Mar 17, 2015 | SMB Technology, Technology News
It is predicted that by 2017, there will be around 268 billion app downloads. The average person already uses 26 different apps per month. This growth is clearly driven by the younger work force, who use their mobile devices and tablets for both work and play. All of these apps use a lot of data, and so there is a problem on the horizon: all of this data use will lead to pervasive network strain, which will in turn result in performance problems in both apps and network-based services. This data overload creates frustration in both users and providers. App users will simply delete apps that do not perform well. This means fewer customers for Telcos and app providers. The Data Challenge for Telcos Therefore, Telcos have a challenge in front of them: invent new ways to improve user experience by making them more data efficient and scalable. The question on a lot of IT experts’ minds is: is it finally time for Telcos and app providers to work together to unclog the bandwidth bottleneck? The answer is still unclear, but intelligent data distribution is one solution everyone can agree on at the moment, i.e. Telcos can optimize their current network assets while app developers work to design more apps that use less data. The Importance of Wide Area Networks Within Telcos In order to stay sustainable, Telcos need to offer more in connectivity. A solid Wide Area Network (WAN) is essential in accelerating applications and keeping traffic separate. It is also critical for day to day business operations; it both reduces operating costs and provides a level of...
Feb 23, 2015 | SMB Technology, Technology News
Cloud Computing is only beginning its growth and progression; more than half of all businesses have already implemented Cloud Computing in some way or another into their day-to-day operations. Whether you need improved security, lowered costs, higher efficiency, a backup plan, or a mixture of these benefits, the Cloud is the answer. There’s no pressure to migrate completely to the Cloud. In fact, if you already use applications like file sharing, website hosting or web based email you already rely on Cloud Computing. Smart IT strategy is researching which parts of the Cloud fit the needs of your business and discussing a flexible solution that can be customized to your organization – that’s why the Cloud already works for so many businesses. If you haven’t yet considered utilizing the Cloud, it’s time to decide if you want to keep up with the latest technology or be left behind. The Cloud is here to stay, and here’s why: Cloud Computing is Reliable The majority of companies trust the Cloud enough to make the migration. With the Cloud, companies have constant access to all the information they need, because they can access it from any computing device and from any location. This flexibility in itself makes the Cloud the most reliable solution. Also, with Cloud solutions, data can be backed up to multiple locations and services, which adds another level of protection. You can always add more levels of protection by choosing to use behavior-based key management servers and encryption management keys. The Cloud is Affordable Cloud computing is known to reduce IT management costs dramatically. Migrating to the Cloud may...
Feb 12, 2015 | SMB Technology
New technology trends pose new security threats to businesses. CompTIA reports that 64% of companies report a “drastic or moderate” change to their security approach. In their survey, more than half of businesses recognize opportunities within their organization for security improvement. IT security priorities are currently focused on developing new corporate policies and educating employees. Businesses are no longer solely relying on annual security reviews; the majority of companies are seeking education that is more ongoing and interactive to avoid future security threats. Modern Day IT Security With new and evolving technologies, the overall approach to IT security must be re-evaluated from the top levels of a business. As more cloud solutions and mobile devices are being utilized within the workplace, new security products are attempting to meet the needs of modern day IT security, such as firewalls, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Identity Access Management (IAM). When strategizing your organization’s IT security plan, two main areas need to be addressed in order to be prepared in today’s security landscape: risk analysis and end user awareness. Balancing Risk and Security Risk analysis is becoming a critical activity as companies decide how to handle corporate data, but only 41% of companies are currently performing this in a formal way. Typical risk analysis includes determining the probability of a risk, estimating the potential impact, and then deciding on mitigation strategies. But, the growing trends of cloud computing and mobility have increased the need for careful risk analysis. Since with public cloud computing and personal smart phones and tablets, data resides outside of your company’s control, companies must re-evaluate which data and...
Jan 26, 2015 | SMB Technology
According to a report by CompTia, 28% of businesses view security as a significantly higher priority today compared to two years ago, and an even greater percentage of businesses expect the importance of security to rise in the next two years. The study also revealed that while many companies assumed a satisfactory level of security, they did not fully comprehend their exposure to potential security threats. The rise in security threats is largely due to emerging technologies, causing businesses to take a new approach to security. End users now have access to powerful devices and business class systems, often without the oversight of an IT team. Therefore, investing in mobile security is one the smartest things your small to medium sized business can do to protect your organization. The Human Element to BYOD According to the study, the factors in security breaches fall 45% to technology error and 55% to human error. With the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend, more and more employees are bringing their own mobile devices to work, and end users typically do not have the background knowledge of security that allows them to recognize potential threats. The desire for productivity and flexibility is driving many businesses to adopt a “use first, secure later” attitude when it comes to mobile security, but this approach puts your business in danger. Most Common Mobile Security Incidents Mobility forces businesses to consider data leaving the company in the hands of its employees. The top three reasons for mobile security incidents include: lost/stolen devices, mobile malware, and employees disabling security features. Mobile malware is quickly becoming a growing concern,...
Jan 20, 2015 | SMB Technology
In the early days of Cloud computing, the common perception was that the Cloud automatically opens systems to new, catastrophic risks. When weighing the pros and cons of moving to the Cloud, business owners assumed they were sacrificing security for the business agility that comes with using Cloud systems. Yet, as Cloud adoption becomes more universal, these high levels of adoption are actually seeing an increased level of trust in Cloud computing systems, which begs the question: Can the Cloud lead to more secure computing? Traditional Network Security Traditionally, organizations have used on-premises security solutions or contracted with network security experts to protect their network, data, and applications. Data centers imbue a sense of security and control for businesses – feeling more secure is likened to locking down a warehouse and visualizing that anything within the walls of the organization is safe. There’s no question, then that businesses feel an inherent unease with the Cloud concept, because the approach itself seems insecure; your data is stored on servers and systems you don’t own or control. Yet, does control necessarily equate to security? The Cloud is Just as Safe as On-Premises Security IT security experts are claiming that fears of the Cloud being unsafe can largely be put to rest. In fact, the Cloud may actually be able to improve the state of IT security. Many Cloud security experts dispel the Cloud insecurity myth. Many believe the Cloud is more secure than traditional systems. So, can your business trust your Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to also handle network security? Which Platform is Right for Your Business? The answer depends on...
Dec 17, 2014 | SMB Technology
There are many things on our minds as we enter the New Year. For those of you running a business, a question on the forefront of your mind should be: What can we expect from the world of technology in the coming year? Because technology changes so fast these days, it’s important to be ahead of the game and be ready to adapt to changing times. Here is what to expect from the biggest technology trends in 2015: Continued Need for Network Security Mobile applications and mobile search adoption and usage continue to drive the need for network security. Smartphone and tablet shipments are expected to outpace traditional desktops during 2015. With mobile devices on the rise, businesses need to ensure the security of these devices and prevent business networks from being compromised. Network security, endpoint protection, and other IT Security technologies will be a focus for 2015. The End of Windows Server Support Although Server 2003 currently accounts for about 20% of total Windows Server installations, on July 14, 2015, all Windows Server 2003 extended support will end. Therefore, companies transitioning from Windows 2003 in the coming year must be prepared for the move. Due to the end of Windows Server support, many small to medium sized businesses are migrating to the Cloud, which offers backups, better security, regulatory compliance, and the comfort of knowing that your company is always up to date without having to continually invest more time and money. Server migrations require a lot of planning and ample forethought, so make sure to do your research well before July 14. Cloud Adoption on the Rise...
