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Email is a hugely useful business tool, which is what makes solutions like Microsoft Outlook so popular in today’s organizations. Having said that, it can become far too simple for the inbox to be overstuffed with outdated and unnecessary messages that ultimately serve little more than to hide the ones you need to review.
Did you know that there’s a capability built into Outlook that can help you keep track of your important messages? Let’s go over how you can use it.
Cloud infrastructure is one of the fastest-growing forms of online technology. As a result, it is vitally important for you to understand how cloud computing services work and the benefits that the cloud can offer. We’ll take a look at ‘big data’ and how the cloud can enhance big data security solutions.
Let’s take a look at what cloud architecture is. Cloud solutions are growing at a fast pace. The growth is widespread. You can’t go a day without using, or at least being affected by, cloud services. However, many of us still don’t have a complete understanding of what the cloud is. We just accept that it’s something vague, existing somewhere, and we unknowingly access it.
So, the question remains – what is the cloud? How does the cloud work? What makes the cloud such an immense storage solution?
Modern cloud infrastructure, at its simplest, is an information technology solution that allows you to save data and files online. This might not seem all that impressive, but when you consider how cloud storage providers achieve this, it’s very intriguing.
Think back to days gone by when saving a file could only be done on the device you were currently working on. If you wanted to share a file between devices or with colleagues, you would need to manually send it to them. Sometimes this meant burning the data onto offline, physical media. When your colleagues were done with the files, they’d return them to you the same way.
Cloud computing simplifies this process. Instead of dragging and dropping files, or sending files by email, cloud technology allows the files to be saved offsite. This is done through extensive data centers provided by cloud computing companies. These data centers create multiple virtual “devices” that are capable of saving your files. These files can then be retrieved anywhere, anytime, with an ordinary internet connection.
Cloud technology operates online instead of on an individual device level. This makes online interactions far easier than in the past. Cloud technology ensures that you can share files across the business network to multiple different desktops, tablets, laptops, and the like. Files can be retrieved even when the operator is on the go!
As such, it’s safe to say that the cloud has opened up a whole world of potential for businesses and individuals alike. And you can use cloud solutions for more than just sharing today's cafeteria menu with the faculty. Cloud architecture has become immensely powerful in recent times. And the proof of that power is that the cloud can safely and reliably store big data.
Like everyone else, you’re probably wondering – what is it? We haven’t clarified this yet. However, it is a vitally important concept in our modern world. The cloud stores this data.
Big data is, surprisingly, exactly what it sounds like. It is a collection of vast amounts of data that needs to be stored. It is called ‘big data’ because, the created data will almost always be too immense for a normal computer or device to store. However, cloud devices that share storage space can allow this information to be stored easily and safely. That data is hosted virtually in data centers, safely and securely.
Big data isn’t a problem for individuals or small businesses. Our internet browsing history is unlikely to be so substantial in size that we would need to store the information we produce in the cloud. Large, network-based systems that generate bulk amounts of data that need a lot of storage space, are labeled big data.
The amount of data these network-based systems generate is so great that it would be simply impossible for any off-the-shelf physical device to successfully store it. Moreover, these extensive data sets would take an immense amount of time for our computers to organize and sort. We’d be waiting for a long time before we got any sort of useful information from the big data.
Growing businesses need a better storage solution with greater capacity for analyzing information. This scenario is where cloud storage solutions come into play.
Cloud computing technology is state-of-the-art technology that expert and specialist data centers host. By storing big data on the cloud, companies can benefit from safe data storage. It is also a working back-up system in case of a disaster or network breach. This means, even if one virtual drive should go down, your big data will still be readily available from another drive. Moreover, hacking into cloud systems can be far more complicated than hacking into a physical device. This provides superior protection for files. As a final perk, storing vast quantities of big data on a virtual device can also be much more affordable than investing in physical devices for the same end goal. That means it’ll probably save you money!
As a provider of premium quality IT services and solutions, we’re here to help you find the right support for your needs. So, if you want to learn more about big data, contact our IT services team today. From cloud storage solutions to small business computer support, we’re here to help!
Ransomware attacks are notorious for their expense to the victim—largely because of the various costs that come along with successful ransomware infections, including many that might not be expected at first. Let’s review some of these costs, if only to reinforce the importance of avoiding ransomware as a rule.
For a considerably long time—over 40 years—Apple has staked the claim that their devices are pretty much hack-proof, that most hackers wouldn’t even try breaking into their security measures. Law enforcement was so repeatedly rebuffed by the company as they sought workarounds to get into their devices, that these law enforcement agencies figured it out for themselves.
In doing so, they uncovered a few things that even the most ardent Apple fans may be surprised to hear.
