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Cloud Computing for Law Firms

Cloud computing for law firms helps to reduce costs, to increase the workflow, and to save on time and office space. Moving to cloud storage is also the only way to future proof your company and to ensure your law firm remains relevant in a globalised world by enabling access to all relevant and necessary case information even when you’re away from the office.

Cloud computing for firms will future proof your practice

Cloud computing has well and truly penetrated and permeated the data storage market and is set to be a permanent fixture. This is good news for everyone, from home-users to large companies and law firms.

The benefits of cloud computing for firms are manifold. By no longer relying on in-house processors to store data, firms can reduce their outgoings, cut down on office space (which also helps to further reduce costs), and increase the flexibility of their data management and storage by letting the cloud grow or shrink according to their needs at the time.

Streamlined workflows, better time management and major savings

One of the greatest savings that cloud computing for firms can help bring about, which might come as a surprise to some, is saving time. Cloud management systems, when used properly, can streamline workflow and improve time management exponentially.

Cloud storage and management allows users to have all the necessary information on a case in one place. Not just documents and contacts, but also invoicing, calendars, task tracking and other client management information. With all this information in one place, which can be accessed from anywhere with a secure internet connection, law firms could see their time spent on such activities and therefore reduce their invoicing and billing dramatically.

A remote office is a global office

The importance of remote access in this day and age shouldn’t be underestimated either. We live in a truly global world and clients expect global law firms. For this, cloud computing for firms is really the only answer. Not only does it help to keep you connected when out of office, on the road, or even in court, but cloud storage could also make the difference between keeping your virtual doors open and shutting down for days or weeks, should a natural disaster such as a flood, a fire or a snowstorm occur.

There are, of course, some risks associated with cloud computing for firms, but these can be easily managed and mitigated and should not put off law firms from the necessary and beneficial move to cloud storage.

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The Cloud Industry Preview for 2017

Now that personal users, large companies and businesses alike have widely adopted cloud storage, the changes predicted in 2017 involve users streamlining their services in order to save money where they can, as well as the wider use of public storage for private companies as a way to cut costs and reduce cloud storage management woes.

It’s fair to say that in 2017, the cloud has moved on from being the next big thing and has well and truly arrived. This year, the debate around cloud computing solutions will revolve around the question of where the industry will go now that it has been well and truly adopted.

Streamlining cloud computing solutions helps to save money

Despite the widespread adoption of cloud storage, there are still plenty of questions left to be answered in 2017. One major trend that is set to get its users thinking is different ways to save money on cloud storage services. As early adopters of cloud computing solutions begin to notice where they can save money and better secure their best practice when it comes to managing their cloud storage, others will follow.

It should hardly be a surprise that streamlining and reducing costs whenever possible is only just beginning to happen. IT executives and the causal user alike have only had a few years to get used to the idea of cloud computing and can now focus on how to make it work best for them.

Public storage for private companies

A big part of cost management, at least for large companies and businesses, will be to move away from private cloud software suites, to larger public clouds after realising just how expensive to run and difficult to manage private cloud computing solutions can be. By using public cloud services, users will find that much of the work and a lot of the cost, as well as a significant amount of risk, can be cut dramatically.

However, this doesn’t mean that companies should, or will, rely solely on public clouds. A major reason why the move to public cloud storage providers seems inevitable has to do with security and risk, but there are any number of reasons why certain companies will not want to fully hand over their data to a third-party provider. The companies that deal with sensitive, private, and customer data therefore might find themselves investing in hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI), which allows users to create a private portion of a hybrid cloud, thus securing the best of all worlds.

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5 reasons businesses need mobile cloud computing

As an increasing number of companies begin to rely on mobile devices, the limitations of mobile platforms are also being realized. Smaller internal memory, even with upgraded memory cards, tend to pale in comparison to the space offered by regular PC hard drives. Mobile devices are also typically restricted to Wi-Fi signal, which offers decreased latency and is more prone to file upload / download failure if the connection has intermittent hiccups, compared to a more stable cable-based internet connection.

However, even with these disadvantages, companies depend on their mobility, especially companies that rely on field workers. It is highly beneficial to field workers in industries where it is necessary to immediately capture a customer’s signature, process payments on the spot, or fill out paperwork that can be immediately uploaded to the company’s records.

While mobile devices have their pros and cons for all business industries, there are several cloud mobile computing solutions that can tip the scales further into the pros category.

Accurate location and work-shift records – While field employees may not enjoy feeling like they are being “tracked”, there is no denying the benefits of having their location and exact work hours logged onto their device. Dispatches can be sent to GPS locations, and no uncertainties can arise over logged work hours, or overtime pay.

