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.

Using a Hosted Email Platform

A hosted cloud email platform can be customized to meet individual needs. This means that the setup for a hosted email service may vary according to the requirements of each company. That said, here are a few basics on some of the common ways you can use a hosted cloud email solution and some of the services which can be included in this type of infrastructure.

First, we should mention that once a hosted cloud email platform has been installed and configured it provides the end user with access to a broad range of email services some of which include:

• Business Class Web Mail: This application is typically delivered through Outlook Web Access or similar application and provides you with a way to access your email from any location that has Internet connectivity regardless of whether the location has Outlook Web Access installed on the system. A web mail service also is capable of supporting a broad range of applications such as PowerPoint slides, Word documents, Excel files and much more.
• Shared Access: By using a hosted cloud email platform you have shared access to a broad range of services which can include public folders, task lists which help team members with collaboration on specific tasks, calendars which help workgroups to collaborate on meeting dates and schedules, and workgroup space that allows for project collaboration, to name a few services.
• Synchronization: Hosted cloud email services also allow for the synchronization of important business applications such as contact lists, email, and calendars to ensure continuous access from any location or device and to prevent loss of information.

There are also customized services which can be added according to the requirements of your organization. When you use a hosted email service it functions similar to an email platform that is maintained in-house except the hosted solutions provider monitors and maintains the infrastructure from a remote location.

Hosted email platforms also ensure business continuity since the end user focuses on using the applications while the email solutions provider takes care of patch management, security, maintenance, updates, and monitoring to guarantee the system does not crash.

Scalability

When you implement a hosted cloud email platform, you can begin with a minimal investment if necessary and then add services as your business grows. This reduces costs of implementing an infrastructure that may sit idle until you are ready for expansion and allows for a ‘pay as you go’ type of configuration.

When you are ready to expand your email services applications can be added from a central control panel. There is no need to install costly hardware or server space to accommodate the additional services.

If you are looking to reduce costs while improving productivity and flexibility for your organization, contact Thrive Networks today to discuss your requirements with one of our hosted cloud email experts.

Since that alert was put out last week, Oracle has released an update to Java 7 with update 11. This update was released specifically to address security vulnerabilities in the Java application spoken to in the DHS announcement, however opinions are mixed at this point in security circles about whether or not this update has successfully closed all of the vulnerabilities present in the application or not. More testing of this release will undoubtedly happen this week, with additional insight into the viability of update 11 or additional releases to the Java platform with additional security in place.

At this time, Thrive Networks is recommending that all of its customers take the following action on their computer systems:

• Update instances of Java to version 7 update 11 immediately.
• Consider disabling Java from running in all web browsers on the computer system until more information about the remediation of the security flaw are brought to light later this week or in the weeks to come.

For instructions on how to disable Java in the most frequently used web browsers on Windows systems, click here. Follow these instructions to disable Java in the browsers that you commonly use to browse the Internet.

Java updates should be able to be run from the Java console which generally is able to be launched from the computer’s task bar. If you do not see it there the Java console can be started from within the computers Control Panel. Thrive offers a third-party patching add-on to our standard ThriveProtect platform which enables the updating of applications such as Java, Adobe, Quicktime, etc.

To learn more about our Patch Management Services, contact Thrive Networks today.

This means that choosing the right outsourced IT provider is now more important than ever. There is a lot at stake in terms of business continuity, company productivity, growth of revenue, and company expansion.

Part of choosing an outsourced IT provider is knowing what mistakes to avoid. Investing the time at the beginning means fewer headaches over the long term and minimizing the potential for unexpected costs as a result of making the wrong decision.

The Ability to Help You Plan

A quality outsourced provider will have the skills on board to help you determine the scope of your IT projects, as they stand now and in the future. This includes an assessment of current workflow procedures, software requirements, compliance regulations, server and network management, disaster recovery, etc.

If the IT provider is incapable of offering a preliminary assessment of your company’s infrastructure and resources, you will run a substantial risk of implementing the wrong IT solution. You will be left with services that will fail to adequately serve the needs now and in the future.

