Get ready for the holiday rush: Tips for eCommerce companies
With so many eCommerce businesses out there, it’s important that your brand makes a good impression and offers a smooth, enjoyable shopping experience. Here are some ways you can make sure you attract customers to your site and that they have the best possible online shopping experience this holiday season. Hold social media events If […]
How to pick the right MSP for your company
The business IT landscape keeps evolving rapidly. This can make it difficult for business owners to keep up with the latest trends and changes, let alone manage their own IT systems. Fortunately, they can outsource their IT needs to a managed IT services provider (MSP). What is an MSP? An MSP is a company that […]
Don’t let disasters ruin your business
Disasters can happen to anyone, and when they do, it can be difficult for small- or medium-sized businesses (SMB) to get back on their feet. Your business could be at risk if you’re not prepared for a natural disaster or an unexpected emergency. Here are a few tips to help keep your business afloat during […]
How to choose the best Microsoft 365 plan for your business
The different Microsoft 365 plans are packed with various features that often make it difficult for business owners to decide which plan to go with. This article will help youfind out which plan is ideal for your business setup. Microsoft 365 plans for businesses Microsoft 365 for businesses comes in four different plans: Business Basic, […]
Make the most out of Outlook with these tips
Millions of businesses worldwide use Microsoft Outlook, preferring the free web-based email and calendar service over its many competitors. Outlook also offers tasks and contacts management capabilities, among other nifty features that will help you work smarter and boost your efficiency. Let’s take a closer look at some tips to help you make the most […]
4 Things to consider before choosing an MSP
Incorporating technology into business operations can be challenging because it’s always evolving. Many companies simply can’t keep up — this is why many of them turn to managed IT services providers (MSPs) for their tech needs. Read on to learn more about them. MSPs defined MSPs are companies composed of specialists from various IT fields. […]
Your business needs a business continuity plan — here’s why
Do you know why some small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) fail during the first five years of operation? Poor leadership is one reason, inadequate capital is another. Another possible cause is the lack of preparation for major disruptions like natural disasters and cyberattacks. If you want to prevent this from happening to your business, you […]
Factors to consider before buying new servers
New hardware doesn’t come cheap, which is why many businesses hold on to their old servers long after these machines have stopped being efficient or secure. In this blog, we explain why it’s vital to replace your servers regularly and look at alternatives that offer the same outcomes while helping you save money. When do […]
Which Microsoft 365 plan should I choose for my business?
Confused about which Microsoft 365 plan you should procure for your business? Understandable, given how complicated Microsoft packages their business solutions subscriptions. Read on to get a simplified outlook on the different plans and packages available today. Information workers or frontline workers? Microsoft 365 is the obvious choice if you’re running cloud-based business systems, but […]
Master Windows 10 with the following tips and tricks
Did you know that the latest update of the Windows 10 operating system comes with many improvements to user experience? Try out the following features and change the way you work, play, and everything in between. Night light This feature lets you reduce the amount of blue light emitted from your screen, which helps reduce […]
The convenience of dual monitors
Some things come in pairs, including glasses, shoes, and, for busy office workers, computer monitors. Using two monitors at once may seem unconventional for some, but doing so has a lot of advantages. If you’re hesitant about your employees using two monitors simultaneously, perhaps these benefits will change your mind. Enhanced productivity A survey by […]
Here’s how marketing automation increases leads
Marketing automation has become an essential part of every business’s marketing strategy. Thanks to innovations in IT, business marketing tools have become more affordable for small retailers, online sellers, and other mom-and-pop operations. Don’t pass up the opportunity to maximize all the marketing automation tools available that can increase your leads and give you these […]
How to choose the best MSP
Business owners are increasingly realizing the importance of adopting efficient, flexible, and cost-effective IT systems. But as customers’ expectations rise, IT becomes far too complex and demanding for businesses to manage alone. This is why many companies outsource their IT needs to a managed IT services provider (MSP). MSPs defined MSPs are companies composed of […]
5 Tips to work smarter in Outlook
Microsoft Outlook comes with a raft of features that make managing your busy schedule and boosting your productivity easier. If you find Outlook’s myriad capabilities a little overwhelming, don’t worry — these tips and tricks will have you using Outlook like a pro in no time. Organize your inbox Is your Outlook inbox getting a […]
Why it pays to have a good-looking website
In a recent survey of 1,800 customers, 42% said they’re “very unlikely” to purchase from ugly websites. That’s not so surprising. After all, there are plenty of competitors’ websites that are more visually appealing and user-friendly that they can visit. If your business website fails to make a critical good first impression, it could lose […]
How MSPs are helping businesses navigate the challenges of COVID-19
IT services are more critical than ever before, proving their value in the face of a health crisis and the abrupt shift to remote working. Here are some ways managed IT services providers (MSPs) are helping small companies leverage technology to support their remote teams and go about business as usual. Providing infrastructure and service […]
The importance of having a business continuity plan (BCP)
Many small- to medium-sized business (SMB) owners never expect a major crisis to hit their company and are often caught flat-footed when it does. Such events can cause downtime, which can lead to lost revenue and reduced profits. In addition, SMBs that fail to recover quickly from disruption face the risk of losing their customers […]
The SMB’s guide to staying afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic
More than being a global health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic is also upending the global economy. Many businesses find themselves facing the grim reality that if they don’t find a way to adapt to the crisis, they’ll end up closing their doors for good. Here are some tips that can help your business get through […]
Three keys when updating your Technology Roadmap
The sudden shift in how we work has been challenging for many businesses. For some, it validated their technology platforms; for others, it exposed their limitations. Regardless of the outcome, taking these experiences and updating your technology roadmap is important. Here are three points to consider when updating your roadmaps. Things will not go back […]
Could telecommuting be the new norm?