Improved workflow coordination – Job productivity can be measured with real-time stats so a company can have a greater view over the amount of time a job takes to be completed. This translates into more realistic expectations of job performance for both the company and the employees, and no one will feel like they are being taken advantage of, or expected to complete difficult tasks in unrealistic time frames.

Reduced paperwork and data-entry errors – Employees in the field will be able to capture more accurate and broader information, whether it’s customer records, job site photographs, or QA checks of materials. A cell phone tower technician could, for example, immediately log all problems at an installation site, with photographic evidence, and either receive immediate instructions from headquarters, or have the records saved for a future technician team.

Immediate accounting and payroll – Instead of needing a large HR office to handle accounting and payroll for all of the company employees, hours logged by employees into the mobile cloud could simply be verified by a much smaller team. Employee bank information can also be saved into the cloud, for immediate deposit of payroll, instead of checks being sent out or deposited into employee’s bank accounts.

 Enhanced company security – Mobile devices are at major risk for security compromises, which may let company apps or records fall into the wrong hands. With cloud mobile computing solutions, employees could be required to use for example, a 2-step authentication method of logging into the company’s cloud apps. This significantly increases security because, even if a hacker gains entry into an employee’s cell phone, they would not have the 2nd device needed to receive the temporary log-in code for the company applications.

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What does the Dell – EMC Merger Hold in Store for Cloud Storage?

Shareholders of either Dell or EMC received some fantastic news on July 19th, 2016 – the proposed merger between the two companies was officially approved. Both companies have projected profits in the millions of dollars for 2016, and this 7-billion-dollar acquisition will frog-leap Dell to the top of the food chain, should events unfold ideally. Acquiring EMC gives Dell access to EMC’s umbrella companies such as VMWare, Mozy, and RSA Security.

With such powerful cloud-storage technologies under its belt as a result of this merger, Dell will be able to expand past the low-profit PC manufacturing market, and begin offering premium and business-class services to its customers that revolve around cloud storage solutions. It’s not far-fetched to imagine, for example, Dell computers being bundled with VMWare or other cloud-storage software that allows users to immediately begin storing files on the cloud, which could save consumers the cost of purchasing large-capacity, portable hard drives. Dell could even use a dedicated cloud to push software and security updates to customer PCs, instead of relying on website downloads or Windows Update, resulting in lightning-fast speeds for critical updates not offered by any other PC manufacturer.

Can Dell Become the Industry Standard for Data Security?

This should also bode well for increased security. Periodic backups of user’s data could be hosted on the cloud, and easily retrieved if the user were infected with malicious malware. Restore points would no longer need to be saved on the computer, where they could also become infected and corrupted. If this becomes a reality, Dell would become the first PC manufacturer to offer a steady, reliable system of protecting user data. Whereas corporations previously needed to purchase all the computers for their office, then license cloud storage software for those computers, Dell will be able to offer all-in-one solutions for these client’s needs.

The entire deal is made even better with RSA Security being a part of the mix. RSA Security offers a plethora of security features such as 2-step code authentication for the products under its umbrella. Undoubtedly, this will allow Dell to have built-in proprietary security features that other PC manufacturers will need license agreements to offer. With everything on the table as a result of this merger, Dell is poised to become an even more powerful competitor in offering its PC line-up to corporate enterprises and home consumers alike.

There are a few lingering concerns over the entire deal, such as when Elliot Management, an activist shareholder firm, took control of 2% of EMC and tried to organize a sell-out of VMWare in 2015. However, Dell is a privately traded company, so EMC should fall immediately under Dell’s protection and prevent any future incidents such as this.

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The future of personal cloud storage

Although computer hard drives have become bigger and faster, they’re still prone to mechanical failure. There is nothing worse than losing hundreds of gigabytes worth of personal data, whether it’s your music collection, photo albums, or work documents. Personal cloud storage is a viable and cost effective solution to preserving your important data, as well as being able to access it from any device with an internet connection.

Companies with remote workers have the largest need for online cloud storage solutions, but the technology has yet to become a truly mainstream method of saving data.

Cloud storage developers are beginning to bridge this gap between business and personal users, however. Technology has become focused on mobility and convenience, meaning a large amount of mobile users would like to be able to access their data from any location. Music and photo collections, for example, will no longer need to be transferred from PC to phone via USB cable, but can be pulled from the personal cloud storage. Bluetooth transfers may also no longer be necessary, as access to files in your cloud can be shared with your friends.

Why Personal Cloud Storage Matters

Personal cloud storage is currently just a convenience, but it may become an important investment for users who work with large files. Currently as of this article date, the largest SD cards available for phone storage come in a maximum of 512 gigabytes. This may seem like a large amount, but it’s important to remember that files are also becoming larger in size as media quality increases.

