Microsoft 365 Groups

With Microsoft 365 Groups, team members can easily communicate, share files, and manage tasks in one centralized location. Groups is a great option for businesses because it offers a user-friendly platform for virtual collaboration, which is especially important in today’s remote work environment. Users can even incorporate third-party apps such as Trello, Twitter, and Mailchimp into Groups for streamlined notifications. This means less time spent searching for information and more time spent getting work done.

For companies that rely heavily on email communication, Groups can be a game-changer. It’s particularly useful for departments such as HR and sales that frequently exchange correspondence with external parties. However, one thing to keep in mind is that with one inbox for all your notifications, email overload can become an issue if you’re not careful.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams, at its core, is a messaging app that can be used to facilitate real-time communication among team members. It also includes features for video conferencing, document sharing, and task management, all of which can help teams work together more efficiently. Additionally, thanks to Teams’ integration with Microsoft 365 apps, you can stay focused on projects without leaving the platform.

Unlike Groups, Teams is designed for advanced collaboration, which is perfect for tasks that require immediate feedback and projects with tight deadlines.

Yammer

Yammer is a professional social media app that integrates with Microsoft 365 tools. It can serve as a virtual bulletin board for your organization, facilitating smooth and open communication.

With features borrowed from popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Yammer keeps things fresh and modern. Additionally, users can follow and comment on popular posts in their feeds, making it easy to stay up to date and engaged with the company’s news and happenings. Best of all, Yammer works seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 tools such as Outlook and OneDrive, making it an essential communication tool for any organization.

Since all three of these platforms belong to the Microsoft 365 environment, you can use them together to ensure your team achieves maximum efficiency and productivity. To ensure you get the most out of Groups, Teams, and/or Yammer, get in touch with our IT experts today. We’ll work closely with you to help you get the right tools for your business needs.

Myth 1: Disaster recovery is expensive and not worth the investment

Another fact: A sound disaster recovery strategy may require huge investments, but it’s’ worth it. However much you spend on DR, it will still be much less than the price you’ll pay for a data loss incident. For one, the cost of losing data is simply too steep. Per IBM, a data breach costs on average $4.35 million in 2022. This price can shut down any small- or medium-sized business (SMB).

Myth 2: All disasters are created equal and I will need the same response for all of them

Myth 3: Disasters only happen to big businesses, not to mine

The bottom line is that no business is immune to natural or human-made disasters. Whether you’re an SMB or an enterprise, it’s important to be prepared and have a comprehensive DR strategy in place. This can help you mitigate the damage caused by any type of disaster and ensure business continuity even in the face of adversity.

By learning the truth about these DR myths, we hope you’ll be encouraged to create a disaster recovery plan (DRP) for your business. There’s no longer an excuse not to have one, as DR technologies are now more affordable and easier than ever to implement.

If you’re interested in learning more about our wide range of DR solutions and how they can help safeguard your data, send us a message and we’d be happy to fill you in on all the details.

What does an OMS do?

While the terms inventory management system and order management system tend to be used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. An inventory management system helps you figure out what people want and need so you can stock up on those items. On the other hand, an order management system helps you handle the orders that are coming in in real time. A traditional OMS system is installed on a company’s own servers, so the company has full control over the system and its features. Traditional OMS systems are also generally more expensive than cloud-based systems, since they require upfront costs for hardware and software.

On the other hand, a cloud-based OMS enables eCommerce businesses to track orders for goods and services from a centralized dashboard that can be accessed by your staff anytime, anywhere on any internet-connected device. In general, it can help you better organize orders into a coherent and manageable workflow by:

• Updating your website to reflect when certain items are out of stock
• Automating payment authorizations and integrating these with your shipping services
• Providing reports to customers about their order’s shipping status
• Automatically restocking products and materials once they dip below a certain level
• Automatically processing refunds and returns
• Monitoring your business while you’re on the go
• Storing data in a more efficient and less costly manner
• Ensuring your data is protected in the event of a disaster

What are the benefits of a cloud-based OMS?

