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Category Online Backup

Cloud , Office , Online Backup

Who can be trusted with your data?

Think about a day without computers or tablets, whether for personal or business use – could you cope – how would you feel?
So what do you do when your computer system fails? Who are you trusting at the moment with all the information on your computer?
logo_RGB_squareYou could Google your options and find there are thousands of choices, including real companies or web-based organisations.
This is when it could get tricky as many web-only computer repair concerns have very impressive websites and offer rock-bottom prices. The problem is, you have no way of knowing where these companies are operating, who the people are behind the scenes and what kind of things they may be doing to your systems in the background but the premier concern is can you trust them with your company’s data?
Most remote software allows the third party access to do things you cannot see. Some may advertise you can watch everything the technician is doing unfortunately this is not always the case – would you give complete strangers your passwords or your wallet?? . Although there will be companies that are legitimate, they often use remote technicians operating out of their home locally and this could be situated anywhere typically in a third-world country call centre.
What precautions should you take?
• Research the business. Take advice from satisfied clients. Whilst there are some repairs that can be done remotely, making location not as important as ratings, complaints and reviews. Search out testimonials on their website. If they’re all written in a similar style, it’s possible they’re not as genuine as they make out.
• Contact the business. Call the business to test how responsive they are. If the business does not answer the first time, do they call back within a reasonable amount of time? Are the calls or emails handled professionally? Avoid doing business with companies that don’t respond in a timely fashion; it could be a sign of how queries are handled as well. Good customer service is endemic in an organisation.
• Check the website. Does the company’s website represent its business well? If the website is poorly organized maybe even on a self-build platform, it may be a sign to take your business elsewhere.
• There is the old adage about paying peanuts don’t always go for the cheapest price. When it comes to computers, you want the job done correctly the first time. Businesses with more experience and expertise may charge more for their services, but it should ensure that you get quality service. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. NIgel_Mills_MBMCompanies that seem to offer the lowest price might not be the best deal for you.
Just one parting thought your computers and your systems in effect ARE your business. Look after them and you will never have to worry about not being able to access your data. Paying cheaply can lead to paying twice. Never has there been a better example of getting what you pay for.

Online Backup , Tip

The Invisible destroyer

How protected do you feel in your Business ? Is everything you do being watched? How common are viruses in today’s workplace? Look at any computer in your office. You can’t see the security threats, but they’re swirling round it like a malicious cloud. They’re multiplying and getting more sophisticated all the time. If one of them gets in, it could do untold damage to your business. And the hard truth is that anti-virus software simply isn’t enough any more.

slidetwo

Many business owners assume their systems and networks are protected. But what happens when people take their work laptops out of the office? What if they open a zip file that’s pretending to be from an online marketplace ?

What if they click on a website picture that has malicious code embedded in it?

The worst viruses and malware will immobilize a computer. If it’s on your network, the problem will spread through your business. Every computer will probably need completely wiping. While that’s being done, everything grinds to a halt costing you precious man-hours.

Here at MBM we take these threats very seriously we pride ourselves on our security record and endeavour to make sure all your data is protected from attack or theft.

We can provide solutions to protect your network from unwanted threats. These solutions can be installed on local PCs and servers to monitor threat activity and quickly deal with it. The software has the ability to update itself silently over the Internet and provide a centralized server-based management console to monitor threats and provide reports. We can also provide our own mail scanning solution called InterLinx Filtered Email to filter and clean Emails before they even arrive at your desk, this is done by routing your inbound and outbound mail through our secure scanning servers on the Internet; this ensures that both you and your mail recipients are protected.MBM_42Emails_Blog_small

If you would like to find out more about what we do, then please call us to arrange a meeting. You’ll meet a network engineer, not a salesman! Call 01902 324494 or email sales@mbmltd.co.uk

Cloud , Office , Online Backup

Why you should choose Office 365

If you’re looking to upgrade, you have to decide whether the traditional desktop version of Office is the way to go, or if Office 365 is a better fit for your needs.

officeThere are a few compelling arguments in favour of Office 365. Let’s take a look at three reasons Office 365 might be the right choice:

1. Cost

Office 365 plans start on per month basis. Small businesses can get access to Exchange, SharePoint, and Lync in addition to the core Office productivity applications for only a little more per month. Larger businesses that want to take advantage of Active Directory integration can do so again for a small additional cost per user per month.