For example, a 128kbps MP3 file averages around 3mb in size, whereas a lossless FLAC file of the same song could be as high as 40mb. Photographs in JPEG format at 20 mega-pixel resolution can also average around 3mb per photo, but shooting photographs in RAW format with a high quality digital camera can expand that file size up to 20mb. An avid music lover or photographer could fill up their SD card storage quite rapidly with a growing collection of high-quality media files.

Thus, it’s not difficult to conclude that personal cloud storage is not only convenient for ease of access and data loss prevention, but also keeping a memory card from filling up too fast. While MP3 and JPEG formats are still the mainstream standard today, standards become obsolete over time.

For anyone seriously considering a long-term solution to ease of file access and storing large amounts of data, personal cloud storage is worth the investment. You can rest comfortably knowing that a mechanical hard drive failure will not wipe out your entire Pink Floyd discography, and grandma’s 80th birthday photos will be forever preserved.

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Ransomware: The Thermostrat Demonstration

While many people rarely keep up to date on the latest hacker exploits, few may realize how dangerously close hackers have become to being able to exploit even the most ordinary devices we use every day. This article explains the newest threat, “ransomware”, and how it can effect a range of common household devices.

Def Con, the infamous annual hacker convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, all too often gives the public a horrifying peek into how little security many of our internet connection devices have. The safety features we often take for granted are regularly exploited by mischievous black hats, often for financial gain. The latest and possibly most troubling security hack was discovered and showcased at Def Con by security experts Ken Munro and Andrew Tierney, two employees of data security firm PenTest Partners.

The exploit, titled “ransomware”, was shown to be able to infect even the most basic of devices – your home thermostat. Utilizing a security exploit, hackers can actually remotely take control of your thermostat and lock out attempts to adjust the settings. Thus, a hacker could raise your thermostat to the maximum temperature, and demand ransom payment to return user-control.

The thermostat was just one example of IoT (Internet of Things) devices that can be infected with Ransomware, but it’s the least grim scenario. Imagine the steering wheel of your car being remotely locked on the highway, or being locked out of your front door’s security panel. As technology creeps into our everyday use, the risk factor increases exponentially as well.

Companies are at Largest Risk

Companies in particular are at the largest risk for being targeted by ransomware. Ordinary citizens are least likely to be targeted, unless they download malware-infected apps on their smartphones. Business owners, on the other hand, already have targets painted on their backs. A company is much more likely to have private data and important documents worth protecting, and worth paying the ransom for in a worst case scenario. Thus, companies need reliable protection for their data more than the average person.

It’s also worth noting that while ordinary, average citizens may not be targeted as much, there is a correlation between personal wealth and ownership of IoT devices. As the technology is still new and expensive, it’s no stretch to say that a person who owns many personal IoT devices is on average wealthier than those who do not, and thus may also be a prime target for ransomware infections.

Do Your Homework to Stay Safe

In this digital age, we cannot take underestimate the important of security for even the most mundane of IoT devices. Every internet-capable device in your home is an infection waiting to happen, so doing proper research on digital security solutions and knowing how to protect your data from ransomwares could not be more important than ever before.

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How to fight against ransomware?

“Ransomware” is the newest cybersecurity buzzword and threat to your digital peace of mind. This insidious type of attack is unique in that it literally takes your system hostage. There are ways, however, to gain some defence against ransomware.

A new threat on the block

If you are a daily computer user for personal or business reasons, you are probably aware of a number of threats to your data security. These may include viruses, malware, worms, or phishing attacks, among other insidious digital presences. It is possible, however, that you are not familiar with the term “ransomware.” What exactly is this sinister-sounding phenomenon? Well, simply put, ransomware is a type of attack that holds your computer hostage. It disables normal system operation, and demands that the user make some sort of payment in order to free their computer and return to normal.

The worst part is that ransomware is now one of the premier attacks of choice for would-be hackers, and has proliferated exponentially over the last few years. Let’s talk a little about how these ransomware attacks work, and what we can do to protect ourselves from them.

Taking digital hostages

Ransomware typically enters your system through its weakest points of access and least-protected by firewalls and anti-virus software – your email and social networking software. The first act of the attack is to disable your operating system in a way that is highly complicated to undo, encrypting the user’s data. The attacker then threatens the victim with a hijacking of their system, and demands payment, usually money, in order to liberate your system.

This is a highly-invasive form of attack, and one that sometimes requires a drawn-out negotiation, criminal investigation, or massive counter-security measures to overcome, in addition to the ugly personal nature of ransomware. Luckily, solutions do exist that provide you with a first line of defence against these types of attacks.

A safeguard against ransomware

The company Mozy offers an innovative solution to combat ransomware. This technology, called the “CryptoLocker,” allows you to store up to 90 days of previous versions of your operating system, providing a point of reference for a full system restore that eliminates the ransomware and returns your computer to a previous, infection-free state.

