VoIP technology is essential for business communication, offering flexibility and cost savings. However, maintaining clear call quality can be challenging. This blog provides practical strategies for VoIP call quality optimisation tips and addresses common issues.
Data loss from cyber attacks, hardware failure, or human error can cripple businesses. Reliable backup solutions for IT teams are essential to secure data and ensure smooth operations. This blog answers common questions, highlights key features, and offers practical insights to help protect critical data effectively.
Backup solutions are services or systems that create copies of data to protect against loss or damage. For IT teams, this means having a dependable way to restore information after accidental deletion, system failures, or cyberattacks. Statistics show that 60% of companies that lose data shut down within six months. A strong backup plan ensures resilience in such scenarios.
IT teams can choose from several backup methods tailored to different needs. Understanding these options ensures you select the right approach for your organisation’s data protection strategy:
A full backup creates a complete copy of all data in your system. It ensures comprehensive recovery, allowing IT teams to restore everything in one go. This method is especially valuable for businesses handling critical information or sensitive data. While it provides peace of mind, it requires significant storage space and time, making it best suited for periodic use, such as weekly or monthly backups.
Incremental backups save only the data that has changed since the last backup, whether it was a full or incremental one. This approach reduces the time and storage required compared to a full backup. However, restoration can be more time consuming as it involves retrieving data from multiple backup points. Incremental backups are ideal for organisations seeking frequent backups without overburdening resources.
Differential backups track all changes made since the last full backup. Unlike incremental backups, which create a chain of changes, differential backups consolidate updates into a single recovery point. This makes restoration faster and simpler, as only two files are needed: the last full backup and the latest differential backup. It strikes a balance between time efficiency and storage demands.
Cloud backup stores data in remote servers managed by third-party providers. This method is highly scalable, offering businesses flexibility to adjust storage as they grow. Cloud backups are particularly advantageous for hybrid and remote workforces, allowing data to be accessed and restored from anywhere with an internet connection. Key benefits include:
On-premises backups store data on local servers or dedicated devices, giving businesses full control over their backup environment. They offer faster recovery times since data is readily accessible without reliance on internet connectivity. This option is suitable for companies with strict data governance policies or concerns about cloud security. However, it requires robust physical and digital security to protect against hardware theft or damage.
Combines on-premises and cloud backups, offering the benefits of both worlds. Data is stored locally for quick access and in the cloud for redundancy. This approach is increasingly popular among businesses seeking versatility and enhanced protection.
Tools like Microsoft 365 Backup and OneDrive for Business focus on safeguarding specific platforms. For example, backup for Microsoft 365 is designed to protect data from accidental deletions or cyberattacks, while OneDrive for Business ensures seamless recovery of files shared across Microsoft teams.
Each method has unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your organisation’s operational needs, storage capacity, and recovery goals. By understanding these options, IT teams can develop a tailored backup strategy to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity.
Remote work has amplified the need for reliable IT support to keep teams productive, connected, and secure. A strong IT support system minimises disruptions and ensures smooth operations, helping businesses thrive in a work-from-home environment.
In this blog, we will explore the key benefits of remote IT support for home offices, answer frequently asked questions, and provide actionable strategies to optimise your business’s remote work setup.
With an increasing number of companies embracing hybrid or fully remote models, IT challenges have surged. From VPN failures to cybersecurity risks, remote employees face a number of issues that require immediate attention. Remote IT support steps in to resolve these problems swiftly without geographical limitations, empowering teams to work efficiently.
Here’s why businesses are turning to remote IT support:
With 2 in 5 Brits (44%) working from home at least some of the time as of October 2024, which is around 22.6 million people, it shows the importance of ensuring you have the correct remote IT support for your employees. To ensure your business fully benefits from remote IT support, it's essential to implement strategies that enhance security, efficiency, and resilience. Here are five key approaches every business should consider:
Remote work inherently increases exposure to cyber risks. Businesses should prioritise VPNs, firewalls, and endpoint protection to create a secure digital workspace to protect against malicious malware attacks.
Human error remains one of the top causes of data breaches. Regular training sessions ensure employees are updated on the latest security protocols, phishing scams, and safe online practices.
Efficient IT support depends on clear communication channels. Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams enable employees to quickly report issues while receiving real-time updates from the IT team.
A proactive approach helps identify potential issues before they escalate. Monitoring software can track device health, performance metrics, and suspicious activity to ensure smooth operations.
From unexpected outages to cyberattacks, having a comprehensive disaster recovery plan ensures your business can bounce back without major losses. Include cloud backups, redundant systems, and clear protocols in your strategy.
Small businesses rely on IT networks to operate, communicate, and store data. Network issues can disrupt activities, reduce productivity, and create security risks. IT network monitoring addresses these challenges by running systems smoothly, reducing downtime, and detecting threats early.
This guide covers the benefits of IT network monitoring for small businesses, answers common questions, and offers tips for selecting the best approach.
IT network monitoring is continuously observing and analysing a network's performance, health, and security. It involves tracking devices, servers, applications, and connections within the network, detecting performance issues, and ensuring security measures are in place. Network monitoring is an essential support system for small businesses, offering real-time insights that help prevent costly disruptions.