Breaking those down, it takes more than three years to reach the levels of a traditional off the shelf desktop version.

2. Updates and Maintenance

What else do you get with your Office 365 subscription? An IT department. Sure, you can set up your own Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and Lync infrastructure. You can manage and maintain the desktop Microsoft Office software, and install the patches and updates every month yourself. How much will that cost?

Consider that implementing the same capabilities in-house requires servers, and network infrastructure, and IT personnel to install, manage, update, and maintain it all. Plus, you still have to buy and maintain the Office software itself.

With Office 365, Microsoft takes care of all the dirty work so you don’t have to. Updates, patches, and upgrades just happen in the background without you needing to worry about it. When the server crashes, its Microsoft’s problem. When a hard drive needs to be replaced, Microsoft will handle it. You get the benefits of using Office without any of the headaches of updating and maintaining it all.

NIgel_Mills_MBM3. Accessibility

Office 365 lives in the cloud. That means you have access to Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office tools from anywhere you can get a Web connection, and from virtually any device–Windows or Mac desktops and laptops, Android devices, iPhones, iPads, and other smartphones and tablets. Office Web Apps provide basic features and functions for free.

This isn’t quite the selling point it once was for a couple reasons. First, even with the desktop Office 2013 suite Microsoft is pushing users to save files to the cloud-based SkyDrive, or to a SharePoint server by default. So, there’s no reason the data can’t be accessible regardless of whether you choose Office 2013 or Office 365.

The second reason it may not be all that compelling is that Office Web Apps are already available for free from the SkyDrive site. So, even without Office 365 users can create, view, and edit Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote files from the Web.

For businesses, though, SharePoint, Active Directory, and other elements of Office 365 that go beyond simply creating and editing Office documents still make Office 365 a better value.

Your mileage will vary of course. There are a number of factors involved in calculating the cost of purchasing, installing, configuring, updating, and maintaining Microsoft Office and the accompanying back-end services versus the ongoing subscription costs associated with Office 365. Office 365 is a solid service providing tremendous bang for the buck, though, so it won’t be easy to beat the value it brings to the table.

Need help with Office 365? Choose MBM.

Cloud , Office , Online Backup

Still using XP – Time is running out

You will have heard much about the demise of Windows XP As we never tire of telling you Microsoft are withdrawing support for XP on 8th April and you need to act NOW to protect your data. To put it in frank terms if you do not act and are still using either of these Microsoft products, read on, and pay careful attention! – Official line from Microsoft is:

disksAfter April 8, 2014, there will be no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates.

Running Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 in your environment after their end of support date may expose your company to potential risks, such as:

Security & Compliance Risks: Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks. This may result in an officially recognized control failure by an internal or external audit body, leading to suspension of certifications, and/or public notification of the organization’s inability to maintain its systems and customer information.
Lack of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) & Hardware Manufacturers support: A recent industry report from Gartner Research suggests “many independent software vendors (ISVs) are unlikely to support new versions of applications on Windows XP in 2011; in 2012, it will become common.” And it may stifle access to hardware innovation: Gartner Research further notes that in 2012, most PC hardware manufacturers will stop supporting Windows XP on the majority of their new PC models.

Get current with Windows and Office. This option has upside well beyond keeping you supported. It offers more flexibility to empower employees to be more productive, while increasing operational efficiency through improved PC security and management. It also enables your organization to take advantage of latest technology trends such as virtualization and the cloud.

officeCertain stand alone systems that never access the internet may still be fine If you’re unsure about how an upgrade to Office would affect your company, contact us here at Micro Business Machines. We can help you to assess which option is right for your business, and guide you through the upgrade.

