-based, just like a plethora of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions for accounting, customer relationship management, and human resource management, among others. [...]
Top solutions that support remote work
30th Jun 2019
Time is an invaluable resource, which is why employees highly appreciate the flexibility that remote work provides. The challenge lies in making your remote work policy work for your business and for your invaluable employees. Here are some of the best mobility solutions that will help you meet that challenge. [...]
Understanding and reducing cloud costs
16th Jun 2019
Any expense that is mismanaged will end up costing your company dearly, even if that expense was for investing in tools that are supposed to cut costs. This holds true even for public cloud services. [...]
Cloud storage: Is it safe?
31st May 2019
Many businesses have shifted to the cloud in the past few years. In fact, it’s impossible to talk about optimizing businesses without making cloud computing part of the conversation. For small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the cloud can enable more efficient use of resources in nearly every aspect of their business, as opposed to relying on separate functions and expertise. [...]
Business owner’s guide to cloud technical terms
15th May 2019
When it comes to computing, the cloud is the tech du jour. With the terminology surrounding it expanding at a rapid pace, it’s easy to fall behind. Don’t fret — here is a quick glossary you can use to catch up immediately. [...]
Disaster recovery plans and VoIP
30th Apr 2019
When the subject of disaster recovery plans is brought up, the conversation often focuses on keeping data intact and accessible during crises such as flash floods or massive cybersecurity breaches. However, there is another aspect of disaster recovery that must be addressed: voice communications. [...]
How cloud computing is changing management
15th Apr 2019
Cloud computing — that facility for outsourcing data processing — has been key to many cost efficiencies that businesses have been leveraging for a couple of years now. And because it enables organizations to make sense of huge volumes of data in a short amount of time, the cloud is also changing how operators manage their businesses. [...]
Industries: Cloud technology helps small manufacturing firms
29th Mar 2019
While the production facilities of small firms might not crank out the high volumes that mega factories do, the former can still benefit greatly from an approach that is driven by data. Processes such as inventory management, production monitoring, and quality control are made more efficient by the supply of relevant, real-time data. [...]
Industries: How Microsoft Azure cloud services improves healthcare
13th Mar 2019
Azure is Microsoft’s brand of platform- and infrastructure-as-a-service (PaaS and IaaS). Azure’s PaaS allows healthcare providers to adopt Microsoft’s artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies as they build, test, deploy, manage, and update their own proprietary applications. [...]
Being on the cloud; cloud data storage security benefits
28th Feb 2019
Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are becoming more reliant on data. And in recent years cloud services have strengthened their security protocols, increasing user confidence. Here are but some of the many cloud data storage security benefits. [...]
Industries: Cloud computing in educational services
15th Feb 2019
The traditional model for educational systems mirrors the age of industrialization it originated from. Children gathered in one place, much like how workers entered factories. Curricula were standardized to produce workers with the same set of basic skills. Those who wanted to broaden their employment prospects beyond the assembly line went to college to attain specializations. [...]
Security advantages of cloud-based solutions for your business
31st Jan 2019
Entrusting your IT requirements to a cloud service provider (CSP) might sound like a leap of faith especially if it's your first time to hear about it. If you use cloud-based software-as-a-service, what happens to the files you create with them? How do you keep sensitive information and proprietary items from leaking? The same concern goes for data backups held externally. [...]
Industries: Cloud computing in financial services
18th Jan 2019
Business is all about adding value. Have a business concept, pour capital and sweat equity into it, then skim off profit from the top. By making something faster, more convenient, more robust, or more precious, businesses convert added value into money. If a successful business person claims to have made something from nothing, now you know that that’s just a figure of speech. [...]
How cloud ERP systems help business owners increase efficiency
27th Dec 2018
When executed correctly, coordinating the efforts of interdependent departments such as procurement, inventory, marketing, customer relations, sales, distribution, and human resources means having an edge over less efficient competitors. This drive for efficiency led to enterprise resource planning (ERP) — the stitching together of separate management schemes into an integrated whole via enterprise-wide software. [...]
Industries: Cloud computing in construction
13th Dec 2018
The cloud has proven to be so beneficial to companies that its use has been spread as wide as the internet itself. In fact, cloud computing has reached construction, one of the least digitized industries of all. [...]
Is it time to move your business to the cloud?
3rd Dec 2018
nformation technology is becoming more ubiquitous among small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). For instance, barber shops that use scheduling software can connect their clients with their favorite stylists more easily. However, managing IT in house can be daunting. You have to buy new machines, take time away from production to learn how to use them, and pay staff to maintain and repair them.
Thankfully, you can overcome these problems with cloud computing. The cloud is cost-effective for business, but how do you know it’s time to move yours there? To help you figure this out, look out for these signs. [...]
New! Top cloud predictions for 2019
20th Nov 2018
At this time of year, businessmen and small business owners look to the coming year to see how new trends will affect their business. The top cloud predictions for 2019 surely fall into the category of new trends, as do many others. [...]
Avoid Microsoft Office 365 deployment mistakes
30th Oct 2018
Microsoft Office 365 is essential for business growth. However, one must take care when deploying 365-based solutions in order to increase cost-efficiency while meeting organizational objectives. Here are some Office 365 deployment mistakes to avoid. [...]
