As the technology field continues to develop, more and more small businesses are taking advantage of the improved technology. According to an SMB Routes to Market Study, 85% of small businesses planning to increase their technology investments are more likely to anticipate higher revenue. Here are some of the latest ways small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) are using technology to solve common problems:

1. Mobile Application

Most small businesses are constantly on the go, and do not have time to sit in front of their desktops and update information.

With the proliferation of smartphone devices, internet access is now ubiquitous. Over 94% of small business users believe mobile devices make them more efficient, said a recent report from the Mobility Edge, CDW. Smartphones are far and away the most popular device for small businesses, while tablet use is growing. Square is a mobile-payment device that attaches to a smartphone to accept credit card payments on the go.

2. Analytics

Analytics is a tool that takes measurements of your business. It helps break down marketing campaigns into bite-size chunks, as well as determine where traffic is going.

“Companies that figure out how to harness and turn data into insights most effectively will gain huge competitive advantages,” said the SMB study. There are several analytics programs that help users track web traffic.

3. Cloud Storage

Businesses that lack IT resources are turning to Cloud-based web solutions to fulfill common tech problems. 52% of small and medium-sized businesses are adopting cloud services to outsource IT tasks like data storage, said the SMB study. For instance, Apple’s iCloud allows users to backup media and personal files. Dropbox facilitates file and photo sharing across multiple devices.

4. Mobile Security

Mobile security is a growing problem, especially as most devices to not have sufficient encryption or verification technologies. Furthermore, lost and stolen devices are becoming a top mobile security concern.

Securing mobile devices with encryption or data-wiping technology prevents thieves from accessing sensitive business data. New apps allows users to remotely lock, wipe and locate their devices.

5. Web Teleconferencing

In the modern workplace, employees may be scattered all over the world; from telecommuting to far-flung locales – it’s important to have the technology to connect face to face.

Web-based teleconferencing services let large groups make video and voice connections, without special equipment, or additional hardware.

As technology continues to develop, small and medium-sized businesses will continue to benefit from the growing networks of mobile and social media connections.

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Jigsaw

Deleting files at regular intervals to increase the urgency to pay ransom faster, Jigsaw ransomware operates like this: for every hour that passes in which victims have not paid the ransom, another encrypted file is deleted from the computer making it unrecoverable even if the ransom is paid or files decrypted via another method. The malware also deletes an extra 1,000 files every time victims restart their computers and log into Windows.

Peyta

Encrypting entire drives, Petya ransomeware encrypts Master File Table. This table contains all the information about how files and folders are allocated.

RansomWeb

Instead of going after a company’s computers, RansomWeb takes a road less traveled: they infect web servers through vulnerabilities and encrypt website databases and hosted files, making the website unusable until ransom is paid.

Cloud Malware

Deleting or overwriting cloud backups: In the past, backing up your data to cloud storage and file shares was safe. However, newer versions of ransomware have been able to traverse to those shared file systems making them susceptible to the attack.

Cerber

Using the computer speaker to speak audio messages to the victim, Cerber ransomware generates a VBScript, entitled “# DECRYPT MY FILES # .VBS,” which allows the computer to speak the ransom message to the victim. The decryptor website says, “Attention! Attention! Attention!” “Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted!”

Tox

Ransomware as a service is a model offered on underground forums networks. It will provide the malicious code and infrastructure to facilitate the transfer of funds and the encryption key for the victim to be able to access their information. Tox ransomware does this.

Be Proactive and Preventative

The best way to disarm ransomware is by taking appropriate preventative measures to safeguard your data; Don’t allow redirects; don’t open emails from those you do not know; stay away from web browsers that have not been updated, such as Internet Explorer; and do not download files that you do not know the source of (e.g., an “exe. File”).

A proactive way to protect your data is to hire a remote management service that will secure your servers and enable effective firewalls. Telx Computers is one of the top IT companies in Miami, specializing in protecting your data. Our systems can detect invasive software far before it lands in your computer. Don’t let Ransomware happen to your organization.

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Sourcing a reputable and established Hosted Exchange provider could be the solution to many business needs. For some, finding dedicated time and space to manage communication and Internet logistics can be a struggle. But with a complete range of hosting packages to choose from, more cost-effective, manageable, and accessible Hosted Exchange solutions can be created.

A fast-moving and, at times, unforgiving world, commercial industries are beginning to turn to cloud computing and Hosted Exchange services. But how can Hosted Exchange actually benefit business? And more importantly, why turn to Hosted Exchange computing for IT service needs?

Sharing. Hosted Exchange works in unison with cloud computing, in a sense that it can be shared, and information and documents can be sent and received across the network. This not only means that the documentation within a business to other associates can be utilized, but sophisticated profiles mean that it is easier to share calendars, contacts, and tasks too. This helps in creating a collaborative and connected infrastructure within a business, allowing employees and colleagues to communicate in a new, more responsive and direct way.