Micro Business Machine are the Office 365 Experts

Cloud , Data Backup , Office , Online Backup , Tip

Three Reasons why you should use an IT Support Company

As a small business, your resources are undoubtedly limited. Many small businesses attempt to make due with an in-house IT person, however, this arrangement rarely works out for long. There are many reasons businesses have begun opting for IT support services instead of keeping an IT person on staff.

1: Managing costs

Payroll is probably one of your biggest expenses, if not the biggest. Keeping an IT professional on staff may not be cost-effective because that person’s salary is most likely much higher than the salaries of your other employees. Even larger corporations have discovered the value of outsourcing their IT needs to save money in this area. You’ll find that you’re able to save a great deal of money in your budget by only paying for IT support when you need it, as opposed to keeping someone on staff strictly for that purpose.

2: Freeing up your resources

Once you make the switch to outsourcing, you’re going to find that a great deal of your financial resources are freed up, and able to be utilised in other areas of your business. This money can be used to expand your business, offer a new product, or even build upon your current facility. Regardless of where you redirect those funds, you can find ways of better using them to help grow your business.

3: Focus on your business

In addition to the money you’ll save by outsourcing your IT support needs, you’ll also find that you’re able to focus on your business even more. Even with an IT professional on staff, when you’re handling your own IT in-house, it takes up a great deal of your time and energy.

SOSAccording to Heidi Murphy, a blogger for the Huffington Post, “When you’re handling all of your IT support internally, your focus is often divided by a bunch of different technical priorities to keep your site, product and/or application up and running. Outsourcing IT lets you focus on what matters: growing and supporting your business – not troubleshooting software, hardware and user issues.”

Above all, managing your own IT in-house is a lot of hard work and expenses that you don’t have to have. If you’re looking for an IT solution that will allow you to save money and grow your business, we can help. Contact us for more information.

Like to take it a stage further ? Speak to Micro Business Machines without obligation

Cloud , Data Backup , Email Archive , Office , Online Backup , Tip

Top SME technical trends 2014

As we look ahead to 2014 – We are endebted to mybusiness.singtel.com for highlighting top trends in the year to come many of which MBM have highlighted recently. Our two big tips are the big push on Windows 365 and adoption of more cloud based solutions. We are here to discuss any query you may have in these areas.

disksChange is the only constant. In the tech world, there is constant evolution as digtal technology and communication goes faster, better and smarter, all at a rapid pace. The best way to stay ahead of the curve is to anticipate what’s coming, and then to act accordingly.

Here we outline the top six technological trends that may be relevant for SMEs come 2014.

1. Digital is A Must-Have

According to Forrester, “A great digital experience is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a make-or-break point for your business as we more fully enter the digital age.” Simply translated, SMEs will have to go digital if they are to remain competitive as customers interact more with businesses through digital engagement. This also puts emphasis on user experience (UX), focusing on the way users feel and behave as they interact with online platforms.

2. The Internet of Everything

At the recent Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2013, where analysts highlighted the top tech industry trends going forward, there was an emphasis on the Internet expanding beyond just computers and mobile devices.

Instead, the Internet is expanding to everything—cars, televisions, etc. As technology moves towards this, Gartner has identified four basic usage models (Manage, Monetise, Operate and Extend) that can be applied to things, information, places and people, therefore being dubbed the “Internet of Everything”. This is inevitable, and SMEs are in a position to remain flexible so as to learn and adapt to advances quickly and effectively in order to harness the Internet in new ways.

3. Wearable Devices Are Everywhere

Google Glass and Samsung’s Smartwatch are just the tip of the iceberg as tech companies debut an increasing number of wearable technology devices in 2014, according to Juniper Research firm.

As technology becomes more pervasive in the lives of consumers, SMEs must study how the market changes as a result, before changing their own marketing strategies. SMEs must also be on the lookout for marketing opportunities related to wearable technology and innovate for this new-found technology trend.