Enhanced decision-making With a cloud-based OMS, you have all the information you need to make smarter business decisions at the tip of your fingers, including consumer behavior, market trends, and product performance.

Improved visibility A cloud-based OMS offers a consolidated view of your orders and inventory in real time, allowing you to stay on top of the entire fulfillment process so you never miss a sale. This also enables you to optimize inventory levels while minimizing surplus.

Additionally, an OMS gives you better visibility into your business’s processes, so you can easily identify issues and make the necessary adjustments to achieve operational efficiency.

Faster delivery When a customer places an order, your cloud-based OMS will choose the warehouse or fulfillment center closest to them as well as the method of fulfillment. A fulfillment request will then be sent automatically to the warehouse so the customer’s item can be immediately prepared and shipped out.

Fewer errors Using a cloud-based OMS allows you to automate various stages of order processing, eliminating the need to manually enter and update order details. This reduces the risk of error, increasing your eCommerce business’s operational efficiency.

Lower costs With fewer errors, you can save time and effort as you no longer need to correct inaccurate order information. This also means your business saves on labor. And because a cloud-based OMS requires virtually no hardware, you can also eliminate installation, maintenance, repair, and other associated costs.

As eCommerce continues to grow in popularity, a cloud-based OMS will become an essential tool for businesses that want to stay competitive. If you’re not already using a cloud-based OMS, now is the time to make the switch. Contact us today to learn more about this amazing tool.

What is Microsoft Exchange Online?

Since Exchange Online isn’t installed locally, companies must instead sign up for the following subscription plans:

• Exchange Online (Plan 1): $4/user/month – A standalone email server platform with 50 GB mailbox, Outlook on the web, message archiving, and focused inbox features
• Exchange Online (Plan 2): $8/user/month – A more robust solution that includes all the features of the first plan including 100 GB mailbox, data loss prevention, automated attendant, and cloud voicemail capabilities
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/month – The most comprehensive plan that comes with Exchange Online, Office Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams

Benefits of hosted Exchange

1. Predictable and lower costs Exchange Online is charged on a monthly basis per user. This makes it easier for businesses to budget for their email needs in the long run.

What’s more, you don’t need to purchase dedicated servers and expensive licenses for your email platform. And since Microsoft is responsible for the infrastructure and maintenance, there are no additional costs associated with keeping the email solution running.

2. Plug-and-play simplicity With Microsoft Exchange Server, you would have to allocate physical space for an email server, install the software, and configure user accounts manually. If you experience technical difficulties with Exchange Server, you’ll also have to troubleshoot the issue yourself.

In contrast, everything is taken care of with Exchange Online. Your cloud services provider will usually handle the hosting, management, installation, and configuration processes. That means your company can use and enjoy everything Exchange Online has to offer as soon as you sign up for a subscription plan.

3. Increased scalability and flexibility As your business grows, you might need to add more users to your email platform. Fortunately, Exchange Online allows you to accommodate more users with ease. All you have to do is contact your provider when your server requirements change. You can add or remove users with a few clicks, and you’re only charged for what you use.

4.Greater security and compliance What’s great about Exchange Online is you gain access to enterprise-grade security features like data loss prevention policies, intelligent anti-spam filters, and advanced malware detection. These features are constantly updated by Microsoft to ensure that your data is always protected against the latest security threats. Plus, Exchange Online stores your emails and data in Microsoft’s data centers, protected with cutting-edge network security and physical security measures.

These benefits merely scratch the surface of what Exchange Online is capable of. If you want to see how this email platform can power up your business, call us now!

What is a hurricane disaster recovery plan?

• How to anticipate and mitigate the effects of a hurricane
• Emergency procedures to ensure everyone’s safety
• Steps for restoring vital business systems and operations
• Long-term plans for full business recovery

How to create a hurricane disaster recovery plan

1. Risk assessment Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment will help pinpoint vulnerabilities your company must address. This lets you prioritize the most critical parts of your planning and help you shape your hurricane disaster recovery policy.

