Check out our cloud computing infographic: be sure to click on it and download the entire graphic (it’s a PDF, just so you know). We go the extra mile for you, too: we’ll give it all to you in words below. (more…)
What does Digital Transformation mean? we get asked this question a lot, and often the person asking has some pretty big preconceived notions of what it might mean. Digital transformation can be hard to fully explain because it means different things to different people, and there isn’t one solid definition that every company agrees on. That being said, there are some very key themes that we see over and over again as we visit customers who are in the midst of their own digital transformations…
Working at Home is Becoming Popular
Working at home has become a popular option in recent years, with the cloud computing boom making it easier than ever to do so. This is because some people are not satisfied with their current work-life balance and find that they spend more time working than they would like. With hosted desktops and digital transformation, individuals can work from home while still working for an employer.
What are Managed Workspaces?
Managed Workspaces are hosted desktops that run on cloud computing. This is a new technology that can be used by people who work remotely to provide them with the same level of experience they would have if they were in an office, without having to invest in hardware, software, or data storage space. These servers reside at centralized locations for easier maintenance and security. Cloud computing will continue to change how we think about working from home as well as other industries because it makes it easier for employees who don’t live near their workplace to get the job done without sacrificing productivity or performance.
How do I get Started with a VDI Solution?
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is the process of virtualizing your entire computer environment on one, centralized server. You’ll be able to access your desktop, applications, files, and other resources remotely using any device with a web browser. You can use VDI software that can run on just about any operating system, whether you’re running Windows or Mac OS. You’ll need an internet connection that meets specific requirements based on the VDI solution you select as well as enough storage space for your data. Getting started couldn’t be easier, contact a local MSP and find out how they can save you money by setting up a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Can I Use My Own Hardware?
This is where hosted desktops come into play. Rather than using an expensive computer, you can use a virtual machine on a remote server on inexpensive machines, which is more secure and much more efficient. This way, you’ll have the most up-to-date software installed without having to worry about installing updates or patches yourself. You also won’t have to worry about viruses or hardware malfunctions since the server takes care of that for you.
Choosing a Cloud Provider For Your VDI Needs
When deciding on which cloud provider to choose, there are a few considerations that should be made. The most important factors are cost, data security, and scalability. Cloud providers will offer varying levels of each option so do your research before you commit. There are also some great tools out there to help you compare providers like Cloudwards or G2Crowd.
In addition, make sure that your provider offers all the VDI features you need such as VM capabilities, multi-monitor support, file-sharing capabilities, etc.
Can This Work for me or my Business?
Working at home is great, but there are downsides to it. For example, you don’t get any face-to-face interactions with people which can be difficult. With hosted desktops, you still get the benefits of working remotely while also connecting with others! Your computer will have all the programs on it that your office does so you can work just like everyone else. If this sounds like a good idea for your business or personal life, talk to your IT company today about setting up a new remote desktop solution!
How Much Does this Cost?
You can get a hosted desktop for your home computer for as low as the price of a takeaway per month. This is a great way to save money on IT costs while also benefiting from the convenience of working at home.
What are they?
Why they are used
Ways you can protect yourself from attempts
As someone who uses computers, you might have come across 2-factor authentication also known as 2FA. The general idea behind it is something other than your password which can identify the person accessing the account as the owner.
It is an extra layer of protection against cyber criminals and quite frankly it is becoming a need rather than a want. This is one reason why Microsoft will begin to make this compulsory on their products such as Office 365, emails and Azure. (more…)
In the world of cyber security, there is no such thing as standing still. The threats posed to businesses and individuals online are constantly evolving and so too must our defences against them. In this blog post, we take a look into the future of cyber security to predict what it will look like 10 years from now. We’ll explore how new technologies will be used to protect businesses from hackers and cyber threats and explain how these threats will continue to evolve in the coming years.
Unfortunately, it is safe to say cyber security threats will always continue to be present but with the right tools and technologies in place, we can stay one step ahead of the hackers.
In the next decade, we predict that cyber security will become more proactive than reactive. Currently, most businesses adopt a wait-and-see approach to cyber security, only investing in defences after they have been attacked. However, this is no longer sustainable in the current climate. In the next decade, businesses will need to be more proactive in their approach to cyber security. They will have to anticipate attacks and invest in defences before they happen.
This shift will be driven by a number of factors, including the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the growing awareness of the importance of cyber security among business leaders and the development of new technologies that make it easier to identify and defend against cyber threats.