4. The Cloud Gets Huge

Cloud services will be huge in 2014, resulting in an increase in data storage. In fact, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC), cloud services will grow by 25% to surpass $100 billion. The reason for the huge growth is that Cloud services offers SMEs a chance to have more efficient and cost-effective ways of running your businesses. SMEs should consider moving infrastructure and/or software to the cost- and data-effective cloud. SMEs should consider Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud solutions: for example, myBusiness offers a range of cloud-hosted software apps in areas such as HR and office communications. Using a SaaS service saves on traditional outlay costs such as servers and having a dedicated IT team for software and hardware deployment.

NIgel_Mills_MBM5. Security, Trust & Identity

“Consumerisation” of technology is taking place at an increasing pace, as the internet – and the way technology is used – sees new and advanced ways of permeating our lives and changing the way we live. Internet banking is becoming the norm and there are constantly new e-commerce ventures such as using NFC for payments. Digital wallets will be more prevalent in 2014. As such there will therefore be a need for all business to rethink security, trust and identity to ensure that both business and customer data are kept safe.

6. 3D Printing Takes Off In a Big Way

3D printing is expected to see a big jump, with 3D printers expected to grow exponentially worldwide from 2014 through to 2015. As more companies look to 3D printers a tool in manufacturing design and solutions, SMEs too can leverage this opportunity by working on better product designs and rapid protoyping with the aid of 3D printing.

Cloud , Data Backup , Office , Online Backup

Why you should work in the Cloud

You may have heard about using cloud technology but why should you use it ? – The main advantage is flexibility and cost. A cloud service is pay as you go so you don’t have to make capital investments into your own IT set-up. For example, rather than pay NIgel_Mills_MBMthousands of pounds  purchasing the hardware, software and expertise to set up your own Exchange Server you can pay a per user per month fee to purchase it as a cloud service. There is also flexibility to increase and decrease the number of users when required.

There are drawbacks – Sure Cloud computing is an option for your IT but certainly not the be all and end all. Firstly, if you have a cloud service then you are very reliant of your internet connection. If you lose internet connection you lose access to your service. Secondly, cost needs to be closely monitored. You are effectively renting someone else’s IT infrastructure and it isn’t always cheaper in the long run. Make sure you do the maths. We are happy to work with you on that.

In summary – Cloud computing is a welcome addition to the IT landscape. It gives another option with a “pay as you go” payment plan. Its quick to implement, flexible and can lower IT costs but make sure you do your homework We at MBM are happy to help and can put a cost-effective solution in place. Give us a call for a no Obligation chat.

Data Backup , Office , Online Backup

Busy time as local company upgrades and when did you last back-up?

Its been a busy week or so at Micro Business Machines but we wouldn’t have it any other way !

Microsoft as ever moves on and a local company has taken the step to upgrade 33 machines to Windows 7 from Windows XP Pro. This has involved our engineers being on site at every stage of the process. Migration from XP pro was vital to our client as support for the product ends in April 2014. That date will soon come around – if you are still running XP please contact us to discuss the options available to you. Don’t leave it too late to plan your IT future!

MBM_42Emails_Blog_smallOn the other end of the scale we have cleaned up two Laptops  heavily infected  with viruses and successfully restored the data on those machines. The biggest issue that these problems highlighted was the lack of data backup. Had we not have been able to save the data then much of the work if not all would have been lost.

So what options do you have on Data back-up ?

The very least you should have in place is a copy of you files on some separate source – typically a hard drive stored separately from your laptop but that relies on you remembering to adhere to a strict back-up routine and removing the back-up source to a safe place. There are many options when it comes to cloud options – storing your work securely on the internet. A back-up solution can be put in place to automatically so no need to remember ! This solution will work from one to hundreds of machines and is available now.

And if you do nothing ?

So, please take a minute to think about how long your backup would take to restore and then consider if you can afford to be down for that long.

If you want an IT continuity solution that will get you working again in hours rather than days, please call us on 01902 324494 to discuss your requirements.