2. Preventive planning While it’s impossible to stop a hurricane, anticipating and carefully planning for it can help prevent serious damage to your business. Think about how people board up their windows before a hurricane strikes. You need to take preventive steps to protect vital aspects of your business from a hurricane. This includes:

• Backing up your data Data backup is an important component of any disaster recovery strategy. Even if a hurricane does not completely destroy your IT infrastructure, the disruption caused by the loss of huge quantities of data can lead to lost productivity and revenue.Having a robust data backup system allows you to quickly restore vital business data and minimize downtime caused by a hurricane. Examples of data backup solutions include:
  • Off-site backups – Storing copies of your backups in off-site data backup centers in areas rarely hit by hurricanes is an ideal solution. This ensures that you will have secure copies of your data even if your servers and computers are destroyed during a hurricane.
  • Cloud storage – Cloud storage lets you access your data and files remotely, as long as you have a stable internet connection. This allows employees to work from home in case your offices suffer severe damage.
• Protecting physical assets During a hurricane, the biggest threat to your servers and other electronic equipment is flooding and water damage. Here are some ways you can keep them safe.
  • Avoid storing servers in the basement, as this is usually the first area that will be flooded.
  • Choose a storage room with no water pipes in the walls and ceiling to prevent water from leaking in.
  • Install flood detectors to warn you if water enters your facility.
  • Invest in turtle shells to protect electrical equipment from leaks.

• Guidelines on how to protect oneself from strong winds
• Where to take refuge if trapped in the building
• Evacuation policies to ensure everyone’s safety

4. Restoration This contains steps on how to restore critical business operations and systems after a hurricane, and who will be responsible for the restoration process. It should include clear instructions on what needs to be restored first, such as:

• Data backups
• Power
• Network access
• Servers and other damaged equipment

5. Recovery Even if your company restores vital systems quickly, you still need a complete, long-term recovery plan. It should include details on how the company will fully restore operations to pre-hurricane levels. Here are some examples:

• Repairing of damaged structures
• Replacement of destroyed equipment
• Relocation of business if needed
• Returning the workforce to full capacity

Microsoft 365 Groups

This means all relevant messages and information are sent to one place, so if your organization normally communicates via email, Microsoft 365 Groups is ideal. What’s more, HR and sales departments that communicate with external parties will also find plenty of uses for its email features.

A big downside of Microsoft 365 Groups, however, is email overload. Since all messages and notifications are sent to one inbox, users may become overwhelmed by the number of emails they have to sort through every day.

Microsoft Teams

Unlike Groups, Microsoft Teams is designed for more advanced collaboration, making it great for completing projects with tight deadlines or other tasks requiring immediate feedback.

Yammer

Yammer serves like a virtual office bulletin board: important files and announcements can be shared with the entire company through this platform. Users can also see the most popular post on their feeds, follow it, and even comment.

Yammer also takes design elements and features from social media apps like Facebook, making it a popular choice for companies with millennials in their workforce.

Although we’ve discussed the fundamental differences between Groups, Teams, and Yammer, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what each app can do. To figure out which apps you need, you must understand how your employees work, how they like to collaborate with one another, and what you want to achieve from such collaborations.

Fortunately, there’s another way to find the right app for your business: ask the experts. Contact us today for an IT assessment!

Better efficiency

Similarly, business process management solutions automate repetitive tasks, like those involved in accounts payable processes. With automation, your staff saves time and effort and can focus on other, more important tasks.

Ability to address remote and hybrid work challenges

Increased employee engagement and retention

Equipping your team with the latest hardware and software enables them to perform tasks smoothly and efficiently, without having to worry about the headaches associated with outdated technology. This also shows that you are invested in their comfort and employee experience, which increases their morale as well as their loyalty to your company.

Reduced costs

If you invest in the cloud, you can enjoy even more savings, as doing so eliminates costs related to managing your own hardware such as maintenance and utilities. Such expenses will all be shouldered by your cloud service provider, so you no longer have to worry about budgeting for them.

Regardless of your business’s size and industry, there’s no doubt that new technology is critical for its growth. However, you need to ensure that any new hardware or software you decide to adopt is aligned with your company’s needs and goals. You must also make sure that it’s properly implemented so that you can make the most out of it. Our experts can help you do just that — drop us a line today to find out how.