A Word about Price

Avoid choosing an IT provider solely on price. What may initially appear to be a bargain may end up costing you more money in the end. Remember, your company has a lot to lose by choosing the wrong IT provider. As with most services, you get what you pay for.

Compliance

Your company may currently be in compliance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards, software and hardware licensing, and other IT regulations, but what about the outsourced IT provider? Check the IT provider’s track record as well as their ability to maintain compliance in the key areas of IT services.

Security, Backup and Disaster Recovery

Your company relies on data security and the ability to recover critical applications in the event of system failure. Take the time to find out what types of data backup and security measures are taken by the IT provider. Inquire about access to data in the event you have to recover following a system failure.

Get It in Writing

Choose an IT provider that is willing and able to work out a contract with you. The contract should spell out everything in detail to avoid any future misunderstandings. The details should include a description of all of your IT assets, a clear definition of expected productivity, growth projections, itemized costs, maintenance and management, and other services you are obtaining.

If the IT provider is vague with contract descriptions or is unwilling to provide a contract, you should be wary of working with them. Lack of defined services will certainly lead to future misunderstandings and headaches down the road.

Finally, make sure the IT provider acts with your company’s best interests in mind. Some outsourced service providers focus only on how the deal will benefit their own business instead of concentrating on your company operations and the projected outcome.

To learn more about choosing a quality IT service provider, contact Thrive Networks today to speak with one of our experts.

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.

Network Health Assessment

When you work with a network security protection service, they will first provide a comprehensive network health assessment. This will help you determine where your network stands and what needs to be done in order to make it more secure. The health assessment involves the inspection of firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, Virtual Private Network (VPN) security, anti-virus and anti-malware programs, network filtering processes, infrastructure security, patch management, disaster recovery and backup, and any other component that is a contributing factor to network security.

Design for Network Security Protection

Once the network security protection service performs the initial assessment, they will work with you to design a management strategy which is customized to meet the security needs of your business. If the service suggests a “one size fits all” approach then you should immediately look elsewhere. A true provider should be qualified to tailor a design that specifically meets your security needs and compliance requirements instead of using an out of the box solution.

Network Security Maintenance and Monitoring

Keeping your company network safe from threats is a time consuming process. For this reason, many companies choose to use a quality network security protection service. A first rate provider will oversee the maintenance and monitoring process. This allows you to focus on growing your business. Additionally, more small businesses are getting serious about using a network security protection service. Small businesses have recently become a prime target for hackers since they are aware that most of the businesses do not deploy the protection necessary to discourage intrusions.

Also, during the maintenance and monitoring process, a network security protection service will perform periodic follow up assessments to ensure everything is functioning as it should. The provider will also take care of all of your patch management, software updates, email security, and workstation maintenance tasks.

In most cases, deploying a network security protection service also helps you to save on costs. For a small business, this is an invaluable resource since you are not required to invest in expensive technology. Plus, you can still remain in compliance with data security regulations and licensing requirements.

If you are considering using a network security protection service, feel free to contact Thrive Networks today to discover what your options are for an enterprise-class security design.

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.

Business Continuity Planning Organization

When you begin the process for business continuity planning a senior management committee is essential for overseeing the process which includes initiating the necessary steps, planning for implementation, designating the resources, and then continually testing and auditing the business continuity plan. The senior management committee approves the planning structure, identifies the roles for certain individuals, creates the necessary teams responsible for developing and executing the business continuity plan, and prioritizes critical business operations.

Business Impact Analysis

By performing a Business Impact Analysis this helps an organization to identify critical business processes on both the internal and external levels. The identification of these processes initiates prioritization of services to ensure ongoing delivery and fast recovery following disruption.

Business Impact Analysis must also include an assessment of the impact a disruption will have on service delivery and how long a business can survive without certain services. It is also necessary to identify the services which contribute the most to revenue and then prioritize those services to prevent loss of revenue following a disaster. You must also consider the consumer and the shareholders during a Business Impact Analysis to determine the cost of intangible losses which can result from a disruption.