It functions as a sort of time capsule, allowing you a hard reset option in the case that someone has a go at taking your system hostage. Having a safeguard like CryptoLocker can go a long way towards giving you peace of mind in the event of a ransomware attack. There is no need to negotiate with attackers or relinquish the hostage money, keeping your company information and finances safe.

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How should companies be assisted in their digital transformation?

As the world of modern business continues to evolve, it is essential that your company continues to evolve with it. One of the best aids for your company’s digital transformation is using a cloud provider to manage your data. Additionally, it is essential to choose a provider with high-quality customer service, which may be key into streamlining your digital operations.

The evolution of modern business

The business world is one that is in a state of constant rapid evolution. The roles played by companies as well as the spaces where their activities take place are becoming increasingly digital, real-time affairs. This world demands new skills and presents new questions for businesses and employees. Is your company on the same page as the rest of the modern business landscape? Some need to be dragged kicking and screaming into the digital age, but it is not nearly as intimidating as it seems at first glance.

There are a lot of ways you can facilitate your companies’ digital transformation, and ensure that your business model is fully a part of the 21st century. One of these is “cloud computing,” a technology that may mean a lot to the way your business operates.

The cloud computing solution

What exactly is “cloud computing?” Well, in the simplest terms, it just refers to a method of data storage in which your data is stored on an off-site server, accessible remotely. This technology has been present on the scene for over a decade, but has just recently reached mass acceptance among the majority of companies and even private individuals. The benefits to the digitalisation of your companies are very tangible. You are able to access company data from anywhere, as well as make sure that your data is synchronised and secure.

You have a back-up of all your important data, in addition to making it easier to interact with, even from your mobile device. Cloud computing gives your company a flexibility and technological responsiveness that is key to a smooth digital transformation.

High value in customer service

Cloud computing companies often provide a high-level of support for businesses that contract their services. They can prove to be an invaluable aid to your digital transformation. This help can come in the form of helping you to transfer your company’s data to the cloud, setting up security measures, or resolving any incidents that may occur.

This can really go a long way to lifting the burden off the shoulders of your on-site IT staff and free up their time for more productive activities. It is worth it to choose a cloud provider with top-notch customer service as management of your company’s digital transformation and data requirements needs to be left in the most capable hands possible.

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What is the value of free file sync software?

For users of multiple devices and platforms, file synchronisation software is a must. These solutions can make the digital life of you or your company significantly more streamlined. There are many methods available for those interested in this type of software, and includes both free and paid options.

Why synchronise my files?

Nowadays, our digital lives are very often spread out across multiple devices. We interact with our smart phones, laptops, tablets, and work computers, frequently using the same files, software, and data. This is where file synchronization software comes into play. These solutions, which come in a manner of forms, allow us to synchronise our digital data across several platforms and devices, making it easier to access and utilise this data easily and efficiently.

It is normally preferable to older methods of file transfer, like USB drives or discs, which can be a bit clunky at times. File sync software makes this process relatively painless, automatically updating software and saving new versions of files that you are able to access anywhere at any time. Many different file sync software solutions exist, whether free or through a paid service, both of which have their advantages.

The free route

A quick google search for file sync software will reveal a plethora of free options for syncing your files. The greatest advantage of these platforms is just that, zero impact on your wallet. These can be worth looking at for individuals, especially if your data needs are limited. Make sure to investigate properly and find out the ins-and-outs and supported platforms before choosing an option, as some may be laden with adware and unwanted limitations. If you have a greater amount of data, or are looking at file synchronisation from an enterprise perspective, there are many tangible benefits to using a paid service that should perhaps be considered.

Opting for an upgrade

These companies, while requiring a fee for their services, often make up the difference with faster, more powerful infrastructure, and streamlined access platforms. The cost can be up-front or monthly, and frequently scale with the amount of data. Many of the paid file synchronisation software solutions also normally provide a higher standard of customer service, attention, and security, something you might want to consider when placing your data in the hands of a third party.

These solutions tend to have sophisticated cross-platform integration and the capacity to handle large amounts of core data. This is a real advantage, and crucial for companies whose data management has a big impact on daily operations. Whatever avenue you choose, it’s worth facilitating your digital workload with file synchronisation.

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What do data centers really contain?

Everyone these days is familiar with the concept of “cloud computing.” But where are our files actually stored? The answer lies in the form of data centers, or places specifically built to house large amounts of data.

Just where is our data?

Most people are aware of the concept of “cloud computing,” one that has been an important presence in culture and commerce over the last ten years. What exactly is “the cloud?” Where is this data actually stored? Our data is unfortunately not floating in the air as the name implies, but stored at a location called a “data center.” Unless you’ve worked in the sector, you might not be too aware of what these type of centres actually contain. Let’s take a little look at the operations of one of these centres, as well as an interesting new method for companies to interact with them.