We’ve all received those emails that have some level of sensitive data in them, and we’ve all sent our fair share of them as well. However, one almost has to wonder—how secure is this data as it sits around in someone’s inbox?
The cloud has become hugely important in our lives. One notable way the cloud is used these days is for virtual (remote) work. This has escalated with the recent Covid-19 lockdowns. Many of us have experienced a disruption in our normal workflow, making virtual working a reality for more of us than ever. The cloud has been pivotal in the success of these remote working plans. As a result of this, you must know how to use the cloud for remote working. Know how to access files stored on the cloud, and how to ensure your cloud use remains safe and secure! Today, we will be covering all of these different points so that your cloud solutions don't end up making life harder.
Cloud solutions are effectively an online replacement for traditional file storage systems. Years ago, when you wanted to save a file on your desktop device, you would only be saving it on that one device. If you wanted to open this file on other business computers, you would need to send it to that computer somehow – the most obvious way being by email.
However, this process could quickly get tedious, especially if multiple team members worked on the same file. Cloud computing services would serve to change this. With cloud solutions, you save the files directly online, or “in the cloud.” Since the files and data are saved online, you can access them from any internet-enabled device.
This makes sharing files easier than it used to be. Furthermore, it allows multiple team members to collaborate on files without hassle. Cloud-based systems such as Google Docs can enable a team to work simultaneously on the same file, enhancing business efficiency overall.
This can have many different benefits for the business. However, it can also be useful from a personal perspective. For example, it allows people to continue working on their files while they’re on the go!
In short, without access to the cloud for sharing and saving files throughout lockdowns, we probably would have all had a much more difficult time working through the pandemic.
When using the cloud, you might wonder where the data is actually stored. This can be a bit of a complex topic, but the easiest way to describe it is as follows.
When you use the cloud, a “virtual device” stores your data and files. This virtual device, as the name would suggest, doesn’t physically exist. However, it provides a platform on which to view and save your files. Because of this, the virtual device can save a huge number of files with a large amount of storage potential.
The virtual devices are hosted by data centers. Professional information technology and cloud computing companies manage these data centers and effectively “hire out” their technology for storing information. Cloud computing services hinge entirely on these data centers, as they provide the hardware required to store files.
A benefit of cloud storage is, your files aren’t just saved on one device, as they are traditionally. Instead, multiple virtual devices store your files. This ensures that your files will always be available. Backups are stored on other virtual devices to guard against malfunctions. These back-up files are easily accessed when they are needed.
The cloud can offer a considerable number of different benefits for businesses looking to save their files. After the ease of access, which is arguably the most crucial benefit, another perk of cloud architecture is the security that cloud computing services can offer.
The nature of cloud infrastructure means that multiple virtual devices save your files at one time. This is very similar to the adage of "don't put all of your eggs in one basket."
With your files saved across multiple virtual devices, you ensure there will always be back-up disaster and recovery options available to you. However, that’s not to say that cloud computing solutions are perfect for security. To make sure you don’t suffer any downtime in case of a disaster or breach, we recommend an on-site BDR. That way you’ll have multiple options when it comes to restoring your lost data.
Cybersecurity is imperative. While cloud solutions can offer good security for your files, it's still important that you also follow top tips to keep your data safe. This includes factors such as not sharing personal information and passwords, keeping your device safe from malware, and never leaving your device unattended. Of course, these are just a few cybersecurity tips you should be following. We can check your system and offer professional network security advice.
If you want to learn more about cloud computing services and how to keep your data safe, our team can provide the advice you need. So, don't compromise! Contact our team of expert Managed Service gurus to help you out! From IT service management to network security improvements and advice on implementing cloud solutions for your business, we can help.
With a business’ inventory playing such an important role in so many business operations, the capability to manage it properly can be seen as indispensable. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools to help make your inventory management much simpler than it once was. Let’s take a few moments to consider three such tools, and how they are being used now.
With the considerable costs that a business’ hardware investments can bring, it only makes sense to identify any means to optimize these costs available. One very effective means of doing so is to adopt a virtualized environment, either hosted onsite or in the cloud. Let’s take a few moments to consider how virtualization can benefit your organization.
With computers being so integral to modern life, it can be too easy to hear about certain drawbacks—like the purported impacts of blue light—and discount them as little more than a way for companies to sell things that nobody really needs. While we aren’t going to speak to all these presumed drawbacks, we did want to spend some time discussing blue light and how it could impact your health (and how to help keep it from doing so).
When you hear talk about the cloud, it can be a little overwhelming to understand this unique technology. Cloud architecture offers a huge number of solutions, and cloud technology’s rapid development has ensured that it is a field with huge potential. However, many people are not aware of what it is.
