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Testimonial

MBM Ltd – Microsoft Silver Partners – Press Release

A Wombourne-based Business is celebrating achieving Microsoft Silver Partner Status. MBM Limited specialise in IT support and services for companies in the West Midlands area and offer complete Disaster Recovery and Cloud Computing Solutions.

 

IMG_0747The attainment of Silver Partner Status recognises partners and developers who integrate unique applications and solutions into various products across the Microsoft platform. It highlights companies with a high training ethic who work towards developing solutions to client problems using available technologies.

 

MBM Technical Director Jason Timmins commented ‘We’re delighted to have achieved this Silver Microsoft Competency which puts us in the top 5% of Microsoft partners worldwide and shows our ongoing commitment to high quality cloud services for business.

 

The use of cloud services continues to rise, whether in the smallest SME or the largest corporation you’ll find cloud services taking care of Email, CRM, data storage and computing resources. Our new accreditation confirms our commitment, experience and skill with Microsoft’s world-leading cloud services, Office 365 and Azure.

 

Thanks go to my team at MBM for their excellent customer service and product knowledge without which Microsoft would not have given us this recognition.’

 

MBM Limited are based on Windmill Bank in Wombourne and can be contacted on 01902 324494 or by visiting 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 , Tip

Microsoft action interupts innocent users

Microsoft has obtained a court order to halt traffic to servers in order to halt the Cyber-criminal activity of some users. This has had the effect of interupting millions of innocent users. The giant has been accused of being’heavy-handed as in stopping the criminals it also interupted data to legitimate sites.

In a blogpost, Microsoft lawyer Richard Boscovich said it had taken the action against domain administration firm No-IP.com for its “roles in creating, controlling, and assisting in infecting millions of computers with malicious software”.

He said No-IP’s infrastructure had been used to spread the Bladabindi and Jenxcus family of malicious programs in 93% of the cases it had seen. Over the past 12 months, he said, Microsoft had detected variants of the two viruses more than 7.4 million times.

The thieves behind the malware could steal data from infected machines, record keystrokes and listen to any sounds taking place around a computer, he said.

officeMicrosoft had taken the legal step of making itself the controller of the 23 domains because No-IP had not done enough to police them, wrote Mr Boscovich. A federal court in Nevada granted Microsoft the right to take over the No-IP domains.

Once it had had control of the suspect domains, he said, Microsoft had applied filters so only “clean” data had got through and that helping the malware spread had been caught and discarded.

In response, No-IP said Microsoft’s action had been “draconian” and had wrongly “affected millions of innocent internet users”.

No-IP speculated that Microsoft had underestimated the amount of data traffic flowing towards the domains it was now administering, which had caused service disruptions for many legitimate customers.

“Millions of innocent users are experiencing outages to their services because of Microsoft’s attempt to remediate hostnames associated with a few bad actors,” wrote No-IP in a statement posted on its site.

Having problems – Call us at MBM and we will be happy to take a look

Cloud , Office , Tip

Do you know what a gateway is ?

A gateway is a node that allows you to gain entrance into a network and vice versa. On the Internet the node which is the stopping point can be a gateway or a host node. A computer that controls the traffic your network or your ISP (Internet Service Provider) receives is a node. In most homes a gateway is the device provided by the Internet Service Provider that connects users to the internet.

disksWhen a computer server serves as a Gateway node, the gateway node also operates as a firewall and a proxy server. A firewall is a system created to prevent unauthorized admission into a private network. A proxy server is located right between a client application such as a web browser and the real server. The proxy server sees if the client applications requests can be carried out by the real server.

Usually a gateway is associated with a router. A router is a device or sometimes computer software that lets you know the next network data should be sent to next. A router can be connected to two or more networks at a time, it decides the next destination of the data based on it’s comprehension of the condition of the networks. A gateway is associated with a router because a router which uses headers and forwarding tables to figure out where packets or data is sent provides the path through which information is sent in and out a gateway.

So a gateway is one of the many ways we can communicate over the World Wide Web. The gateway allows us to enter different networks on the internet so we can transmit data back and forth. There’s also software available where you can be able to run several networks on a computer. As you have come to see by now having a gateway on your computer has it’s many benefits.