Cybercrime is becoming more and more common as hackers find new ways to exploit businesses and steal data. If you’re not taking steps to protect your business from cybercrime, you’re putting yourself at risk! In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the best ways to improve your cyber security measures and protect your business from cyber attacks.
Web hosting can be an intimidating topic to know where to start. Firstly, do you know what the differences between Cloud Hosting and Hosted Services are? Luckily for you, we’ve organised the differences in a handy graphic: be sure to click on it and download the entire graphic (it’s a PDF, just so you know). (more…)
Cyber attacks are becoming more common and it is important that businesses stay safe from them. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of cyber security for businesses and how you can put them into practice. We will also cover the 4 principles of cyber security, the 5 C’s of cyber security and how to conduct a cyber security risk assessment. By following these tips and implementing an effective IT security strategy, you can reduce the risk of a cyber attack and keep your business safe!
Cyber security is the study of how to secure sensitive data, computer systems, networks and pieces of software applications against cyber assaults. Nowadays, keeping your business technology systems secure is a continual task due to the constant battle against cybercriminals.
If you’re a business owner, then you know that finding the right hosting solution is essential to your success. With so many different types of hosting available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will compare cloud hosting and hosted services and explain the benefits of each. We’ll also provide examples of businesses who have benefited from using each type of hosting. So, what’s the difference? Let’s find out! (more…)
How do you maintain business continuity when a crisis hits your company? If the last 18 months have taught us anything, it is that there’s no such thing as being over-prepared. (more…)
What are the risks to critical data?
Data is the lifeblood of businesses of all sizes. It’s not just your customers’ personal details. It also includes the proprietary information that gives your business value. Whether it’s a secret recipe or detailed financial forecasts, your critical data is central to your success. Managed backup services protect your business by preventing your data from being wiped completely. And, just as importantly, improve your customers’ confidence that their information is safe in your hands.
Within the last month, we’ve heard how the UK government is struggling to recover 400,000 records from its police database that were wiped due to human error.
There has also been an increase in cases of corporate espionage, sabotage and security violations as a consequence of the pandemic. With more employees working from home and morale low, the risk of misconduct has grown significantly.
Data loss is also a very real consequence of cybersecurity breaches such as a ransomware attack. In December 2020, one breach cost a US trucking company $7.5 million. It’s also true that many victims must rebuild their systems from scratch.
Apart from the financial impact, the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) dictates that you must notify customers of a serious data loss. That includes explaining its consequences and the measures you’ve taken to deal with the issue and mitigate the personal impact.
If you can’t recover the data, then neither can you recover the reputational cost to your business. In fact, around 10% of small companies end up folding completely as a result of a data breach.
The importance of cloud backups and recovery
Managed backup services automatically back up your system, providing a failsafe that minimises the risk of data loss.
As a rule of thumb, you need to back up every eight hours of critical data. That means you should back up the work of one person every eight hours. Or two people every four hours, 240 people every two minutes, and so on.
Backing up your data to the cloud is (unfortunately) not as simple as clicking that little ‘save’ button. A cloud services provider (CSP) has to offer a specific level of service, security, backup integrity and accessibility.
A CSP’s data centre is the backbone that supports your data’s integrity. It stores your files across a cluster of servers. That means your data is safe even if one were to go down. And more servers results in safer and more accessible data in the event of disaster recovery.
Each data backup happens incrementally. Here, the system saves seed data in temporary storage before transferring it to the cloud via a high-speed internet connection.
Managed backups can also provide multiple recovery points. As a result, older versions of data can be restored if the latest version were to be maliciously changed or encrypted. Both are good examples of what can happen after an insider or ransomware attack.
Since the CSP monitors your managed backup service, there is almost no need for intervention from yourself. They will ensure there is always space for your data, optimise your system and warn of upgrades in advance.
How managed backup services help your business grow
Done properly, managed backup services can operate quickly, cheaply and with minimal disruption to your business. It is the definition of a no-brainer but really, it’s not just about convenience. Backing up your data means backing yourself against losing the revenue and reputation critical to the health of your company.
If you use a CSP that adheres to ISO 27001, customers know their information is protected to a global standard. It means automatic access to a world-class information security policy, objectives, risk assessment and treatment methodologies.
A robust data protection plan doesn’t just instil confidence in your management and employees. It also demonstrates to your customers that they can trust you with their information – and their money.
To learn more about how you can make the most of cloud services to support, enhance or protect your IT infrastructure, contact us for a free trial or demonstration.
What is CCaaS?
Few would argue against improving the customer experience in your contact centre. After all, it’s an essential part of retaining customers and improving their lifetime value. (more…)