For the small, but growing business, there are a lot of risks that could potentially harm their ability to stay in business. One of those risks comes in the form of cybercrime. Over the past several years, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have improved the ways in which they combat cybercrime. Let’s take a look at some of the problems SMBs have to deal with.
Businesses are using more remote workers than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary for them to react and they did, but it has proven to have a handful of challenges. One of the most stark issues that remote workers face is the assault on their mental health. Most newly-remote workers once held several conversations with co-workers day-in and day-out and being isolated for 12 months has taken its toll. This shift is having negative effects on businesses from all over the world. Let’s take a look at a couple of things that you can do about it.
Workplace burnout has been discussed quite a bit in the last year—which in and of itself seems funny, considering how relatively little time many people spent in the workplace this past year or so. However, just because the conventional workplace was altered doesn’t mean that the potential to experience burnout has been at all.
Blockchain has been one of the technologies that are most cited on those “emerging technologies” lists at the beginning of each year for the past several, yet there is no mainstream indication that the technology is being integrated into tools that can benefit businesses and individuals. Today, we thought we would take a look at some of the ways blockchain technology was going to be used to improve digital systems and what is taking so long for these tools to be developed and initiated.
Hackers – the word alone can send fear down the spine of anyone who owns an internet enabled device. And for good reasons, too! Yet many people assume that hackers are only an issue for their business computers, desktops, laptops, and portable tablets. This isn’t entirely the truth. In fact, hackers can actually pose a major threat for your or your AI devices, too. As AI devices become core commonplace, this can represent a major security concern for many people.
As a result of this, it is absolutely essential that you’re are of how hackers can target your artificial intelligence systems. It’s vital that you also know how you can protect yourself against these threats. Fortunately, as your managed service provider, we are on hand to give you the support you need to keep yourself, your business, or your family, safe from the dangers that hackers can pose.
To start with, we’ll ask the question, “Can hackers really get access to your AI systems?” The answer is, yes. This is becoming increasingly more common. As a result, it’s vital that anyone implementing artificial intelligence systems for their business or home is aware of the protective measures that make breaking in more difficult for hackers.
At first glance, it might not be clear how much of a threat professional hackers can pose for your personal or business computers, desktops, laptops, and tablets. However, it is important that you never underestimate these threats because hackers gaining hold of your personal data can be a major threat for your personal security and safety. Not to mention your bank account.
Some of the ways in which hackers threaten us include:
We’ve clarified that hackers can gain access to your personal or business computers, but how do they do this? There are numerous methods that hackers can use to breach systems. These vary depending on the type of AI being used.
There are two main ways in which hackers may be able to access data through AI: First, by monitoring your activities. This is similar to how personalized cookies work when you login to a website. The second way is by gaining access to your system through weak passwords. In devices like Alexa and Suri, this will allow the hacker to listen in through your AI devices. Hackers can even access cameras if they are attached to your devices, such as Ring doorbells. The implications are, frankly, terrifying. Depending on how many “Smart”, or AI devices you have in your home, there may be no room that is safe from hackers.
We’ve clarified that hackers can represent a serious problem for your business or personal life. Luckily, there are a few different ways that can help you avoid getting targeted by hackers. Some of these tips include:
Hackers are a big problem in our modern society, but you can defeat them by taking preventative measures. With AI and Smart Devices becoming more common each day, hackers are finding more ways to break into your Personal life. Take every precaution to secure your accounts at every opportunity! For more advice on how your personal or business computers can make use of IT solutions to protect your data, contact us today.
If there is one kind of online scam that people need to be more cognizant about, it would be phishing—where a scammer tries to hack the user instead of the computer, tricking them into sharing sensitive information. Phishing can come in enough forms that it has splintered into a few different varieties to watch out for. Let’s go over what a basic phishing attack looks like, some of the different types you may encounter, and how to deal with such an attack appropriately.
Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, remote work has exploded, and many organizations expect to continue it to some extent after the pandemic turns to an endemic. Let’s take a look at some of the technology choices your business can make to make your remote workforce more effective.
Businesses need to make a decision about where they want to host their central infrastructure, and with so many options available to them nowadays, it’s often a matter of the demands on the data and applications required. Really, the decision comes down to two options: host your central hardware onsite or host it in the cloud. Let’s take a look at the debate now.
Paper documentation has long been a fixture in the office as a means of helping to organize information and other resources. Of course, asbestos was a fixture in building construction for quite some time as well, so it should be clear that the established way of doing things is never guaranteed to be the best. Considering this, let’s go over what a modern Document Management System is and what options a small to medium-sized business has to choose from.
Many people have fallen out of the habit of answering their mobile phones when they receive a call, simply because of the rising prevalence that scam calls have seen in the past few years. While these calls are undeniably annoying, they can also be dangerous, which is why it suits your interests to prevent them as much as possible.