Access. Hosted Exchange has revolutionized the way that businesses are run and managed. Cloud networks mean that Hosted Exchange can be accessed practically anywhere. From Outlook and a web browser on a personal computer to a laptop or smart phone, a business and the employees can synchronize important documents, e-mails, and contacts on the move, utilizing the overall functionality and efficiency of the business.

Costs. Managing IT services can be costly for businesses. With Hosted Exchange, businesses can benefit from full and inclusive features as well as on-hand servicing and support without other IT expenses. Having a network all in one place is not only more convenient, but also comes with a whole host of Microsoft features to enhance business.

Protection & Security. This is one of the most important features of Hosted Exchange solutions. Businesses need to have complete faith that their data, documents, and mailbox is fully secure and protected. Using award-winning Anti-Spam and Anti-Virus software, they can be safe in the knowledge that the network is in the safest of hands.

Don’t be left behind. Computing continues to advance more quickly than the time it takes to send an e-mail; businesses are discovering the benefits of hosted business IT and data solutions with Hosted Exchange. From larger corporations to growing small businesses, the future to business success could simply be a click away.

Telx Computers is a computer repair services facility that offers a full-featured Hosted Exchange e-mail service that includes additional value-added services to secure and backup e-mail data and enable businesses to collaborate Hosted Exchange.

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Cordell Schachter, the CTO of the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), who went through Hurricane Sandy in 2012, says climate trends will increasingly impact IT operations.

“At one time, you could go through a whole career without facing one of those situations” – something like a Sandy – said Cordell. But now he believes if “you have a career spanning more than a decade” you may see multiple major weather systems.

Weather-related disturbances are the leading source of grid outages, and that includes heat that increases grid load and effects its efficiency, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2015 was the warmest year on record for the planet, and 2016 is on track to exceed it.

Allocating funds for disaster recovery (DR) tools and systems is rising, but not exponentially. Improving disaster resilience is one of the many reasons businesses are migrating to the cloud, experts say.

For disaster recovery tools and services specifically, IDC says the global market for data protection and recovery services is about $6 billion, which grew at 7.2% in 2014.

Interest in disaster recovery tools increased significantly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but “many pulled back because of the cost of maintaining two centers,” and paying for idle equipment, said Phil Goodwin, a research director at IDC. The cloud is changing all of that.

Before Hurricane Sandy hit NYC, New York’s DOT began using Amazon Web Services for some of its applications. Those services remained operational during the historic power blackout that ensued from the storm.

“If you’re not in the cloud in some way right now – even if it’s just for testing purposes – it’s really malpractice if you’re in IT,” said Schachter.

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Regardless of the size of a business, firewalls are a necessity for guarding against hackers who wish to penetrate a network system in order to steal information. There are several different types of firewalls and different manufacturers that produce them. Being empowered with the knowledge of how to choose the correct firewall for a business network is crucial.

Firewalls are software programs or hardware devices that filter what flows into the business’s networking system through an internet connection. It sorts through the data flow and blocks anything deemed harmful to the network or computer system.

When connected to the internet, even a single computer or network of interconnected computers makes easy targets for malicious software and hackers. A firewall can offer the security to make companies less vulnerable and more protected to guard against data being compromised or computers being taken over.

Firewalls refer to activities done and systems placed that are designed to protect a computer network. It is meant to protect the usability, integrity, reliability, and safety of a network and data. It aims to seek a variety of threats and stop them before they can wreak havoc on and steal data from a network.

Firewalls are setup at every connection to the Internet, causing all data to flow through careful monitoring. Firewalls can also be tuned to follow sets of rules. These rules are simply security restrictions that can be set up by the network administrators to allow traffic to their web servers, giving all computer administrators control over the traffic that flows in and out of the systems and networks.

These rules will decide who can connect to the internet, what kind of connections can be made, and what kind of files can be transmitted in and out. All traffic in and out can be watched and controlled to give the firewall a high level of security and protection.

An Internet firewall is a security program that is designed to hinder the intrusion of any unwanted programs or data. Firewalls also inspect incoming connections for known attack methods and prevent these attacks from impacting internal network devices. They are designed to shut off access to operating systems or to other computers that are connected to a business’s network. They will automatically refuse and decrypt the unwanted information through the network, helping to save data from the hands of hackers.

Firewalls are highly valued by businesses for their ability to keep private information secure. Identity theft is a growing crime; firewalls are a good defense against online predators. Personal electronic information can also be kept private. Not only is privacy important for a competitive perspective, but also to maintain good business. Businesses have a duty to provide their customers with online business transactions that are as safe and as private as possible. Telx Computers offers computer repair services to businesses to help them configure and install secure firewall systems on their networks.