Despite businesses’ reservations, remote working comes with numerous benefits, including lower overhead expenses and improved productivity. And with the coronavirus pandemic forcing employees to work from home, this might just be the tipping point for remote work to become the norm. Enforced flexibility A pandemic is one of the most socially, economically, and politically disruptive […]
Remote access and collaboration planning
Remote access and collaboration have been key components of Stringfellow technology roadmaps since 2006. It all started with moving users to “hosted” Exchange mailboxes, which sounds very dated in today’s world of Office 365 services. Today we focus on a cloud-first and servers-to-services mentality for all our roadmaps. The following are key components of building […]
How businesses are impacted by COVID-19
Businesses and consumers are facing a lot of uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic. As COVID-19 continues to spread, the only thing that seems certain is that it will impact businesses, particularly the way they operate and use technology. Increased reliance on communications technology The need for remote interactions and stronger communications technology will inevitably […]
Find out how virtual reality helps business growth
Technology has always helped business growth. However, with the many innovations available, knowing which to adopt can be bewildering. Virtual reality (VR) is one technology businesses can invest in. Find out if it’s right for your business with this list of VR advantages and benefits. Create your own VR prototypes With the help of VR, […]
Use these Windows 10 tips to boost your productivity
Windows 10 is full of useful features, and more are added every time Microsoft releases an update. If it’s been a while since you’ve familiarized yourself with the operating system’s capabilities, you could be missing out on a game-changing enhancement. We’ve created a list of our favorites. Night Light This feature lets you reduce the […]
Top considerations when collecting customer data
Businesses are collecting, processing, and storing data at a breakneck pace, and it’s increasingly difficult to keep up. Despite the importance of business intelligence, it’s important to collect data that is actually useful and relevant. A few essential tips will prevent the most common challenges. Before we jump into our tips for data collection, we […]
Why website engagement is a crucial metric
When it comes to website analytics, traffic isn’t everything. Engagement with your site content is a better indicator that visitors to your website convert into customers. Here’s how to track your engagement metric using Google Analytics. How do you measure engagement? Just because a page receives a large amount of traffic doesn’t mean it has […]
Tips to address Office 365 security issues
Microsoft’s Office 365 is highly popular among businesses not just because of its robust features and cost-saving benefits but also because it’s widely perceived as secure. Unfortunately, using it comes with security challenges, but don’t fret — there are ways to solve them. Vulnerabilities in SharePoint Businesses typically use SharePoint Online and on-premises SharePoint sites […]
Ask these 3 questions about your servers
While you’re still alive and kicking, your heart should never skip a beat. It’s the same with your servers. They’re always working, ensuring your business stays operational even if you don’t pay attention to them. However, business owners tend to overlook their servers as most times it is a simple case of being out of […]
Which Office 365 plan is right for you?
Office 365 has become the go-to all-in-one tool for businesses in recent years. With different Office 365 plans — Business, Business Premium, Enterprise E1, E3, and E5 — you can have a set of services and features that are perfect for your business. We’ve summarized a list of the different features of each plan to […]
Cloud migration made safe and secure
If you’re thinking of transitioning your business to the cloud, consider the security of the platform. While providers would like us to believe that the friendly, fluffy cloud image used to market the service means it is automatically secure, the reality is far different. Just ask one of the nearly seven million Dropbox users who […]
How IoT will change businesses
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of vehicles, appliances, and devices embedded with actuators, connectivity, software, electronics, and sensors that allow users to connect and swap data. The business world is steadily changing with the implementation of IoT in the following methods. Improved logistics With IoT sensors, supply chain management and order fulfillment […]
How to master Microsoft Excel
Every computer user must be well-versed in various office programs, including Microsoft Excel. If you only know a few basic commands, you haven’t fully mastered Excel. Here are a few features that can make your life easier. Pie and Sunburst Charts Everyone knows that bombarding stakeholders with endless numbers and decimal points is the wrong […]
The convenience of dual monitors
Some things come in pairs, including glasses, shoes, and, for busy office workers, computer monitors. Using two monitors at once may seem unconventional for some, but doing so has a lot of advantages. If you’re hesitant about your employees using two monitors simultaneously, perhaps these benefits will change your mind. Enhanced productivity A survey by […]
New design upgrades to Microsoft Office 365
If you’re one of the million-plus users taking advantage of Office 365’s premium productivity apps, you’ll soon notice some changes. Last June, Microsoft revealed that Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word will be getting a design revamp in the coming months. Here’s a preview of what’s to come. Simplified ribbon The biggest update is with the […]
Tips and tricks on Windows 10
Are you making the most out of your Windows 10 computer? If you haven’t tried adjusting system and battery performance, silenced notifications, or used the night light function, then you’re missing out on minor but useful features. Performance/Power slider There are two kinds of computer users: those who value battery longevity and those who prefer […]
Quick recoveries with external IT support
Three decades ago, the notion of hiring specialists in information technology was virtually unheard of. Nowadays, the majority of businesses are digitally operated, which means technology specialists are a must, especially given the huge increase in different types of security breaches. Determine how external support can back you up in times of technical distress. Access […]
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, […]
What will happen without Windows Vista?