As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, teams worldwide are searching for effective ways to stay connected, communicate seamlessly, and boost productivity. With the right remote collaboration tools, teams can bridge distances, share ideas effortlessly, and drive projects forward.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 best remote collaboration tools for 2024, highlighting their key features, answering common questions, and offering actionable insights for remote work success.
Remote collaboration tools are digital platforms designed to help teams work together seamlessly, regardless of physical location. With more teams having remote workers, these tools have become essential in connecting team members across different locations, time zones, and even countries. Remote collaboration tools encompass various types of software, each targeting a unique aspect of teamwork – from communication and task management to file sharing and video conferencing.
At their core, remote collaboration software aims to recreate face-to-face interaction and workflow processes in an in-office environment, allowing teams to brainstorm, manage projects, and stay connected as efficiently as possible. Here are some common types of remote collaboration tools:
Whether you’re managing a small team or a large organisation, the following tools offer powerful options for remote collaboration. Here’s a closer look at what makes each of these tools stand out.
Slack remains a top choice for team communication, bringing all your conversations into a single app, with organised channels, private messaging, and a range of integrations (over 2,000 apps), Slack streamlines communication. Notably, it provides video and voice calls, making it a well-rounded tool for remote employees.
Key Features:
Studies show that Slack users report a 32% increase in productivity due to reduced email usage.
Known for its reliable video quality, Zoom is a must-have for teams needing face-to-face interaction. It offers screen sharing, breakout rooms, and customizable backgrounds. For larger companies, Zoom Webinars make hosting events or training sessions effortlessly ideal for fully remote workers.
Key Features:
Pro Tip: Always use a password for your meetings to ensure security and prevent unauthorized access.
Asana allows teams to break down projects into manageable tasks and assign responsibilities easily. With visual boards, timeline views, and calendar integrations, Asana is perfect for keeping tasks on track and ensuring accountability.
Key Features:
Data breaches and network slowdowns can disrupt business operations, making IT network monitoring essential. An optimised network keeps data secure, reduces downtime, and ensures smooth business functions. This guide covers seven key best practices to keep your network in top shape.
This blog covers essential IT network monitoring best practices like real-time tracking, user activity monitoring, and performance thresholds, offering actionable strategies to build a resilient, secure, and efficient network for your business.
Network monitoring involves continuously observing, mapping, and analysing an organisation’s computer network. By tracking network activity, identifying potential bottlenecks, and detecting security threats, network monitoring helps prevent disruptions, data breaches, and costly downtime. Simple network management protocol including this proactive approach ensures that systems remain reliable, responsive, and secure, allowing IT teams to swiftly address any issues before they impact business operations.
Network monitoring is more than just “keeping an eye” on systems as its about proactively managing and securing your network and keeping an eye on your networks behaviour. Data from studies show that organisations with consistent network monitoring report 45% fewer incidents, underscoring its importance in maintaining uptime and security. But what does effective monitoring entail? Let’s explore the core practices.
Here are the top practices you should follow to ensure you have an effective network that remains secure, efficient, and capable of supporting your business’s needs.
Real time network monitoring provides instant visibility, allowing IT teams to address issues before they affect operations. Using these tools enables continuous tracking of network traffic, device performance, and server health. For many businesses, effective network monitoring can be the difference between spotting a minor irregularity and reacting to a full-blown crisis.
Establishing clear policies is essential. Outline specific goals for network monitoring, such as reducing downtime, detecting security threats, or managing bandwidth. These policies should also define critical elements like access permissions, alert thresholds, and incident response protocols. A well defined policy helps streamline monitoring activities and ensures everyone in the team knows their responsibilities.
Automation has become indispensable for network monitoring solutions. Setting up automated alerts for unusual network activity means IT professionals don’t have to monitor dashboards 24/7. With automation, responses are faster, and common issues can be resolved without manual intervention. Automated responses can include sending alerts, restarting services, or even blocking suspicious IP addresses.
Regular network audits allow you to review system health, configuration, and security status. By conducting audits, you can catch outdated equipment, unpatched software, and other vulnerabilities. These audits should cover everything from bandwidth usage to user activity logs. Many successful organizations schedule audits quarterly to catch potential issues before they become problems.
Benefits of Regular Audits:
Tracking user activity is essential for both performance and security. With cyber threats on the rise, it’s crucial to know who accesses your network and what they do once inside. Implementing user activity or security monitoring helps identify and locate unauthorised access, detect unusual behaviours, and ensure compliance with data protection policies. By seeing the devices on a network too is also a way of monitoring teams who work in your company to see who has network access.
Setting thresholds for network performance, like CPU usage, memory load, and network traffic, can greatly enhance monitoring effectiveness. For instance, if CPU usage consistently exceeds 80%, this could indicate a performance bottleneck. Alerts triggered by these thresholds help IT teams react before minor issues turn into major disruptions and will ultimately improve network performance/
Example Thresholds to Monitor:
Network monitoring tools are a significant investment, and choosing the right tool is key to maintaining network health. Look for software that can scale with your organisation’s needs, offering flexibility in managing multiple network elements.