The infrastructure of a modern-day data center

At the most basic level, a data storage is a place that contains infrastructure, i.e. servers, for store large amounts of data. The scale of these places can range from small rooms to entire warehouses. In addition to the servers themselves, a data center also contains all of the accompanying support equipment, such as power supplies and fans.

Due to the large amount of sensitive machinery, servers are normally placed on a raised platform with ample ventilation and control of ambient temperature. This allows the equipment to be protected from dangers like overheating and dust. Many data centers also rely on various forms of on-site security controls, whether in the form of a simple control box or an elaborate system of separated, key-access cages.

Taking a ride on the data shuttle

One of the newest, most exciting methods for working with a data center is the Mozy data shuttle. Your company is sent an external hard drive (the “data shuttle”), you back up the data you want to store onto the shuttle, and send it back to Mozy. When connected to a system, the drive automatically guides the user through a complete, encrypted backup process of the data on the system. The data is then shipped to the data center, where it is safely stored on their encrypted servers.

The encryption key even allows complete file anonymity, as only you are able to access it. The data shuttle service is a great idea for businesses interested in taking the initial step into cloud storage and backup, allowing you to store a massive quantity of data in one go. This clever new method is definitely worth considering if you want a quick and easy way to trust in the cloud.

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The increasing importance of mobile computing in a professional context

The influence of mobile technology can be felt in almost every aspect of our lives. Nowhere is this truer than in the world of business. The modern digital economy has been revolutionized by the increasing importance of mobile computing.

Life in the mobile age

Life in the 21st century is inseparable from the presence of the smartphone and mobile internet. Over the last two decades, these technologies have become exponentially more sophisticated, and the public at large has wholeheartedly integrated them into their daily business. These devices have found their way to innumerable parts of our lives, revolutionizing communication and the way that information is exchanged. Our economy is no exception.

Mobile computing has irrevocably transformed the way we do business, affecting every sort of company, from a small town shop to massive global conglomerates. Technology like instant messaging, scheduling, and cloud mobile solutions has been broadly embraced, and are now a requirement for competitiveness is the modern marketplace.

Digital storefronts and viral marketing

The world of business, like the worlds of entertainment and information, now moves at the speed of the internet. E-commerce is now a universally-accepted aspect of business, moving billions of dollars in online transactions and connecting companies and clients across the globe, regardless of time zones and geographical barriers. Mobile technology has given birth to new market niches and the ability for services to be provided a la carte through platforms that allow companies to find freelancers and contractors.

The way that companies operate has become markedly more dynamic and reliant on individual contributions and digital adaptability. Digital advertising has created a new paradigm in the world of marketing, as companies seek to carve identities for themselves through social networking and designing applications to connect them with their clients. The distance between consumers and their products has never been closer.

The world of mobile technology has become a massive force on the global economy itself, as a powerful industry has emerged that provides mobile services, phones, and applications. For a business to be viable, regardless of sector or scope, it is important to be aware of how this technology can be employed to your advantage.

The impact of “the cloud”

One of the greatest impacts that mobile computing has had on business has come in the form of cloud mobile app solutions for companies. Cloud computing, or data storage and application usage placed on a remote server, has revolutionized the digital economy. Utilizing these solutions provide a company with a wide variety of benefits. One of the most immediate benefits is the ability to access company data from anywhere in the world, using any type of device, whether a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

These applications connect employees and projects by using project management software and scheduling, remote data access, and tools for communication. Mobile applications allow for a great degree of control and awareness of how a company’s tasks are organized and projects are shared. The infancy of these tools has passed, and cloud computing is more present than ever in the world of business as concerns with security and data ownership have been clarified and the technology is increasingly refined. From any perspective, it is truly an unavoidable fact that mobile computing has transformed the world of business at almost every level.

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5 Ways to Be More Efficient at Work

Are online tools in the workplace a distraction or an advantage? The truth is, if you find the right solutions for your company’s needs, there are a lot of ways that you can use technology as a powerful path to efficiency. Let’s take a look at some of the ways we can use to maximize our use of time at work.

Reducing the clutter

In an age when technology is omnipresent in the workplace, it’s easy for what is designed to be a helpful tool to become a source of distraction, clutter, and procrastination. Sometimes, things like Facebook or other social networking sites, while serving as viable options for publicity and keeping in touch with clients, can eat away at our workplace productivity. If you use technology to your advantage, however, using tools like file synchronisation or project management platforms can work powerfully in your favour in pursuit of streamlining how you and your co-workers reach your goals.

On a basic level, letting your office go as paperless as possible is an immense boon to efficiency in itself, in addition to reducing expenditures and respecting the environment. There is software or cloud technology for almost every business need, whether it is tracking your finances and invoicing or reaching your clients.