Myth 1: Tape backups are the best DR solution

It is also a common practice to store another set of tape backups outside your premises to secure them in case a natural disaster befalls your office. However, if your storage spaces themselves are unsafe from natural disasters, this could pose a problem.

Unlike tape backups, cloud-based backups are safe from deterioration. They are also stored in multiple secured locations that are protected from natural disasters, so your data backups are as safe as they can be.

What’s more, cloud-based backups save you time in many ways. Data is automatically backed up online, so you don’t need to manually copy information onto your tapes. You also won’t need to manage boxes of tapes, freeing you to focus on more valuable tasks.

Myth 2: The RTOs you want are too expensive

Cloud and virtualization solutions have made this much faster and affordable than ever before. Most DR providers can back up your critical data in an hour or two. And if you ever need to recover data, most services can do so in less than a day.

Myth 3: Disaster recovery is for big businesses, not SMBs

We hope that by dispelling these myths, you’d be convinced to implement a disaster recovery plan (DRP) for your business. Thanks to improvements in data storage technologies, it is now more affordable and efficient to implement a DRP, in turn making it easier to ensure BC. If you’d like to learn how our DR solutions can safeguard your business, send us a message and we’ll fill you in.

Determine recovery hierarchy

For example, you may find that recovering sensitive customer information and eCommerce systems take priority over recovering your email server. Whatever the case may be, prioritizing your systems ensures that the right ones are recovered quickly after a disaster.

Pay attention to location

You should also request an upper floor installation or, at the very least, keep critical IT equipment 18 inches off the ground to prevent water damage in case of floods.

Use image-based backups

Take advantage of the cloud

Back up your data frequently

Test your disaster recovery (DR) plan

As cell towers and internet connections may be affected during a hurricane, make sure your company forums are online and have your employees register with the Red Cross Safe and Well website so you can check their statuses.

It’s nearly impossible to experience disruptions during disasters like Harvey or Irma, but with the right support, you can minimize downtime. If you’re concerned about any natural disasters putting you out of business, call us today. We offer comprehensive business continuity services that every company should have.

First off, we need to clarify that an inventory management system is not the same as an order management system. The former is a solution for analyzing sales history and forecasting demand for product and raw materials. On the other hand, the latter is all about the here and now, as it tackles transactions as they happen.

What does an OMS do?

• Updating your website to reflect when certain items are out of stock
• Automating payment authorizations and integrating these with your shipping services
• Providing reports to customers about their order’s shipping status
• Automatically restocking products and materials once they dip below a certain level
• Automatically processing refunds and returns
• Monitoring your business on mobile/on the go
• Storing data in a more efficient and less costly manner
• Ensuring your data is protected in the event of a disaster

What are the benefits of an OMS?

Fewer errors Since an OMS allows you to automate various stages of order processing, it eliminates the need to manually enter and update order details. This reduces the risk of error, increasing your eCommerce business’s operational efficiency.

Lower costs With fewer errors, you can avoid having to rework inaccurate order information, saving you time and effort. This means your business also saves on labor. And because a cloud-based OMS requires virtually no hardware, you can eliminate installation, maintenance, repair, and other associated costs as well.

Better visibility A cloud-based OMS offers a consolidated view of your orders and inventory in real time, which allows you to stay on top of the entire fulfillment process so you never miss a sale. This also enables you to optimize inventory levels while minimizing surplus.

Not only that, but an OMS gives you better visibility into your business’s processes, so you can easily identify issues and make the necessary adjustments to achieve operational efficiency.

Faster delivery When a customer places an order, your OMS will choose the warehouse or fulfillment center closest to them as well as the method of fulfillment. A fulfillment request will then be sent automatically to the warehouse so the item can be prepared and shipped out immediately.

Enhanced decision-making With an OMS, you have all the information you need to make smarter business decisions at the tip of your fingers, from consumer behavior to market trends to product performance.

Improve your eCommerce business’s workflows and profitability with an OMS. If you need help choosing the right OMS platform for your company, give our experts a call today.