Business Continuity Detailed Response and Recovery Plan

Following organization of a senior committee and the completion of a Business Impact Analysis a business continuity plan should be organized to explain in detail how critical business services will be offered during a period of outage. Each service that is critical to ongoing business operations should be carefully planned in detail and should include identifying all possible threats and risks, recovery processes which are already in place by the organization, and appropriate response to the disruption by teams that are knowledgeable in their area of responsibility and in the event of relocation to an alternate facility.

Training

When the business continuity plan is in place it is necessary to train staff on their specific responsibilities in the event of a disaster. In addition to being trained on their responsibilities, employees should also be aware of other team functions that are associated with their responsibilities. The training should include exercises that set the stage for the disaster recovery environment and prepare the employees for the necessary actions they should take. This includes the proper sequencing of events and response to any external factors which have an impact on the recovery process.

Quality Assurance

Following the training phase it is necessary to assess the business continuity plan to determine where improvements are needed and to assess the plan for accuracy and effectiveness. This process is known as quality assurance and is performed both on the internal and external level to ensure effectiveness in the event of disruption of services.

If your organization currently does not have a business continuity plan in place now is the time to begin implementation. To obtain assistance with creating a successful business continuity plan feel free to contact Thrive Networks today to speak with one of our BCP experts.

With hosted email, you can use email configurations which are complex and can be used with a variety of mobile devices as well as onsite. When you implement a hosted email solution, your email and data is securely stored on a remote platform which is maintained by your email hosting provider. The hosting service provides redundancy and security while your business enjoys the benefits associated with business class email services.

Effective Migration to Hosted Email

When you implement a hosted email solution, the migration to the new system means that you will be replacing your current infrastructure with an infrastructure that is provided by the hosted email provider. You can obtain business class email services on demand and perform customized configurations just as you would on an in-house infrastructure except the hosted email provider maintains the infrastructure from a remote location.

When migrating to a hosted email solution, there are a number of concerns which should be addressed by your hosted email provider. Some of these concerns include:

• Assessment of Your Current Configuration: The hosted email provider you choose will assess your current infrastructure and configuration to begin to determine a predefined path for migration to a hosted email solution. At this point in the implementation process it can also be determined what services can be implemented to enhance business productivity and communication.
• Review of MX Record Migration: MX records are Domain Name Server records that define the server hosts responsible for accepting mail for a specific domain. You must review the MX records associated with your domain you to ensure proper migration and correct email acceptance both internally and to external servers in outside locations. The mail server must be connected to the Internet in a way that enables your mail recipients to successfully receive email messages.
• Data Migration: To ensure successful data migration the proper methods must be determined by reviewing the current system data and the methods which will be needed to prepare the data for the new system. The specific methods used for migration are determined by the particular systems which are being used and how well the data formats will migrate to the new system.
• Configuration and Testing: Once migration has taken place a configuration test is performed to identify any potential problems with the new infrastructure. The test will check for port conflicts, outgoing mail errors, security issues, and other components associated with the hosted email solution. The test will confirm that everything is running as it should or it will indicate a specific problem to be addressed.

Depending upon the individual needs of your company, there may be other necessary measures that should be taken to ensure successful implementation of a hosted email solution. Your hosted email support team will provide assistance every step of the way to reduce the risks that are associated with migration to a new hosted email system.

If you considering a business class hosted email solution for your company, contact Thrive Networks to learn about the different options we have available.

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.

Specialized Services

The current economy has forced many companies to reduce staff expenditures which results in a shortage of IT staff. As a result, many IT professionals are over extended and unable to specialize in a specific area. More often than not a single task is accomplished at the expense of other tasks.

By using a network protection service, you can alleviate this concern with IT professionals that specialize in network security. This helps to increase the security of your network and save on costs in the long run.

Customization with Reduced Costs

Every company has different security needs. Implementing the equipment and applications which are necessary for meeting these needs can be costly. Quality network protection services are capable of designing a network security infrastructure that appropriately serves your company requirements minus the cost of equipment installation and configuration. A network protection service will assess your needs and then customize comprehensive solutions which range from specific security applications to Virtual Private Networks.

