Author Archives: Carli

The Cloud: WorkSurf

Increase Productivity

Remote access is key in company productivity. iSupportU provides this service to its clients using cloud computing services through our Business IT Services department. We ensure clients can increase productivity with accessibility to apps and data from any place, easy communication and a strong security system. iSupportU along with our partner VirtTerrus, promote an efficient work environment the cloud solutions.

Workplace flexibility or WorkSurfing

Is a concept and strategy based on getting work done in the right place by the
correct people at the ideal time. It is made possible through virtual computing, a model developed by Cloud Service Providers for centralizing IT resources and delivering them whatever device.

Businesses must be able to react to change quickly. Whether it is on-boarding or off- boarding new employees, rolling out new software packages, or allowing workers to access their information from wherever they are – traditional IT is not as robust, not as fast, and more expensive than comprehensive virtual solutions.

WorkSurfing strategies are changing the way people and organizations conduct business. by enabling full productivity outside of desks, cubicles, offices and customary work hours, organizations can save on real estate, travel, and costs of labor.

To produce results, a WorkSurfing strategy must address three basic remote access requirements:

Employees must be able to accomplish what they would if they were at their desk, with complete access to apps and data.
Employees need the ability to communicate and collaborate with co-workers just as easily as if they were physically in the same office.
IT must be able to secure and control business data to maintain protection, privacy and compliance.

The Cloud: Virtual Workspace

Implementing cloud services for our clients, allows them to create a virtual workspace which offers mobility and an overall increase in productivity. iSupportU strongly suggests using cloud computing in and out of the office as it not only reduces IT costs, but provides easier transition when traveling or working from home. Our partner VirTerrus helps iSupportU to ensure clients have the accessibility and usability of the cloud.

Top 10 advantages of a Virtual Workspace

Business continuity
Data security & compliance
Accessibility & workplace flexibility
Accelerate business velocity by moving process to the worksite
Reduced equipment costs, smaller carbon footprint, lower facility costs
Easier management
Enables WorkLife balance – increase employee retention
Improve customer service quality, speed, and scalability
Increase time to value with Mergers & Acquisition
Drive business growth with higher productivity

WorkLife Balance

Balancing work and home schedules increases productivity and reduces turnover. Open a new office, hire new employees, and grow without the overhead of traditional IT costs. Attract and retain the best employees wherever they are. Virtualizing your environment enables rapid on-boarding of new employees, services, and workplace mobility for traveling executives, sales staff, or remote workforce.

Like it or not, employees are changing how they want to work. Studies show that companies who embrace this fundamental change in technology increase overall employee productivity and decrease overall wages as employees prefer flexible work environments over higher compensation.

We are a trusted advisor and can assist your business in getting out of the “between a rock and a hard place” problem of not wanting to have to become an expert in the details of cloud computing. We have researched what providers are reliable, financially stable, compliant, secure, and have the platform that will best fit your business needs, initiatives, and goals.

The Cloud: Security & Compliance

iSupportU’s Business IT Services department includes assisting clients with the cloud and all that cloud computing entails. We strongly support the benefits and features of the cloud which include better security for businesses. As our partner, VirTerrus helps iSupportU to work with clients in creating a safe and cohesive work environment.

Companies

today rely on data, and ensuring that data is safe and secure is key. Any interruption to connections, business information, access, or software costs money. Virtual platforms provide enterprise grade data and system access that was not previously cost effective.

Social Engineering & Network Penetration Attempts

More sophisticated threats are happening and data protection and privacy are an increasing challenge. Take control and lock down applications, intellectual property, and data as securely as possible while providing employees with the level of access, collaboration, and workplace flexibility they need to increase productivity and accomplish their work.

VirTerrus and iSupportU partner with several of the Top Cloud Service Providers – all of which provide:

Professional, credible and scalable service
Validated infrastructure
Multi-level protection, Secure solutions, Business Continuity
Financial stability
Rapid response time, support, and disaster preparedness
Geo redundant data centers

Compliance

Regulatory requirements and external agencies mandating these requirements can be stressful or cause you to be unsure on migrating to the cloud. our providers and their datacenters enable compliance by providing the tools and certifications necessary to ensure your organization is covered.