You can get a little smarter by installing different gateways within your business – speak to MBM on how we can help you with this.

Cloud , Office , Tip

Are you aware what the withdrawal of XP really means ?

You are probably aware by now that very soon (just over a fortnight) Microsoft will withdraw support of their XP product. However what does that really mean for you and your business ? Well lets spell things out

officeIt means that there will be no security updates or patches brought out for windows XP not only that but there will also be no support provided either – yes this is a big deal. This will mean any machine or business that still runs on XP by the time that support is terminated will have their security greatly compromised, it will also most likely be a breach of security standards.

There will also be no third party application support for windows XP, meaning that it is more likely that third party applications will not run on windows XP.

There is a solution and we can help you get there but you really cant afford to leave it any longer – make no bones about it not acting could cost you your business. A cloud solution is just a phonecall away – call the goto guys for more info on Microsoft 365.

Cloud , Data Backup , Office

Why your business shouldnt wait any longer for 365 migration

Still companies are waiting before migrating to Office 365 – We can only deduce that they are crossing their fingers that their systems will cope following the withdrawal of support for Windows XP next month. At MBM we can offer you a managed cloud solution on Windows 365 and will support you through the migration process.

As well as being a replacement for XP there are several benefits for your business in upgrading.

office

Top Benefits of Microsoft Office 365 for Small Businesses

  • Saves time and money.
  • Anytime, Anywhere Access.
  • Professional Face for Your Business.
  • Easily Communicate and Collaborate Inside and Outside Your Organization.
  • Simple to Learn, Straightforward to Use.
  • Email, Collaboration, and Online Meeting Solutions.
  • Safety and Security.
  • 99.9-Percent Availability, Money-Back Guarantee
  • Flexibility for Your Business.

Need help ? Call for a no obligation chat – our friendly team are always happy to talk you through your future IT  plans

 

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

Tip

Buying a computer for Christmas? Read this

With Christmas around the corner – news from Industry analysts that more than half of next years computer sales will not be laptops or desktop computers

New research from digital consultancy Canalys suggests that tablet computers will make up more than 50 per cent of all computers sold in the world next year, and Android-based tablets are expected to outsell Apple iPads by a factor of two to one.

TabletGlobally, the worldwide computer market expanded by 18 per cent last year, even as sales of conventional desktop and laptop computers continued to decline. In relatively short order, tablets have grown to make up 40 per cent of all computer sales, a ratio that’s expected to tip over to the other side some time next year.

There will be around 285 million tablets sold around the world next year. That contrasts with an expected 192 million laptops and 98 million desktops. Canalys expects the tablet figure to grow even more, to 396 million by 2017, while the other two categories steady out.

Although Apple has lost its dominance in the tablet market it practically invented with the iPad, it nonetheless maintains the edge in profitability from the devices.

“Apple is one of the few companies making money from the tablet boom,” Canalys senior analyst Tim Coulling said. “Premium products attract high value consumers; for Apple, remaining highly profitable and driving revenue from its entire ecosystem is of greater importance than market share statistics.”

Outside of the big two, Canalys says Microsoft could be poised to make exponential gains from an admittedly small base. Microsoft made up about two per cent of all tablet sales in 2012. Canalys expects its sales to more than double to as much as five per cent by the end of next year.

“To improve its position it must drive app development and better utilize other relevant parts of its business to round out its mobile device ecosystem,” said Canalys research analyst Pin Chen Tang.

We are happy to maintain your Tablets too – contact Nigel at MBM for more.

Cloud , Office

More staff in SMEs use cloud than their employers

More staff in SME businesses are using cloud-based services to carry out their jobs independently of their employers’ IT department.

disksA survey of 500 SME IT professionals in the US and Europe carried out by Spiceworks found that 50% are doing so now compared to 33% in last year’s study.

File-sharing services are the least common with 24% of respondents having approved cloud-based systems, but 50% of employees are using these through their own volition.