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Telephones still remain an important part of customer service strategies. Call management techniques allow businesses to handle incoming calls efficiently, even when other lines are busy; calls can be routed to employees with the needed skills to handle each inquiry. Additionally, callers can be offered the ability to choose from a range of options, such as “Press 1 for… Press 2 for…”

Mobile telecommunications can help maintain communication capability for employees working in remote locations or at home. All employees use the same telecommunications device to access data, send and receive messages, work on documents, or participate in multimedia conferences.

Collaboration between the departments of a business is an important way to help a company work efficiently and smoothly in improving performance of product development, customer relationship management, and quality initiatives. Telecommunications allow momentum to be maintained and important decisions to be made.

Telecommunications has reduced costs associated with transactions. It can also make shipping operations smoother by automating the basic processes that people once handled. Vast amounts of information are available to employees; telecommunications allows more employees to access and use the information and make decisions upon it. This helps to free up valuable time to allow for more productivity. This technology helps coordinate and dispatch roaming employees to sites as needed, eliminating the need for a central-based office.

Telecommunications also empowers firms to reach more customers with fewer resources and manpower. The power of telecommunications technology is driving businesses all over the world to get connected. The technology includes telephony and video conferencing, broadcast and interactive television, instant messaging, email, distributed electronic collaboration, and a range of web- and Internet-based communications and data transmissions.

It is the exchange of information over significant distances through the use of electronic channels. Communication is a crucial aspect of any business, and the availability of telecommunication assists a business in operating effectively.

Businesses spend a substantial amount of money and time in training, traveling, and communicating with customers. Through telecommunication methods such as teleconferencing, costs and limitations are reduced. Teleconferencing involves the use of an Internet connection and a phone line to communicate with people in other locations. Teleconferencing enables businesses to make decisions more quickly, especially if businesses have overseas partnerships, because customers and business partners involved have instant face-to-face communication to exchange information without having to travel far or wait too long for correspondence. Faster decision making means a business can progress and implement its operations on time.

Telecommunication methods of advertising and marketing include telephone marketing calls, social network marketing and online advertising. These types of campaigns expose a business’s services and products to a wider audience. This may assist the business in generating more sales and expanding its customer base.

Telx Computers, a Miami IT services company, provides full-service informational technology—IT services—in order to help businesses maximize client IT effectiveness. The IT support Miami company offers proactive, fixed-price computer IT support programs designed to maintain expenses associated to technology issues and communications while providing network monitoring and support.

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Microsoft Exchange is specially designed and developed to simplify corporate communications needs. It provides messaging as well as collaborative services to enhance the overall communication experience. Telx Computers is a computer support Miami company that uses a full-featured Hosted Exchange e-mail service that includes additional value-added services to secure and backup e-mail data and enable a business to collaborate Hosted Exchange.

From a strategic aspect, e-mail is a utility on par with having a dedicated phone number. Carrying the burden of deploying and managing this non-revenue generating system takes time and resources away from more strategic objectives. In order to deliver e-mail more efficiently and reliably, businesses should consider using Exchange through a hosted IT service provider. Hosted Exchange delivers big benefits around the organization but is even more beneficial for a business’s IT team.

Along with cost savings comes predictable, per-mailbox pricing that mitigates cost spikes for expanding systems to accommodate business growth, implementing upgrades, or extra measures needed to stay up and running instead of suffering downtime.

On top of savings of about three days of downtime per year, businesses also benefit from avoiding the disruption to companywide productivity that comes with unplanned downtime. The reliability benefit extends to the ability to go through other problems such as power outages without worrying about losing access to e-mail.

At Telx Computers, there is a team of e-mail experts behind a business’s messaging system to handle the admin tasks, spam/virus protection, backups, mobile and remote access, upgrades, and patches. That gives a business’s internal IT team more time to do the strategic work that generates revenue instead of dealing with the constant maintenance of the servers.

A migration to Exchange that could take months on-premises between procuring hardware, obtaining licenses, and setting up user accounts can be completed in a matter of days by an Exchange hosting provider. The e-mail data migration may mean moving from a completely different e-mail system. By guiding business through migration, the risk of data loss or extended downtime is mitigated. The computer IT support team at Telx Computers also has the experience to help proactively identify potential migration problems in advance of the switch to ensure clean, usable data in the new system.

Hosted Exchange is a business-grade e-mail solution. A hosting provider’s reputation is built on keeping e-mails secure and private. As a result, Hosted Exchange keeps a company’s data free from hackers and protects it with enterprise-grade spam and virus protection. Other security measures include data centers with video surveillance capabilities, multi-factor authentication, tracking and monitoring tools, and other capabilities to protect customer data. Hosting providers are able to consistently monitor e-mail to identify issues and react to threats before the business is impacted.

