The 3 biggest disaster recovery myths that businesses should ignore

Disaster recovery (DR) has undergone major changes for the better since cloud computing became popular. In particular, small- and medium-sized businesses have benefitted from cheaper and more reliable DR solutions. But there are still plenty of misconceptions about DR that are keeping many business owners from adopting the right DR strategies. Here are three myths […]

Cloud-based OMS: An essential tool for your eCommerce business

If you own an eCommerce business, then you might want to look into using a cloud-based order management system (OMS). An OMS can be a huge advantage for your organization. With a cloud-based OMS, you can access your orders and inventory from anywhere in the world. This can help you manage your business more efficiently […]

How can Microsoft Exchange Online benefit your business?

For the longest time, businesses have been installing email servers on site to have more control over their data. But the drawback of this setup is that it’s more expensive and you need to have a dedicated IT team to manage everything. Microsoft Exchange Online is a cloud-based email service that offers the same features […]

Steps to protect your company from hurricanes

Hurricanes pose a serious threat to businesses. The damages caused by hurricanes can disrupt operations to a point where some companies never recover. Take these steps to help you keep your business safe from hurricanes. What is a hurricane disaster recovery plan? A hurricane disaster recovery plan is a written set of procedures on how […]

The difference between Groups, Yammer, and Teams

Yammer, Microsoft 365 Groups, and Microsoft Teams are all Microsoft 365 tools that are designed for sharing files and communicating with colleagues. So what differentiates them from one another, and when should you use which? Let’s find out. Microsoft 365 Groups With Microsoft 365 Groups, every member gets a shared inbox, calendar, project planner, notebook, […]

What are the business benefits of adopting new IT?

Keeping up with changes in business technology can be difficult for small- and mid-sized businesses like yours. However, upgrading your company’s technology is something you can’t afford to put off or ignore completely — not if you want to stay relevant and competitive. Here’s what you’ll miss out on if you don’t adopt new tech. […]

3 Disaster recovery myths, debunked

With advancements in cloud computing, disaster recovery (DR) has become more efficient and affordable than ever. However, many business owners still cling to some DR myths that can safely be disregarded, such as these three. Myth 1: Tape backups are the best DR solution Tape backups are physical objects that deteriorate over time. Try listening […]

Protecting your data from hurricanes

Hurricanes damage property and put lives at risk. If you’re not prepared, hurricanes can also disrupt your operations and put your business through extended downtime. In this blog, we’ll help you quickly regain access to your data and get your business back to operational mode after a disaster. Determine recovery hierarchy Certain parts of your […]

Streamline your eCommerce business with a cloud-based OMS

If you’re looking for ways to optimize your eCommerce business’s operations, you should definitely consider deploying a cloud-based order management system (OMS). This article will help you learn more about the business benefits of an OMS. First off, we need to clarify that an inventory management system is not the same as an order management […]

Understanding Microsoft 365 collaboration tools

There are three communication and collaboration tools in Microsoft 365 that provide basically similar solutions for the same problem: Outlook Groups, Yammer, and Microsoft Teams. However, they all have subtle differences that set them apart from one another. Let’s take a look at some of them. Outlook Groups With Outlook Groups, every member gets a […]

Ignore these outdated disaster recovery myths

Disaster recovery (DR) used to be an expensive solution that relied predominantly on tape backups. Today, cloud computing has dramatically changed the DR landscape, affording even small- and medium-sized businesses cheaper and more reliable DR solutions. Unfortunately, there are still a number of misconceptions about DR. Here are three myths that no longer apply. Myth […]

Recalibrate your technology plan: Cloud Collaboration

collaboration

Workforce collaboration has changed. We aren’t going back to conference rooms full of people, and that’s a good thing. When you are recalibrating your technology plan, enabling cloud collaboration should be a part of it. This is more than video conferencing and screen sharing. Cloud collaboration is accessing information and collaborating in an ad-hoc, yet […]

Licensing issues with virtualization

Software developers make a profit by selling us the best product they can create. When selling pieces of their software in bulk, they offer licensing packages to businesses so you don’t have to buy 100 copies of the same CD. Now that an increasing amount of services and tools are moving into the cloud, it’s […]

Office 365 simplifies calendar sharing

Arranging meetings that work with everyone’s schedules is a pain — especially if participants don’t work in your office. A calendar that is easy to share publicly simplifies everything from scheduling calls with clients to quarterly meetings with business partners. Here’s how you can achieve that with Office 365. Share an Office 365 calendar with […]

Flood-proof your business technology now

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and certain parts of Louisiana the hardest. In the same year, Hurricane Irma devastated companies in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. During uncertain times, a disaster recovery (DR) plan is what saves companies from power outages and massive revenue losses. Let these tips guide you. Determine recovery hierarchy Certain […]

What are virtual containers?