Online scheduling and project management

One of the best things you can do to maximize your efficiency at work is to make communication between employees as easily as possible. Services like Skype, Google +, and a number of cloud services provide the opportunity to easily set up meetings and conferences between co-workers regardless of geographic restrictions or platform. Additionally, there are lots of options for online scheduling, even as simple as Google Calendar, which synchronizes well across devices. Additionally, there are a wide selection of project management web platforms, like Basecamp or Wrike, that allow you a great deal of control over task assignment, tracking, and the ability to visualise long-term data and pinpoint areas where efficiency can be improved.

These solutions also benefit from cross-platform integration, a key element of modern workplace bang-for-your-buck. Intelligent mobile use is an important ally for any company. The number of apps that can be effectively implemented at work is growing every day, and includes everything from simple task management to clever employee reward systems and motivation.

Cloud computing and data synchronisation

One of the very best techniques for streamlining your work efficiency is investing in a cloud computing solution. There are myriad benefits to this technology for a large variety of different workplaces. Cloud computing is simply a way to store your company data on an off-site “cloud” server, allowing you to access, share and synchronise your files from anywhere with an internet connection, on any equipped mobile device or computer.

Users of cloud computing solutions are also able to automatize a number of network tasks, such as security concerns or backing up important files, freeing up valuable IT time. This technology is more affordable than ever, and cloud providers often provide scalable plans to fit businesses of any size and shape. It gives you an unprecedented flexibility when dealing with your files, as you are able to move them across platforms, communicate easily with co-workers, and work on-the-go, all solid benefits for your workplace efficiency. Make technology your ally, not your enemy, and cut the clutter.

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Why do you need to store your personal data in the cloud?

As more and more aspects of our personal lives become digital, the value of our files has gained more importance than ever before. How can we protect this information? Cloud data storage is an attractive option not just for businesses, but also for individual users looking to protect their personal data.

Digital eggs in a digital basket

Let’s face it – when dealing with data storage, it’s never a good idea to keep all of your eggs in one basket. As our day-to-day dependence on personal digital information increases, so does the potential for catastrophe if something were to happen to that data. Even a modest laptop hard drive belonging to a normal person often contains a large number of files with personal, business, or emotional significance. Family photos, records, music collections, video game save files…everyone possesses files dear to their heart.

Unfortunately, as we all know, computers can sometimes be fragile creatures. It’s not hard for a spilled cup of coffee, unwanted virus, or dropped laptop to annihilate all the aforementioned important files in one fell swoop. What can we do to avoid losing files that are important to us? A convenient solution may be found in the form of cloud data storage.

Cloud technology, not just for businesses

Simply put, cloud data storage is the ability to store data on a remote server, known as “the cloud.” Cloud data storage was first marketed and directed towards large-scale use for companies, but over the last few years, individual users have quickly begun to embrace this useful technology. There are as many ways to utilise cloud backup services as there are people, but the basic concept is simple.

The user is able to upload, either automatically or manually, copies of important files onto the cloud. If something were to happen to your computer, these files can be easily retrieved without losing any information. In addition, there are other benefits to using remote storage. The nature of the cloud also allows for cross-platform access to your files, permitting you to easily use or share files on other computers, on a mobile phone, or travelling. This may be especially useful for many types of personal files, such as photos or music.

The value of digital peace of mind

With a bit of investigation and an understanding of how much data you need to store and what type of data it is, it’s not at all difficult to find a cloud storage package that works for you.  A large variety of companies, big and small, offer personal cloud accounts for users interested in this technology. In addition, many new versions of operating systems and social networking technology come equipped with automatic cloud backup services that are already integrated and easy to use.

The truth is, these type of services are easier to use and more affordable than ever before. Improvements to security, user interfaces, and cross-platform integration continue to make cloud technology an attractive option for an everyday PC user. And no, it’s never nice to spill an entire cup of coffee on your keyboard. But there’s no reason you should have to lose your priceless digital history along with it. Give cloud data storage a try and gain some valuable digital peace of mind.

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How to respond to a network attack?

Anyone tuned in to the latest business news has undoubtedly read many tales of businesses suffering attacks on their network, often on a large scale and with devastating consequences. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent and mitigate damages in the face of hacking threats. These include proper preparation, record-keeping, and use of server backup.

 The importance of guarding your digital assets

The increasingly digital nature of the business world has made protecting your company’s network a bigger priority than ever before. The news has been full of reports of high-profile, embarrassing examples of compromised company data. Whether kept in a cloud storage system or on a traditional in-house server, it is absolutely crucial that companies are ready to respond to the threat of an attack that could compromise the integrity of their data or operations.