Why Azure cloud platform is way above others
11th Oct 2018
Many companies, large and small, don’t have IT as a core competency. They struggle a lot when they try to build their own IT infrastructure. This diverts company funds and focus away from critical processes and main business objectives. [...]
Server virtualization; what you should know
27th Sep 2018
Most people don’t realize that servers are often the most underused computers in a business. In the case of smaller companies with their own in-house IT infrastructures, a server often runs only one operating system and uses only a fraction of its available processing power to manage things like the company email. It's not uncommon to set up an entirely separate server for another solution, like network storage or hosting the company website, which is an inefficient use of hardware. [...]
Five crucial hybrid cloud questions to ask
13th Sep 2018
When evaluating cloud services there are three types of cloud platforms to choose from. The first is the public cloud, in which apps and data are hosted in data centers managed by providers like Microsoft and Amazon. Another option is the private cloud, which is hosted in a remote or in-house data center where you own or rent the servers.
The third option presents a mix of the two — the hybrid cloud. This approach provides the best of both, but it’s also inherently more complex. To ensure a successful digital transformation, you should ask the following questions to any potential hybrid cloud provider: [...]
Handling cybersecurity during cloud migration
27th Aug 2018
Handling cybersecurity during cloud migration requires stringent cloud provider security tools and configurations. Here are some considerations. [...]
Successful cloud migration in 5 easy steps
12th Aug 2018
The cloud continues to revolutionize the way businesses around the world work and function. It allows them to take advantage of an array of benefits like scalability, mobility, and increased security. [...]
The security of cloud desktops examined
5th Aug 2018
For most of us, Microsoft Windows operating system and its applications, such as Word and Excel, constitute the desktop. But these days, the desktop has significantly changed.
The entire desktop experience can now be delivered via a web browser through the combination of the cloud and virtualization. Let's examine the security of cloud desktops. [...]
Microsoft EMS: Secure your data, boost productivity, and more
19th Jul 2018
Effectively managing BYOD policies and their security risks
3rd Jul 2018
Today, the question of allowing employees to use personal devices for work is less about whether or not this is a good idea, and more about how to cope with a wide array of mobile computing options and the security concerns that come with them. [...]
Hybrid cloud for IT novices; everything you need to know
19th Jun 2018
A recent report from TechRepublic indicated that 66% of all users expect cloud adoption to grow in businesses, with hybrid clouds leading the way. Another report shows that almost two-thirds of companies across Europe have a strategy or pilot program for hybrid cloud in place.
These surveys weren't limited to large enterprises, which begs the question: How much do business owners need to know about this brand of cloud technology to stay competitive? Here are some basics. [...]
Cloud regulations that may affect you
21st May 2018
Moving to a public cloud infrastructure means giving up some of the internal controls you have in place, which is why industry compliance is crucial. [...]
Microsoft Azure vs AWS: Which cloud platform is better?
6th May 2018
Microsoft Azure vs Amazon Web Services (AWS). If you're looking for the best cloud service, it comes down to these two... [...]
What is multi-cloud architecture?
29th Apr 2018
IDC predicted that over 85% of business IT will consist of multi-cloud architectures by the end of 2018. As industry insiders, we’re pretty sure that will turn out to be true. But what does it mean to the average business owner? What does “multi-cloud architecture” really mean? [...]
Microsoft cloud reorganization: What it means for you
14th Apr 2018
Have you ever noticed that the Microsoft logo is a window? Needless to say, the Windows operating system has always been the tech giant’s prized possession, and its name is a significant part of its identity.
But recently, the 7th most valuable brand in the world revealed an overhaul to its organizational structure... [...]
How to identify fake hosted IT solutions
29th Mar 2018
Unfortunately for small-business owners, there is such a thing as fake technology. Case in point: cloud solutions. [...]
Three Cloud misconceptions that hinder digital transformation
14th Mar 2018
Digital transformation isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. Adopting the right technologies into all areas of your organization will improve processes, competencies, and customer satisfaction. [...]
Four top cloud computing drivers in 2018
27th Feb 2018
Technology is subject to yearly predictions, and as more companies migrate to the cloud, industry experts reveal four top cloud computing drivers. [...]
Understanding Microsoft Office 365 new features in 2018
14th Feb 2018
At the start of 2018, Microsoft delivered updates to its cloud solution. Let us help with understanding Microsoft Office 365 new features. [...]
What to keep in mind when choosing your cloud backup solution
30th Jan 2018
While cloud backups are a dime a dozen, not all are created equal. You need an easy-to-use solution that will safely store all your business data and recover everything quickly when needed. Keep these things in mind when shopping for a cloud backup solution. [...]
Top five cloud predictions for 2018
15th Jan 2018
A decade ago, people would have thought you were crazy if you told them that cloud technology would account for the majority of businesses’ workloads. Today, those folks would be wrong, as 79% of companies are running workloads in the cloud. In fact, Forbes predicted that ... [...]
Your business needs a cloud service provider
1st Jan 2018
Cloud technology, just like cars, has transformed our lives for good. But that’s not to say both don’t come with extensive learning curves. In fact, you can’t apply a “take it slow” mentality with the cloud like you would when learning to drive. [...]