As technical as virtualization and virtual containers are, there’s no reason your company shouldn’t benefit from them. IT specialists all over the country are setting up and supporting these technologies for small businesses to increase efficiency and cut down on technology costs. What are containers and why are they so popular? Virtual containers are like […]

Differentiating Groups, Yammer, and Teams

While most Office 365 apps serve a unique purpose, tools like Outlook Groups, Yammer, and Microsoft Teams can all be used for office communication and collaboration. However, there are small differences in the way they can be used. Let us break it down for you. Outlook Groups With Outlook Groups, every member gets a shared […]

What’s better, virtualization or the cloud?

Have you heard about cloud computing and virtualization technologies but don’t know the difference? Or maybe you’ve heard a fellow business owner talk about why one is better than the other? Here are the differences between the two and the things you must know to determine which solution is best for your business. Differences between […]

Ignore these outdated disaster recovery myths

Disaster recovery (DR) used to be an expensive solution that relied predominantly on tape backups. Today, cloud computing has dramatically changed the DR landscape, affording even small- and medium-sized businesses cheaper and more reliable DR solutions. Unfortunately, there are still a number of misconceptions about DR. Here are three myths that no longer apply. Myth […]

Cloud storage 101: OneDrive vs SharePoint

Storing files in the cloud is common nowadays, making things convenient for business owners who want to manage their data on the go. But the number of ways to do this can be daunting, especially to the uninitiated. Don’t get lost in the sea of options. This handy guide will tell you whether SharePoint or […]

An introduction to G Suite Apps

Cloud computing is a trend among businesses, and one company that’s leading it is Google. After years of development and upgrades, they’ve released a cloud-based productivity suite known as G Suite. G Suite puts all of Google’s most popular apps into one package. Let’s take a closer look at all it has to offer. Gmail […]

Best practices for switching to Office 365

Making the decision to migrate from an on-site system to a cloud-based Office 365 is easy, but the migration process itself presents numerous security challenges. By covering these essentials, you’ll minimize security breaches and ensure you can enjoy the benefits of Office 365. Identify your company’s sensitive data… Most files housed within your servers contain […]

Quick review: why you need virtualization

Truly understanding the ins and outs of virtualization is not for the faint hearted. It’s a complicated field that is constantly evolving, but one thing mostly remains the same: its benefits. Read on for a simple recap of just a few of virtualization’s greatest advantages. More technology uptime Virtualization vendors use fancy names for the […]

Situations perfect for virtual desktops

In the world of IT, there is a continuous quest to build systems with less time, funds, and effort. This is why virtualization has become so popular. One type of virtualization, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), provides a consistent desktop experience from any device. It is most helpful in the following scenarios: Healthcare In an industry […]

Simple Tricks to Create More Windows 10 Space

Hard drive space is a top priority for Windows 10 users. Techies who use budget computers navigate with limited storage or with Solid-State Drive (SSD). Having little disk space obstructs the free flow and enjoyment of using the hard drive, so you need more storage space. Here are some tips to free up your disk. […]

Microsoft’s free virtualization upgrade

Virtualization is difficult to understand. The technology itself is complex, and the industry is dominated by vendors that the average business owner has never heard of. Almost everyone knows Microsoft though, and its virtualization platform just got a big speed boost that won’t cost users a thing — if they know how to take advantage […]

Groups, Yammer, and Teams defined

Office 365 is chock full of so many apps that it’s sometimes difficult to keep track of them all. Sure, you have the most popular tools like Word and Skype for Business, but there are three tools in the lineup that seem like they could be used the same way: Outlook Groups, Yammer, and Microsoft […]

2017’s most valuable IT solutions

How many new technologies did your business adopt last year? Too many? Too few? You’ve officially made it through 2017 and there’s no better time than now to review which IT fads were worth investing in, and which ones should be left in the past. Look no further than our recap of last year’s most […]

Will Containers change IT?

New technological developments such as cloud computing and virtualization are prying small- and medium-sized businesses away from traditional client-server architecture. In contention now lie Containers, a technology influenced by cloud computing that offers a less complex alternative to virtualization. Discover its benefits and see why they apply to your business. What are containers and why […]

Updated Microsoft Office coming soon

As a convenient cloud solution, Office 365 boasts nearly 30 million users. But that’s nothing compared to licensed versions of Microsoft’s productivity suite, which have more than one billion users. Office 2019 was announced in September and it will mean big changes for businesses that want simpler versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and more. Microsoft […]

6 ways to flood-proof your business IT

In late August 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused widespread power outages and floods across Texas and certain parts of Louisiana. Weeks later, Hurricane Irma hit the coast, affecting Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina businesses. Now, experts are saying there are more storms to come, which is why you need a good disaster recovery (DR) plan that […]

Citrix integrates with Google Cloud

More businesses are moving their operations to the cloud, but sadly some applications are getting left behind. Today, customers want to access their desktop software as easily as they can access their G Suite apps from any device. Luckily, Google listened to their customers and developed new features with Citrix. Workspace Service Organizations often struggle […]

Easily back up and sync with Google’s new app

Employees don’t usually prioritize managing files and photos because they can be tedious and time-consuming. Those who have to deal with a high volume of files and photos across different devices often depend on the auto-sync functions of Google Drive or do manual backups on external drives or SD cards. With Google’s nifty new application, […]

How does virtualization improve business?

