Data backup is a critical component of a business continuity plan, but many businesses fail to understand why data backup is important, as well as what it entails. Here is why data backup is important, and why you need it for your business. An understanding of how your data backup saves your infrastructure will allow you to effectively use it for business continuity.
Internet companies are always seeking ways to improve and ease the experience of their customers and clients. Take, for example, eBay. The famous reselling site has been taking steps to install an assortment of new features to improve its customers’ experience.
So, you’re convinced that cloud computing is the way to go for your agency. That’s great, and it’s an easy choice to make, seeing the cloud affords your business benefits such as increased productivity, improved collaboration, anytime/anywhere access, and much more. Now that you’ve decided to go with the cloud, what’s your next move to make it a reality?
With today’s great technology solutions, working remotely is no longer just a dream. Many businesses have either a partial or a complete remote staff, and it’s all held together by modern technology solutions. However, even with the latest tech, remote workers still have to be diligent and invest in their own success.
Security is increasingly becoming one of the most important parts of running a business, especially today when organizations rely heavily on their technology solutions. Some of the most dangerous threats lurk on a business’s network, waiting for an opportunity to do some real damage. With the right preventative measures, however, your business can catch these threats in the act before they can accomplish their goals.
Software-based phone systems are increasingly popular in the workplace. Traditional phone systems, while helpful under certain situations, are becoming increasingly antiquated compared to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP can help you save money and improve efficiency. But is VoIP right for your business?
Hardware refreshes often cause turmoil for businesses, particularly because of the cost of new servers and the time it takes to migrate data from one location to another. Thankfully, with the advent of virtualized servers, businesses have an alternative to the outright purchase of expensive, new hardware solutions. A virtual server hosted in the cloud offers not only a more immediate reprieve, but can also significantly reduce costs for your organization in the long run.
Wireless Internet signals, referred to as Wi-Fi, are commonplace in the office. Even organizations that don’t need access to the Internet, like restaurants and coffee shops, have wireless connections available for customer use. However, just because you can connect to free Wi-Fi, doesn’t mean that you should.
For years hackers have found ways to infiltrate and steal money from ATMs, but the latest tact is so dangerous that even the Secret Service has issued a warning about it.
Is your business still using tape as its primary method of data backup? If so, you could be missing out on a more reliable, less time-consuming alternative. Image-based, or “snapshot” backup solutions are the optimal way to guarantee the continuity of your organization’s data infrastructure.
Volkswagen has teamed up with three Israeli cybersecurity experts to form Cymotive, a company dedicated to creating solutions for preventing cyber attacks against computerized cars.
The more you use your device, the more often you reach for your charger for an afternoon plug-in session. For business owners who are increasingly using their smartphones as their primary work device, a short battery lifespan can impact effectiveness and productivity. Enter Android Doze, a new feature that could improve your battery life.
Payment via mobile device is gaining in popularity thanks to the latest smartphones making it easier than ever to pay bills or send money whenever needed. Yet, this trend also presents an interesting conundrum. What’s the best way to make mobile payments, and how can they be processed with minimal chance of being compromised?
Does the U.S. Constitution allow the American government to access the electronic devices of its citizens? Based on comments by FBI Director James Comey during Symantec’s Annual Government Symposium, it certainly does.
Instant messaging, once primarily used for social interaction, is finding a place in daily business communications. A survey from BetterCloud and reported by ITProPortal showed that over half of users believe instant messaging will become the new email in the office, which, when you think of how useful email is in the business environment, is an impressive statement. The problem lies in showing users how to leverage best practices for their instant messaging solution, and managing perhaps the biggest downside of all: how distracting it can be.
One of the most common threats to sensitive corporate data comes from within your organization in the form of user error. It is, in fact, the leading cause of data loss and security-related problems for business.
Anthony and Sonia Alika recently found out that the Internal Revenue Service is not an organization to mess with. Having been busted for filing fraudulent tax returns through the often-exploited Get Transcript site managed by the IRS, the couple will spend some time in the slammer in addition to paying restitution.
As perhaps the most widely-used computing tool in the workplace, Windows remains a huge target for hackers of all kinds. Criminals are always trying to uncover vulnerabilities in the operating system, but this time around, Microsoft has truly outdone themselves. Windows 10’s built-in security, according to hackers at the Black Hat conference in Las Vegas, allows for the most secure Windows operating system in several years.
DETROIT, September 2, 2016 – Smart IT Services, a leading independent agency technology provider, today announced the opening of its Mackinaw City office to serve its clients in Northern Michigan, Mackinac Island, and the Upper Peninsula. The branch office is located less than a half mile from the Mackinaw Bridge at 711 S. Huron Ave.
According to Jerry Fetty, CEO of Smart IT Services, the creation of a second office in Northern Michigan came about as a result of growth of Smart Services’ footprint in Northern Michigan.
“For 25 years, Smart Services has provided businesses and independent insurance agents across the country with proactive, fast, and expert technology services,” Fetty said. “Our Northern Michigan office is an expression of that ongoing commitment to provide the best strategic IT services to our many clients in this region.”
The new office will provide existing and new clients with:
• Local presence in the area with skilled technicians on site and nearby.
• Faster response time for on-site needs.
• myAgency Cloud, the most complete cloud solution available in the industry
• Network monitoring and management
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Email and spam protection
• VoIP phone systems
• Mobile device security
• Strategic IT assessments,
• Plus much more
“We’re excited about our new office and the potential for growth in this area,” Fetty said. “We look forward to helping our current and future clients to maximize their IT investment so they are more competitive and successful.”
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About SMART Services: SMART I.T. Services, Inc. is an information technology services provider founded in 1991 and focused on serving independent insurance agencies throughout the nation. The company recently was recognized as one of the Top 20 Most Promising Insurance Technology Vendors of 2016 by CIO Review magazine.
We've been told for years it’s best to routinely change your passwords. That way, if a password were stolen, it would lose its value when the user goes to change it. While this sounds logical, new research shows that sometimes it may actually be better NOT to change your passwords.
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