Online Backup

FLOOD DOESN’T STOP PRINT PRESSES THANKS TO MBM

A local printing company had a shock when their roof caved in following last years heavy downpour that hit the Midlands. But lion-logothanks to their IT Disaster Recovery plan with Micro-Business Maintenance, operations were able to continue practically unaffected.

The Four Ashes office of The Lion FPG Ltd suffered when their roof couldn’t cope with the torrential rain that occurred over a very short period of time. Water came through the ceiling affecting their design studio, sales office and parts of their printing factory. Some of their IT equipment such as PCs and printers were damaged with water and wet plaster.

Ian Gillespie, managing director at The Lion FPG Ltd, explained: “It all happened so quickly. One minute we were working away, and the next the ceiling started to come down. We evacuated the design studio and sales office and when we saw the extent of the damage to our IT systems immediately called MBM.”

MBM was on-site in 30 minutes to assess the damage and provide spare IT equipment so the company could carry on working.

The Lion FPG Ltd has three offices across the Midlands and MBM provides them with computer support, a hosted service – allowing staff to access IT systems from anywhere via an internet connection – and IT Disaster Recovery.

NIgel_Mills_MBMNigel Mills, managing director at MBM, said: “Lion FPG was lucky. They had the right IT support in place to cope with an event like this. But we know there are many businesses,
of all shapes and sizes, who don’t have this back up in place.”

If you’re interested in:

Computer support (link to https://www.mbmltd.co.uk/Computer-Maintenance.aspx)

Hosted services (link to https://www.mbmltd.co.uk/Network-Management.aspx)

IT Disaster Recovery (link to https://www.mbmltd.co.uk/IT-Continuity.aspx)

 

Call us on 01902 32 44 94 or visit mbmltd.co.uk for more information.

Online Backup

We all grumble about email, but what if you couldn’t access it for 4 days?

‘Great, I could get on with some work’ a lot of business leaders might say. Most business people receive on average 42 emails in MBM_42Emails_Blog_smalltheir inbox everyday, and for many it can run into hundreds.

And while many of these admittedly can be junk mail it’s likely that unless you run a totally automated online business, email is the vital conduit that ensures your business runs smoothly.

Imagine then the chaos that would ensue if you and your team/s were with out access to business emails, not for just one day but for up to four working days. This would impact every part of the organisation, from new business, scheduling, order processing, delivery – everything. To make matters worse most businesses using Microsoft Outlook would also suffer the knock on effect of using integrated calendars, a problem exacerbated once networks of staff all sharing calendars are involved.

The four horsemen of the I.T. apocalypse

That is likely to be the real outcome of any one of a number of disasters that can befall an organisation –

  • Flooding is more common than ever before with 2012 now the second wettest year on record
  • Theft is on the increase due to a tougher economic climate
  • Hardware crashes can occur, even to relatively new equipment
  • Fire can never be ruled out
  • Virus attacks are on the increase due to the rise of mobile and tablet technology

Jason Timmins, Micro-Business Maintenance technical director, said:

“Too many business owners think IT disasters won’t happen to them. If their computers or server gets stolen or damaged they’ll just quickly replace them. But they fail to appreciate how long it can actually take to install the operating system and the software onto new hardware, install a new data server with all the patches and security updates, and restore data from any backups. And during that period how many enquiries may be lost, sales unable to be fulfilled, or staff unable to access files and use email? But with the right Disaster Recovery / I.T. Continuity solution in place this process can take a few hours. If you’ve ever had a computer problem at home and tried to fix it, imagine it ten-fold at work!”

So as we plan the year ahead, cast an eye across your email inbox, then consider that the average daily cost of Disaster Recovery Support* equates to the same amount spent on typical daily business costs such as a pack of printer paper or a Skinny Latte and Ham Panini for lunch!.

Free Disaster Recovery ‘second opinion’

Why not put us to the test and book a free ‘Disaster Recovery second opinion’ from MBM for us to review the security of your I.T. ? For more information email Jason Timmins, Technical Director at jason@mbmltd.co.uk, visit mbmltd.co.uk/DisasterRecovery or contact us on 01902 324494

*Based on supporting one server

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