The relationship between computer hardware and software can be frustrating. Both require the other to function properly, but both also require individual attention. Virtualization makes this relationship far more flexible, and we’ve got a rundown on a few of the best examples. More technology uptime Virtualization vendors use lots of fancy names for the features […]

Microsoft Teams is updated and ready

Preceding its general availability, Microsoft has recently rolled out a major update for Microsoft Teams — Window’s version of the cloud-based team collaboration tool, Slack. The latest bundle of features will kick things up a notch, allowing you to do more than IM your manager about your weekly meeting or ask your colleagues to remove […]

New smart search engine for G Suite users

Google Cloud Search is the latest tool launched for business customers that allow users to search across their G Suite products including Drive, Gmail, Sites, Calendar, Docs, Contacts and more. It was previously available in a limited preview, named Springboard, and was described as something similar to Google Now for enterprise workers. Google Cloud Search […]

The latest Cloud Print service from Google

When you picture cloud computing and printing devices, you might think of endless copies of clouds flying out of the printer. But that analogy wouldn’t quite apply for Google’s Cloud Print service, though. This cloud-computing hybrid allows you to access both regular and internet-enabled printers through the Internet. What are the benefits? Are they worth […]

Considerations for large-scale AWS migration

We’ll just go ahead and say it: cloud migration is a smart business move and we highly recommended it. The potential for greater efficiency, more manageable storage capacity, and cost savings are all but guaranteed. Virtualization, however, is not a walk in the clouds. It often involves a complex process that requires time and money, […]

Sharing business data: SharePoint/OneDrive

Digital Storage options with Office 365 provide business owners with convenient and efficient data management. But with new software added daily, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the variety of options. Keep reading to find out which Office 365 program will be your best option for organizing and sharing information: SharePoint or OneDrive. Similarities […]

Apps for Work from Google gets an upgrade

Google claims that five million organizations around the world use Apps for Work, which is why their recent announcement regarding the service is such a big deal. If you use more than one of these services, you may love them as standalone apps but probably feel they could use some more cross functionality. Yet again, […]

Aspects of virtualization: licenses

Software licensing has been a thorn in everybody’s side for as long as we can remember. It’s no surprise that as software begins to help us to consolidate and combine pieces of hardware through virtualization, we’re confronted with this problem yet again. SMBs are often unfortunate victims of licensing models that favor individual or enterprise […]

Engage your audience with Google Slides

Slideshow presentations are only as good as the tools used to create them. With Google’s recent update to its Slides software, that baseline just got a huge boost. One of the biggest advantages of Google’s Drive software suite are the cloud-based features, and with the newest update to the Slides program you can explore a […]

Boost staff productivity with mobile tech

Love it or hate it, mobile technology in the workplace is here to stay. While more and more companies are utilizing it as a way to up their productivity, there is a right and a wrong way to go about it. Here are four tips to help you successfully integrate mobile devices into your organization […]

Get Office 365 switch security right

It’s easy to see why Office 365 is an attractive solution for small and medium-sized businesses already familiar with the Office interface. More and more companies are making the move to the cloud, but many have yet to complete their transition and still rely at least in part on on-site SharePoint systems. When you’re ready […]

5 tips for a successful Office 365 migration

Microsoft Office 365 is growing in popularity as more and more businesses make the move to the cloud. However, without proper planning and testing beforehand, you could get stuck in the middle of the migration process, end up with duplicated data, or even have to abort the transition completely. Needless to say, all of these […]

Is your provider’s IT service model holding you back?

IT service model

Would you expect the Chevy dealer to tell you that the new model Ford would better fit your family’s needs?  Is your local retailer going to tell you that Amazon has a much better price? Would you expect your project-based, hourly IT service model provider to recommend that you move to a solution that would require […]

No More AD Servers

The server-less future is closer than you think. I have been predicting that Microsoft would soon allow workstations to be joined directly to their Office 365 cloud-based domain (Azure AD for you techies) for some time, and that time has come.  What in the world does this mean to me, you ask?  Well, it means […]

Office 2016 for Mac is now available

For Mac users who have been waiting with great anticipation, Office 2016 for Mac is finally available. The new version is worth the wait; Microsoft has implemented exciting new upgrades to improve the user experience. Office 2016 possesses far superior functionality and user interface than its predecessor, Office 2011. We’ve highlighted some of the new […]