Reporting

Network security services which are deployed on the premises can potentially mean that security status reporting comes from multiple locations. This can prove to be an IT nightmare from the administrative perspective which increases the risks of security exploits being overlooked.

Network protection services can provide reporting solutions that monitor overall network status from one reporting interface. This means improved security for your company network while reducing the costs of network maintenance and monitoring.

Email Security

Email can be one of the primary causes of network exploits due to the fact that it is used for company-wide communications. When you use a network protection service, your email is filtered on the third party network prior to being forwarded to your mail server. This process provides a way for you to easily monitor onsite network connections since you know exactly where the mail connection originated.

Comprehensive Network Management

Keeping up with patch updates, anti-virus and anti-malware processes, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and overall network health is a monumental task for most companies. Network protection services can provide comprehensive solutions which provide enterprise-class security by overseeing the management of firewalls, patching, anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, and performing regular Network Health Assessments. This ensures you have protection around the clock for your staff, network, and your company.

If you are considering using a network protection service, contact Thrive Networks to learn about the different options we have available.

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:

A savings of $1,254.00 per year for 10 years could be a savings of $12,540.00 and possibly more due to inflation.

Maximizing Savings

The same logic for invoicing also applies to accounts payable; hence the name PAYABLE. We all issue checks manually or via a computerized accounting program. Either way money is being spent on checks, window envelopes, postage, ink, and an associate’s time. In essence, we are paying an additional amount for a service or item we bought. Why should we be paying more to pay our vendors? More folks should consider paying their business liabilities via an interest free credit card. There would be time required for the initial setup of each vendor, but after that task is complete, the process should be seamless.

There are many perks to using a credit card, versus paying by check (i.e. points for travel, items, gift cards, etc.) Wouldn’t it be beneficial to select a payment method where you received a payback while parting with your funds, in addition to saving time and money on supplies?

Lastly, if there is an option to receive your vendor invoices via email, please utilize this option. This saves time, money and is eco-friendly.

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:

• Network Servers: A network server assessment ensures potential problems are identified before they become a major issue. This phase of the assessment determines overall network health and checks for error reports.
• Workstations: Workstations are an essential part of day to day network processes. An assessment of workstation health includes a comprehensive examination of all hardware and software and includes a checklist of notes for necessary cleanup.
• Power Systems: Routine power systems assessments are essential for ensuring the ongoing functioning of critical network components. This step of the Network Health Assessment checks for any problems in the power system so recommendations can be made for repair or replacement.
• Email and Messaging: Routine checkups of company email and messaging systems help to promote business continuity and productivity. Assessment of these components ensures the best practices are applied when it comes to email security and proper functioning of email clients.
• Network Security: An assessment of network security involves a review of patching processes, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, anti-virus and anti-malware applications, and other layers of protection which exist within the infrastructure.
• Remote Access: If your company employs remote workers it is important to assess the security of the equipment for those who are authorized to use it. Remote access involves Virtual Private NetworksVirtual Private Networks and other forms of secure communications which can easily be compromised if they are not maintained.
• Antivirus and Anti-Malware: The latest definitions for anti-virus and anti-malware applications are critical to network security. A comprehensive assessment involves a review of these applications to ensure the latest versions are being used, security updates have been performed, and the latest definitions have been loaded into the applications.
• Printers: Printers are an essential part of a Network Health Assessment since it is necessary to maintain the drivers, internal components, and configurations. Routine assessments of your printer guarantee ongoing business productivity.

Finally, a Network Health Assessment also includes an overall review of network management, maintenance, and monitoring to determine if any modifications are necessary in the strategies being used for these processes. This guarantees that your networks continue to run smoothly and free of IT issues.

If your company is in need of a Network Health Assessment, contact Thrive Networks for a comprehensive evaluation by our network engineers.

Thrive Networks

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.

In order to be considered for the MSPmentor 100, managed service providers had to complete a comprehensive online survey, which MSPmentor and Nine Lives Media Inc. conducted from October 1, 2011 through December 23, 2011.

For more information about MSPmentor and the MSPmentor 100, please visit www.mspmentor.net.