Hosting takes the hassle out of e-mail delivery. In a hosted system, it takes just a few clicks to add or reduce capacity. With the Hosted Exchange services offered by Miami IT services provider Telx Computers, businesses will receive improvements in productivity with powerful e-mail, calendar and online collaboration tools including information sharing among corporate colleagues.

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It is preferred by the businesses that have a number of servers for each individual application and wish to have a reduction in the cost of their maintenance and want an increment in the revenue generated by the organization.

To use cloud computing effectively it is necessary for the user to first be aware of some common terms that are related with cloud computing so that it proves to be beneficial at the time of applying this type of computing. Some of the common terms that come hand-in-hand are:

Private cloud computing: As the name makes it clear, the private cloud provides a complete authority to the user whether it is related to designing or managing the cloud. The client can have the main gear either in their or on the premises of the one who is handling the cloud.

Public cloud computing: Someone other than the one present in the premises of the business is held responsible for handling all the issue whether it be upgrading or storing of the data. The cloud can be used for providing services to the other businesses also. With a public cloud, the business can completely eliminate the need for all the expenses associated with having a dedicated server.

Hybrid cloud computing: hybrid cloud computing offer both the user and the main service provider to have an equal part of the service being offered. This can be explained more easily by considering the example of Microsoft exchange in which the main operating system is in the cloud but then each individual user has their file at their respective server.

A user needs to be cognizant of when, why and how to use cloud computing. When a business needs computer applications like emails and messaging it is necessary for them to have an individual server for each of the services which prove to be a costly procedure, in such a case it is preferred to go for a cloud computing that is equivalent to efficient server utilization and cost saving.

The main reason that is influencing this shift is that cloud computing companies can now have a flexible access to any application without a need to invest in building and maintaining an expensive IT infrastructure. Other than that cloud computing cost is less and is more scalable, secure and a more reliable way of operation and also avoid any kind of payment for the people who are responsible for maintaining the complex IT infrastructure for their proper functioning. You can always consult with an IT Company to find out more about cloud computing and its benefits for your business

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Though at present many IT Companies in Miami & worldwide are not taking advantage of some of the unique aspects of being in the cloud but it will be in trend in coming future. As resource limitation is not there in this kind of server hosting; it provide much more resource than the normally required limit and also Cloud servers are economically more efficient than the standard dedicated servers and offer the best stability / cost ratio performance. It provides different types of computing concepts that involve a large number of computers connected through a real-time communication network such as the Internet and when client opt for cloud hosting, they are provided with virtual space on renting rather than physical servers. And they have to Pay hourly billing only for what they use, and per-gigabyte pricing for outgoing bandwidth. This cloud computing concept offers two game-changing features like Portability (the operating system can now be moved from one physical machine to another as long as both share the virtual environment) and Resource Sharing (This allows different customers to share the same resource at the same time). The main kinds of cloud computing portability to consider are data portability, application portability, and platform portability.

There are two types of cloud server: logical server (view of a system describes the functional or visible function / layout) and physical server (describes how the system is connected together in the physical world). The physical server is logically distributed into two or more logical servers, each of which has a separate OS, user interface and apps, although they share physical components from the underlying physical server.

Cloud server software is cheaper, faster, more fault-tolerant, and more secure than traditional servers with virtually-unlimited resources. As a result, Most of the companies are moving from traditional servers to virtual servers in the cloud.

Cloud computing is a big time-saver and more beneficial as it is highly automated, no need of initial set up and no other operational expenses are required, example no need to set up a team to handle system updates and back-ups, which is the biggest advantage for company. Cloud computing helps businesses become mobile, easy to install the technology, High Availability, Network Security, server downtime is almost missing because various servers are available and it can be Hybridize with Physical Servers too.

Cloud computing is environmentally friendly with full support of both Linux and Windows operating systems. If you can achieve this in your cloud-based architecture, then you will truly have a faster, cheaper, more fault tolerant, and more secure deployment. Hence, Cloud hosting can be the best option keeping the above case in mind.

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Load balancing is also a reason for multiple servers. While they are powerful machines they too have issues with handling heavy traffic and multiple extensive application process’s. Placing multiple servers on your network and assigning different roles is a good way to balance the load. Say for example server one runs your remote apps server 2 is a fileserver storing all the user’s data and server 3 runs your active directory domain controller this would be an example of load balancing. Proper load balancing has the ability to manage heavy increases of traffic; it can also provide security by preventing the users from contacting the back end of the network.

At Telx Computers, IT Miami Services, your multi-solution provider, we can provide a solution that is right for you. Contact one of our technicians today to discuss some options for proper data redundancy and load balancing.

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