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Top Zoom Meeting Best Practices: IT, Security and More

January 24, 2024 IT Strategy and Planning No comments yet
zoom meeting best practices

Key Takeaways:

  • Ensure Meeting Privacy: To maintain the confidentiality of Zoom meetings, make them private by sending invite links directly via email and adding a password for an extra layer of security.
  • Optimize Audio and Camera Quality: Improve meeting effectiveness by asking participants to mute their microphones when not speaking to reduce background noise. Enhance video quality by adjusting the camera placement to eye level.
  • Choose the Right Zoom Format: Understand the difference between Zoom meetings and webinars. Meetings allow all participants to share their video and audio, while webinars restrict these features to the hosts.

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What are the Real Causes of IT Downtime?

January 24, 2024 IT Support and Services No comments yet
causes of it downtime

Key Takeaways:

  • Prevent IT Downtime by Avoiding System Overload: Overloading your network can lead to complete shutdowns. To prevent this, it’s essential to calculate the necessary bandwidth for your devices.
  • Manage Network Users to Prevent Bottlenecks: Too many devices connected to the network can bottleneck data flow and crash the system.
  • Execute Updates Carefully to Avoid Downtime: Poorly executed updates can cause IT downtime. Instead of releasing updates all at once, a gradual “drip” release allows for thorough testing and reduces the risk of crashes during a major rollout.

Downtime. Is there a worse word to hear when running a business? It means things come to a halt, and nothing is moving forward. As is the case with any other downtime, IT downtime is something you want to avoid. It can bring your entire network, website, and everything else associated with an Internet connection to a crashing stop. When this happens, it means no online sales, website visitors won’t be able to reach you, and even in-person sales may be blocked if you can’t access the Internet for credit card readers. Essentially, it is a complete nightmare. To avoid such an issue, you need to know what causes IT downtime.
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Microsoft Teams vs Slack: Which is Best for Your Small Business

January 23, 2024 IT Strategy and Planning No comments yet
microsoft teams vs slack

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft Teams vs. Slack: Microsoft Teams is generally more cost-effective, offering a lower price point with more features in its free and paid versions compared to Slack. Teams also excel in online meeting services, supporting larger video meetings and better integration within the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Third-Party Integration: Slack has a significant advantage in third-party app integrations, supporting over 1,500 applications, making it a better choice for businesses that rely heavily on external tools not tied to Microsoft Office 365.
  • Data Security: Microsoft Teams provides a higher level of data security with advanced encryption and compliance features, making it a more secure option compared to Slack, especially for businesses with stringent security requirements.

Collaboration platforms have become more important now than ever before, as businesses continue to run off-site, and employees take their jobs back to the home office instead of the traditional workplace. With modern business constantly changing, it is important for you to invest in a collaboration software platform. There are a handful of platforms dedicated to professionals such as yourself, but two of the most popular services are Microsoft Teams and Slack. (more…)

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What is a Virtual CIO and Why Do You Need One?

January 23, 2024 IT Support and Services No comments yet
What is a Virtual CIO

Key Takeaways:

  • Cost-Effective IT Management: A Virtual CIO (VCIO) offers businesses the expertise of a Chief Information Officer without the need to hire a full-time employee. This approach saves money while ensuring that IT infrastructure is managed effectively and securely.
  • Expert Guidance and Support: A VCIO provides critical insights into selecting the right software, hardware, and security measures for your business. They also offer real-time support to resolve any IT issues, minimizing the risk of downtime and potential security breaches.
  • Enhanced Vendor Relationships: A VCIO can leverage its industry experience to help businesses establish and maintain valuable relationships with key vendors, improving operational efficiency and potentially boosting sales through targeted insights and strategies.

As a growing business, you may not have the use of a full-time board of directors. And even if you do, there are probably some positions you either don’t have the budget for a full-time, salary employee, or you just don’t need to have them on staff. At least not yet. One such individual is the Chief Information Officer. (more…)

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What Is The Average Server Lifespan and How Often Should It Be Replaced?

January 23, 2024 IT Strategy and Planning No comments yet
what is the average server lifespan

Key Takeaways:

  • Server Lifespan and Replacement Cycle: Traditionally, servers last three to five years before needing replacement or upgrades. Upgrading to more recent technology can extend this timeline further.
  • Impact of Aging Servers on Business: As servers age, they become more prone to crashes that lead to loss of productivity and potential downtime. Older servers may struggle with technological advancements that impede business expansion and customer relations.
  • Considerations for Server Warranties: Although extended warranties may be optional, it’s highly advised that businesses invest in at least an initial warranty period of at least several years to cover replacement parts and ensure prompt repairs, thus minimizing downtime.

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