In essence, a network attack is a malicious attempt, whether internal or external, to compromise network security and gain access, for example, to sensitive proprietary data or records. In order to be properly protected, it is important to understand how different types of attacks work, and what your best options for defence are. Luckily, as hackers become more and more sophisticated, so do these options for keeping your data safe.

 Be prepared

The best way to avoid the effects of a devastating network attack is to be prepared. It is essential to understand what your most important digital aspects are, as well as where and how they are stored. If you can predict the specific vulnerabilities of your particular system, identifying possible attacks becomes much easier.

Make sure that your IT department has a clear understanding of where your most sensitive data is located, and has a well-structured incident response plan. This way, you can avoid wasting time in the aftermath of a network attack, as well as quickly assist law enforcement in finding the perpetrators.

Proactivity is key, as the first 24 hours after a network attack can be the most crucial for minimising damages and maintaining customer confidence. Make sure that you keep thorough records of your files, how they are accessed, and both outgoing and incoming network traffic. Additionally, it is important to be up to date on the latest threats, as the world of digital security is a constantly changing and evolving one.

 The benefits of server backup

One of the simplest ways to avoid digital disaster is to utilise cloud server backup to protect your data. On a base level, cloud storage means that if your in-house files are lost, stolen, or corrupted, you are still left with a safe backup copy. However, this is not the only benefit to using server backup as an anti-network attack measure.

Many companies offering cloud packages for businesses offer military-grade security and full-time security staff dedicated to protecting user data. Advances in encryption and the increased interest in cloud solutions have, interestingly, made them often a more secure approach than traditional data storage methods. By outsourcing some of your security concerns, you not only free up staff time, resources, and infrastructure, but also gain some valuable peace of mind. It is true that the threat of a network attack can be a scary one, but proper preparation and clever use of resources can go a long way to keeping your company’s data safe and uncompromised.

[simondtechnology]

Cloud Backup: The Advantages of Managed Services

Cloud computing has been widely adopted by businesses of all sizes, and is now crucial for companies looking to keep their data overhead as low as possible. Many cloud providers offer a way to improve these benefits using managed services solutions. What can be gained by trusting certain aspects of your data storage to your cloud provider?

 Investing your resources

Cutting down on margins and effectively applying staff time to IT managed services solutions are important concerns for any business that wants to be competitive in the modern marketplace. Nowhere is this truer than the increasingly-essential data storage element crucial for a well-functioning enterprise. With this element, however, comes a slew of management responsibilities that require time, money, and attention. Businesses need to dedicate resources to organizing and backing up their data, something that can become a burden to infrastructure and distract from your principal business activities.

With the advent of cloud solutions, some of this weight can be easily taken off your shoulders. Fortunately for companies that put a high value on efficiency and reliability, many cloud providers can easily facilitate the process of managing your data backup needs. Let’s take a look at some of the ways choosing the right cloud provider can help you to delegate and save while maintaining proper reserve protection of your company’s digital information.

 Avoiding data disaster

The advantages of cloud data storage have been repeatedly demonstrated in recent studies and have been subsequently adopted on a large scale by companies of all sizes. As cloud services improve and develop aspects like security and accessibility, the option of outsourcing your data storage to a third party becomes more and more appealing. The bonus of choosing the cloud is improved even further when considering IT managed services solutions from your data provider. A perfect example of this is when dealing with creating backup copies of your most important data.

Herein lies one of the most obvious benefits to managed services, as proper coordination of this aspect is essential to avoiding possible data disaster. Interestingly, many providers now offer automation of this process. You can schedule it as fits your needs and customize for different sets of data. Additionally, as it occurs on an off-site server (although it can be coordinated with on-site backups in the interest of security), it doesn’t consume company computing resources.

Adapting your cloud plan to your needs

There’s more benefits to using managed cloud services than just efficient backups. A well-managed cloud includes high-level security protection, user identification, software, and fine-tuning of mobile accessibility. These companies specialise on data management full time and dedicate a lot of resources to streamlining the process, resources you can save for your strategic business interests.

They are constantly updating and tweaking their systems as technology develops, allowing you to trust that your cloud system never becomes obsolete. Many of the large cloud providers even offer customised services tailored to the different data needs of different industries, and it is more than likely that with a bit of research you can find the solution that works best for you.

Utilising the abovementioned managed services may in fact go a long way towards reducing administrative overhead, allowing you to prioritise your main business activities, and provide you with a little piece of mind along the way.

[simondtechnology]

Cloud Computing: 5 Trends for 2016

Now that cloud computing solutions have been widely embraced by businesses of all types, more resources are being dedicated to their refinement than ever before. 2015 brought us all sorts of innovations in the industry, but it just may reach a fever pitch in 2016. Let’s take a look at some of the trends that may be waiting for us over the next 365 days.