“Web-savvy users have discovered cloud-based file storage, sharing, and synchronisation services to get around IT-owned systems. They’re accessing data, whether corporate or personal, on their own terms. IT departments are not blind to this phenomenon,” said the report.

The survey reported that 30% of companies who participated in the research plan to have a company approved cloud-based file sharing solution in the next six months.

Most staff (93%) who use unapproved cloud file sharing are running Dropbox.

When it comes to approved services, 40% of businesses will include Dropbox in their policy and 24% will include Google Apps.

The most common IT service to run in the cloud with company approval is email. The survey reported that 46% of the SMEs interviewed had approved the use of cloud-based email. This compared to 42% in last year’s study. Another 5% expect to move to a cloud-based service in the next six months.

According to the research, 67% of respondents said the main reason for using a cloud email system was to reduce the burden on IT staff. Just over half (52%) said cost savings was a reason.

NIgel_Mills_MBMCloud-based productivity suites such as Office 365 and Google Apps were used by 35% of the SME respondents compared to 14% last year. Over half (52%) said they will use these in the next six months.

When it comes to approved apps, 60% of businesses said employees are using Office 365 compared to 59% for Google Apps. But for unapproved usage 78% of businesses said employees are using Google Apps compared to 41% using Office 365.

Are you missing out ? Talk to us at Micro Business Maintenance

Cloud , Data Backup , Office

How Legal is your Software?

More than half of small businesses in the UK have either bought or downloaded illegal software – according to research conducted by the leading global advocate for the software industry.

According to Business Matters Website and Magazine – The BSA research, carried out by Vanson Bourne, polled decision makers with responsibility for purchasing software in 250 small businesses in the UK.

NIgel_Mills_MBMFor a sizeable proportion of these businesses, the way they bought or downloaded illegal software appeared to be pre-meditated. More than one in five admitted to using a software key generator for business purposes – a small programme that will generate an unauthorised but working registration key or serial number for a piece of software. It is typically used to create an illegal version of a software application.

And 70 per cent of those who have purchased OEM software not accompanied by the hardware did so more than once. The same applies to repeat downloads of normally-paid-for-software for free from torrent sites and warez sites, as well as normally paid-for software for free from other sites.

For others, the buying and downloading of illegal software appeared to be accidental. A significant amount took action to remedy the situation once they discovered they’d been duped into buying fraudulent software.

More than half of small businesses replaced the software with a legitimate copy whilst 10 per cent uninstalled the software and did not replace it. However, these actions suggest that in many cases these businesses had to pay twice; making illegal software a false economy; particularly for those downloading illegal software multiple times.

Michala Wardell, UK committee chair of BSA | The Software Alliance, comments: “The practice of downloading illegal software amongst small businesses is clearly widespread. The research suggests that a large number of UK businesses have an unclear understanding of what constitutes illegal software use, at best; and a blatant disrespect for copyright law and business ethics, at worse. It’s encouraging to see that many of these businesses have taken action to address the error, often at their own expense. But to avoid undue costs and security risks, businesses need to be more vigilant about where they buy their software from in the future. As things stand, too many small businesses are exposing themselves to unnecessary hazards.”

The study reveals an irresponsible attitude to software management. Fifty four per cent of small businesses don’t have procurement records for all of the software their organisation uses. And yet the average cost for software is approximately £17,000 per business, to perform vital tasks.

disksHandley Brustad, Trading Standards Institute Joint Lead Officer Intellectual Property said: “The BSA research confirms our suspicions that while some small businesses are knowingly and opportunistically downloading illegal goods, a significant proportion of companies are being fooled into buying illegal software. It’s easy to assume that if a website is easily searchable online, the software is genuine. In many cases, it might seem easier to just press download, than ask too many questions. Unfortunately, the opposite is the case. Small businesses are leaving themselves open to security threats, liability claims and more. While we strive to bring down dishonest traders, we rely upon businesses to take proper precautions when purchasing their software. “

Can you afford to be using unlicenced or illegal software?  Talk to us about a software audit – it could just save your business in more ways than one. Why not consider Cloud computing and ensure all your software is legitimate?

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