These datacenters are SAS 70 Type II, Service Organization Control (“SOC”) 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2, SSAE 16 Certified Secure. HIPPA, PCI, Safe Harbor Certified. Data centers of this caliber are complemented by industry leading security partners that ensure a security upgrade for your data. All aspects of these facilities are redundant:

Firewalls
Routers
Switches
Power grids
Power supplies and diesel generators
Multiple Internet connections (multiple fiber links from several carriers)
Temperature control

This ensures 99.999% up-time and provides the ability to simplify security, protect intellectual property, ensure data privacy and meet compliance mandates while promoting business productivity and growth. Data, applicants, and desktops are managed and secured centrally in the datacenter and delivered securely anywhere, over any kid of connection, in high definition, to any device. Having built-in redundancies to this degree provides a disaster plan ensuring consistent power reaches all equipment and provides the up-time and service your organization requires.

Protect Your Personal Electronics

In light of the mass amounts of damage the Boulder flood caused to residents’ personal property, more than ever iSupportU encourages our clients to protect their personal electronics. Protecting your laptops, desktops, tablets and any other expensive devices you may have in your home is easier than you think. Learn more about the options available and how to be prepared in case of damaged or stolen property.

Homeowners/Renters Insurance: Most insurance companies provide protection for personal property. Depending on the company and insurance plan, available options may include actual cash value according to the market, replacement cost and other coverage based on the items you would like to insure. This coverage may be different from flood insurance so do your research. Renters Insurance is another easy option and provides flexibility for all ranges of property worth. Start by calling your insurance agent.
American Express: Using your credit card for purchases made on electronics provides you with Purchase Protection and the option for Extended Warranty Coverage. On a base level, this worldwide coverage allows protection from theft and damage for up to 90 days after a purchase is made with the card for up to $1,000 in costs. Upgrading to a Platinum level or beyond adds a greater coverage amount and the Extended Warranty option will add an addition year onto manufacture warranties. Learn more on the American Express website.
SquareTrade: A company dedicated to personal property protection plans, SquareTrade offers support for iPads, iPhones, Laptops, Tablets, SmartPhones, Cameras and Televisions. Each category breaks down into specific brands and devices to create a unique protection plan for every situation. Visit their website for more info and to get quotes on protecting your electronics.

Contact iSupportU with questions or concerns on computer support services or iPhone repair. We are always here to assist our clients with personal or business IT services.

Planning Your Company’s IT Budget

As your company prepares for 2014, and the daunting task of budgeting begins to close-in, there are a few worthwhile considerations to be made around next year’s IT budget. Here are some of the points we think might make the process a little easier:

Start Early: It is important to begin thinking about your IT budget sooner than the end of the year. Starting 6 months before budget is due with a basic outline of your objectives is key to developing a well thought out approach to resource allocation.
Long-Term Needs: Taking into consideration the big picture is vital. Rather than addressing only the immediate and obvious needs of the IT department, take a look at the company as a whole and how IT might improve or benefit each department and project.
Diverse Involvement: Include input from all departments, especially senior management and department heads. Again, incorporating ideas from every perspective will ensure a full and applicable analysis. For example: the management team may suggest finding a more intuitive CRM system while the accounting department might want a better accounts payable software to work with.
Outsourcing: Employing an external IT company not only strengthens your overall IT condition but is typically more financially feasible than relying solely on in-house support. An external IT company is more capable of providing deeper insights and benefits than the needs that a small in-house team is able to address. However, (and this should go without saying,) input on IT budgets should be included by both in-house and any external IT support your company may have.
Use Last Year’s Budget: Assess the successes and failures of last year’s IT budget and make improvements. While it is important to understand that IT budgets fluctuate from year to year and to avoid exact emulation, using a previously implemented budget as a foundation is the perfect place to start your planning.
Areas to Consider: Successful budget planning asses each and every area of IT needs. You should create a list similar to this and conduct thorough research and analysis on every topic:

Support/Maintenance
vendor costs, internal training, IT salaries, outsourced service costs

Hardware
computers, firewalls, licenses, cabling, routers, etc.

Software
anti-virus, backups, renewals, server, laptop, etc.

Systems/Programs
backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity

Projects
planning, equipment etc.

Emergency support
cost of previous unforeseen events, problem areas, aftermath plans etc.

Remember: Budgets are never a sure thing. Even with all the planning and careful analytics, budgets in any department are unpredictable. It is important to provide flexibility throughout the company budget to account for sudden dire situations, especially when it comes to the technology that supports your entire business.

Contact iSupportU to learn more about our Managed IT Services and any other Business IT needs we can help you with.