Expanded possibilities, greater safety

From SaaS data protection to new mobile apps and containers, 2016 is sure to be another year of refinement and development in cloud computing. To that end, I’d like to highlight five new trends for the upcoming year and how they might affect your company’s use of cloud data storage. One of the principal trends is the new spotlight on SaaS data protection. SaaS, shorthand for “software as a service,” refers to the use of applications that are available directly on the cloud itself.

The security of data processed with this type of application has historically been a concern, but the arrival of “cloud-to-cloud” SaaS data protection allows for more effective backup of this information. Automatic backup and advanced restoration points are now a reality for would-be users of these resources. SaaS data protection is an excellent option for businesses that want to have more confidence in the integrity of their data and save money at the same time.

Security and the “hybrid cloud”

The second likely trend for 2016 is greater attention, refinement, and investment into increasingly potent cloud security. Defence of cloud data is stronger than ever before, and continues to improve. Ironically for what opponents have the cloud have been saying for the last decade, it may now be safer to move sensitive data to the cloud than just simply leaving it at the mercy of conventional on-site protection, which may be weak to something like an Advanced Persistent Threat.

The third trend being talked about by many information specialists for this year is the arrival of the “hybrid cloud.” This system combines a public cloud provider with a private one, each using separate infrastructure and communicating over an encrypted protocol. This allow for efficient prioritisation and protection of specific data, while providing a failsafe measure in the case that either the private intranet or access to the public internet are compromised. It’s not for everyone, but worth investigating for many businesses, especially large ones with a lot of sensitive data.

More applications, more containers

Our fourth trend is the growing number and almost ubiquitous presence of cloud-native apps. This is occurring for individual cloud users as well as for companies, as new apps are being released constantly, facilitating everything from sharing music to more efficient mobile access and communication for employees of a large business. The fifth and final trend that many are predicting for cloud technology in the upcoming year is the increased use of containers.

Although they have been buzzed about for a few years now, the technology has been greatly refined and many cloud providers now offer better management of containers that allow an enterprise to isolate and control different sets of data and applications within their cloud data.

In a fast-paced industry like cloud computing nothing can be predicted for certain, but what is certain is that we are in store for new changes and fascinating developments in the year ahead.

[simondtechnology]

File synchronisation: what are the main challenges for individuals?

Cloud computing has enjoyed a sustained period of visibility as an option for companies looking to cut margins and smooth out their operations. However, recent developments in cloud computing have made it an option for individual users as well. Why should an individual opt for storing their files in the cloud?

The cloud, not just for companies

You’ve seen it everywhere, and perhaps you’re now ready to store your personal files in the cloud yourself. From internet buzzword to corporate reality, the onset of external data storage has made a huge impact in our digital lives. In short, cloud computing offers people the chance to store their data on a third-party network that is accessed via the internet.

This idea, adopted by a large number of companies, offers a lot of benefits for individuals as well. Refinement of cloud technology has brought it to the public, with packages offered by a range of companies both large and small. In additional to traditional file storage, many of these services include the ability to host your social networking data, music, and videos.

The advantages provided by synchronizing your files are considerable, and now is a better time than ever to check it out. Let’s discuss a few of the benefits of cloud computing for an individual user, including flexible space, accessibility, and back-up of data.

Keeping it all together

One of the most exciting benefits can be found in the accessibility of cloud data, allowing users to access their data from a variety of devices and platforms. This way, you can synchronise your files between mobile devices, tablets, or computers for home or work.

This flexibility ensures you have all your information at your fingertips regardless of your location, even while on holiday, keeping your digital life in sync. This information could include things as diverse as your music library, calendar, or collection of photos. You can easily share this information with whom you’d like, whether family members or work colleagues.

Another important advantage is the capability of the cloud to serve as a reliable back-up. By having a cloud copy of your work, you can avoid losing data to accidents or hardware failures. Many cloud providers even offer back-up services that can be automatized, easing this process and preventing disaster.

 Digital flexibility

Furthermore, the cloud can easily adapt to a growing collection of data. Instead of being limited to the increasingly-obsolete space found on a hard drive, cloud data can expand as your needs do. This makes it easy to host your collection of photos, .mp3s, school documents, and many other types of files, without worrying if you’re imminently going to run out of space.

Additionally, if you elect to store your personal files in the cloud, it often works out to be a more affordable option compared to purchasing physical hard drive space. Of course, one shouldn’t just sign up for the first affordable-looking option they find. The external nature of cloud computing does require users to properly investigate their options, especially in regards to security.

Fortunately, there have been a lot of recent developments in this area, and with the right provider you can feel pretty comfortable about the integrity of your files and information. Keeping all of this in mind, it’s pretty clear that cloud computing is a way to add flexibility and convenience to your digital existence.