When your business migrates to a hosted cloud email platform, the user experience will be very similar to using an in-house infrastructure only with a few enhancements and new procedures. Hosted email allows you to increase productivity while reducing costs associated with maintaining an in-house infrastructure.
Hosted cloud email is also commonly referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS). This type of service provides you with access to the latest applications in business class email without being required to purchase the necessary infrastructure and maintain it on the premises. Instead, you pay a monthly subscription fee while the hosted email provider worries about maintenance and upkeep of the infrastructure. You can also access the email service from any location that provides a connection to the Internet.
More
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last week released an alert indicating that all versions of Java up to and including the then latest Java version 7 update 10, contained weaknesses that could allow a malicious attacker to run code on a machine that had Java installed and enabled in web browsers on that system. What made this notification unique is that the DHS was encouraging users to disable or uninstall Java altogether whereas in past security bulletins they generally gave feedback on how to steer clear of threats to US computer systems.
More
Quality network security is an essential part of the operations for your business and meeting data protection compliance and regulatory requirements. It sounds really simple to say you just want to “keep the criminals out” while keeping your business in productive mode. Unfortunately, with the increased demands for technology and information security, this can result in a significant time investment.
Network security is no longer about just deploying firewalls and an antivirus program. Regardless of the size of your business, the latest threats are very advanced. This is why many companies are opting to use enterprise-class network security protection services to increase protection while saving time and money.
If you have never used this type of service for your company or small business, here is an overview of the core levels of protection that a network security protection service can provide.
More
The events of September 11, 2001 changed a lot of things including the manner in which businesses assess risk and devise plans to deliver critical services in the event of a disruption. Although catastrophic events have a minimal probability, the businesses that plan carefully for business continuity are the ones that stand the best chance of continuing their services in the event of a disaster.
It does not take a monumental catastrophe to disrupt daily operations of a business. Sometimes it can be something as simple as a power outage or intermediate interruptions that result from a storm or an attack instigated by cyber criminals.
Having a business continuity plan in place means arranging to continue to deliver services which are the most critical to business operations and identifying the resources which are needed to support business continuity. In order for a business continuity plan to be effective there are key critical components that must be present during the planning process.
More
Network Security in today’s high tech environment is now more important than ever. Hackers and cyber criminals have gotten very sophisticated in the methods they use to carry out exploits. For many companies this means added layers of security and infrastructures which create a network with many different facets.
In today’s economy many businesses do not have the resources which are required to implement the necessary equipment and employ staff with the skills to maintain network security. This represents a very real challenge for companies in terms of data security, business continuity and productivity. This is where network protection services can be invaluable when it comes to protecting company assets.
More
Have you ever wondered why some tasks take so much longer than others? If so, have you come up with solutions to reduce the amount of time required to perform the task, including cost effective measures for same?
We are all so busy within an organization that restructuring a task or activity is not a priority. However, without question, it should be.
Every month, our company generates invoices for our product and services. In the past, all invoices within the organization were sent via the postal service. We now send the majority of our invoices via email. The end result: less time folding invoices, stuffing envelopes, adding postage. Not a big deal, you say? Well, let’s take this business example and determine how much is being saved using email versus the postal service.
Monthly Invoicing Example
Let’s say every month you send 200 invoices. Half are sent via the postal service and the others are sent via email. Costs are calculated as follows:
More
Monitoring the health of your network is an essential part of maintaining business continuity and productivity. Similar to a routine checkup with your physician a Network Health Assessment ensures that your business goals are appropriately aligned with the technology required to meet those goals.
So what is a Network Health Assessment and what does it entail?
A comprehensive Network Health Assessment takes anywhere from four to six weeks and is typically managed by a senior engineer who oversees the process and then reports on the status of the network. The process involves a series of assessments on network components which include the following:
More
Thrive Networks is proud to have been ranked #26 on MSPmentor’s Top 100 Managed Service Providers List for 2011-12. This is the fourth straight year that Thrive is being recognized as one of the most progressive Managed Service Providers (MSP) in the world and is one of a select few companies that have appeared on the list each year during this time period.
The MSPmentor 100
The MSPmentor 100 is an annual research report from MSPmentor and its owner, Nine Lives Media Inc., MSPmentor is widely considered the ultimate guide to managed services and the leading global destination for managed service providers. Nominees were evaluated in a range of industry-specific categories including:
- Annual managed services revenue (2011)
- Annual managed services revenue growth (2011 vs. 2010, in U.S. dollars)
- Annual managed services revenue growth (2011 vs. 2010, percentage growth)
- Percentage of overall revenue from managed services (2011)
- Devices/seats managed (2011)
- Devices/seats managed, annual growth (2011 vs.2010) in raw numbers)
- Devices/seats managed, percentage growth (2011 vs. 2010)
- Recurring revenue per full-time employee (2011)
This methodology ensures small, midsize and large MSPs from around the world are recognized on the MSPmentor 100.
More
For many companies, desktop and end user support can be costly and time consuming. Especially if you have multiple computing environments with a variety of desktop applications and PCs of different models and ages. Although desktop PCs are relatively inexpensive the cost for maintenance and end user support can be as much as five times the cost of the computer.
In the early years of computer technology, costs for desktop and end user support were reduced through
More
The increased use of the Internet as a primary means of communication has changed the way we live and work. More companies are harnessing the power of the Internet to streamline communication processes and other business tasks. This means that there is a massive amount of confidential and sensitive information being transmitted electronically which causes security concerns.
When your company staff sends messages to maintain communications with customers, shareholders, supply chain sources, and other important clients it is necessary to ensure that the information is being
More