We live in a digital era where innovations are emerging quicker than the speed of light. This means older operating systems might soon be discontinued. Case in point, Microsoft Vista. After a 10-year run, Microsoft is set to discontinue support for Vista users from April 11th onwards. On top of that, key security or software […]
Office 365: What plan is the right one?
From Word to SharePoint, Office 365 has a lot offer. But each business requires different features from Office 365. Some may prioritize business analytics, while others may be content with no more than the productivity suite and Outlook. If you’re planning to deploy Office 365, first consider your business needs, then use the information below […]
Cyber Liability Insurance is Not Optional…
Would you consider NOT having a general business liability insurance policy? What about insurance for your property and equipment? Of course, you wouldn’t! So take Cyber Liability Insurance just as seriously. These types of insurance have been considered a cost of doing business since Lloyd’s of London was started in 1688. Fast forward – past the […]
Strategy
A proper technology strategy should have a meaningful impact on your business. Meaningful means more than keeping on budget, maximizing useful life, or calculating pay back periods on capital outlays. Meaningful is giving your business ALIGNMENT with a technology strategy that has been proven to deliver increased ROI over time, increased productivity, and improved competitive […]
VR tech helps promote business growth
Most people tend to think that the concept of virtual reality has a place with The Jetsons family, but not so much at the office — think again. Recently, more and more businesses are exploring ways they can mesh virtual reality with daily business operations to possibly help benefit customer service and even employee satisfaction. […]
Best Options for CRM Software in 2016
If genie lamps were out of stock before you could place an order for one, the next best thing to manage and grow your small- and medium-sized business lies in CRM. Short for customer relationship management, a real difference is possible, with the right software of course. With the numerous options out there, finding the […]
Why upgrade to the dual monitor system
Have you ever witnessed your coworkers crazily straddle two computer monitors like madmen? Many find that working multiple monitors in this way is either intimidating or just plain weird. So it’s no surprise that such a set-up is unpopular. But even if you look like you’re preparing to launch rockets into outer space, that shouldn’t […]
Why your company needs to be on Instagram
Out of all the numerous social media platforms, Instagram is playing in the big leagues with over 400 million active users. But since most companies are acquainted with Facebook and Twitter, Instagram has essentially been overlooked as a marketing tool. The challenge isn’t posting a picture, but attempting to drive traffic back to your company’s […]
10 ways to speed up your Wi-Fi
In today’s modern age, the waves we surf tend to be invisible and keyboards are the new surfboards. Having a reliable Wi-Fi connection is key in keeping daily business operations up and running, so sluggish internet is definitely the last thing you and your business needs. Here are 10 ways that help speed up your […]
The Business of IT: Part 3- Outsource the “T”, not the “I”
When thinking about IT, it’s helpful to look at each piece separately…. The first part is about INFORMATION, which is key to running your business. Businesses with an IT department should be staffing functions that add value to the business. These folks have titles like “Business Analyst”, “Application Specialist”, “Report Writer”, “Project Manager”, and so […]
Seven Microsoft Excel mastery tips
One of the skills crucial to the success of businesses today is digital literacy. This isn’t the proficiency of reading and reciting gadget labels, but according to Cornell University, “the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the Internet.” One of the first steps involves mastering Microsoft Excel. Here […]
Creating online communities for businesses
The word ‘Community’ is derived from the Latin term communitas meaning ‘things shared by many or all’, which hints at our innate desire to connect with others. With the Internet being such a powerful medium, connecting people regardless of their locations has never been easier. Imagine thousands and thousands of people that are genuinely interested […]
Three client level virtualization options
Virtualization has permanently changed the world of IT and computing and bringing with it the overhaul of IT architecture and workflow. One would think that it would reach its saturation point sooner or later but with constant innovation and development, virtualization has permeated and penetrated deep as to reach the client level. Here are three […]