Top Features to Look For:
Let’s break down the top advanced cybersecurity solutions and why every company needs them right now.
If you've ever thought, "There has to be a better way to manage our phone systems," you're not alone.
Traditional systems can be clunky and expensive and don't always adapt well to growth or changing needs. In contrast, hosted business phone systems offer a flexible, scalable solution that businesses of all sizes are embracing for smarter call management, messaging, and collaboration.
In this blog, we will explore what hosted business phone systems are, how they work, and why so many businesses are switching.
Hosted business phone systems are cloud-based communication solutions, otherwise known as cloud phone systems. No hardware or on-site installations are needed; all you need is an internet connection.
Calls, voicemails, and messages get routed through secure servers online, making it easy for businesses to connect with clients and teams wherever they are.
But why is it worth switching from a traditional phone system?
Here’s the
As a business owner, you want to ensure you get the most out of your money. Let's see some of the benefits of business hosted phone systems.
With hosted office phone systems, the bulk of your infrastructure lives in the cloud, saving you from expensive hardware, meaning there is less cost for repair.
One report found that small businesses save up to 40% on local calls and up to 90% on international calls by switching to hosted systems, which shows proof of the advantages this type of phone system provides.
Modern business needs don’t just rely on phones. From CRM tools to project management platforms hosted phone systems connect with other software seamlessly.
Using a cloud-based phone can open the door to lots of This integration, which means one platform to handle all your customer interactions.
Remote work is here to stay, and hosted phone systems allow employees to work from anywhere while staying connected to their main business line.
It’s all online, so your team can log in and get to work without being constrained by your desk phone.
When your phone system integrates with your CRM, you can get a full view of customer information before answering the call.
This can cut call handling times and improve satisfaction by having all the info you need right in front of you, allowing you to offer better customer support.
A hosted phone system gives you a number of advanced features and benefits.
The communication features make it easy to manage calls efficiently without added fees.
Healthcare has its own set of unique speeds to help accommodate the different patients who come through its doors. While managing patient data is crucial, finding ways to streamline healthcare operations without wasting time or risking security breaches is just as critical.
In this blog, we will explore what managed healthcare services can do.
Managed IT Services are outsourced tech services that include monitoring, support, security, and maintenance, but they have been adapted for the complex needs of healthcare.
They cover everything from protecting patient data (hello, HIPAA) to ensuring smooth electronic health records (EHR) access without downtime or data loss.
For healthcare facilities, it's about creating a seamless digital environment so staff can focus on patients, not troubleshooting tech issues.
But why is this important for healthcare?
Because healthcare relies on fast, reliable, and secure tech more than almost any other industry, managed IT Services give healthcare providers the tools to deliver safe, high-quality care every day.
As of October 2021, nearly 28 million adults in the UK were registered with NHS login, the service supporting the NHS App meaning its even more important to have a fully functioning it support and management system.
Patient data is sacred, and data breaches are not only a risk but a costly risk.
Managed IT Services prioritise cybersecurity with firewalls, multi-factor authentication, intrusion detection, and more. Third-party managed services providers also maintain regulatory compliance (HIPAA, GDPR) so healthcare providers don’t risk fines or reputational damage.
Without Managed IT, healthcare teams could be vulnerable to security threats they didn’t see coming.
Healthcare doesn’t take a break, and neither should your IT.
With Managed IT, you get round-the-clock monitoring and support. It means detecting and resolving issues before they snowball into real problems.
This can be the difference between a brief outage and a major disruption to patient care, and with 24/7 support, clinicians and staff get the help they need anytime, which is essential when lives are on the line.
When patient records are at stake, data loss is not an option.
Managed IT Services include data backup solutions that keep critical information secure. If there’s an outage, a data loss incident, or even a natural disaster, backups can be restored quickly.
No more worrying about critical data disappearing when you need it most.
Healthcare has strict data privacy laws. Failure to comply can lead to serious penalties.
Managed IT Services can handle the heavy lifting with compliance audits, automatic updates, and continuous monitoring. This way, you’re compliant and protected from new threats that crop up with each regulation change.
Hiring an in-house IT team that understands healthcare can be pricey, and managed IT Services offer the expertise without the high overheads.
Instead of hiring multiple full-time staff, you get an outsourced team equipped with healthcare-specific knowledge, ready to support your IT needs as you grow.
We all know communication is the backbone of any successful business, and while email and chat are helpful, a solid phone system with the right features is crucial.
But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know what’s worth the investment. We’re here to break down the top 10 business phone system features that’ll set your company up for success.
The right features go beyond just making calls as they boost efficiency, improve customer service, and keep your team connected, no matter where they work. Let's take a closer look at the advanced features and benefits every business phone system needs.
We all get busy. Calls come in when you’re deep in work or in back-to-back meetings. Missing a call can mean a missed opportunity, but voicemail-to-email lets you capture it all without breaking your flow.
Imagine getting every voicemail sent directly to your inbox, ready to read or listen to on the go. Plus, voicemail transcription takes it a step further: it converts your voicemails into readable text, so you don’t need to listen to the entire message.
With this business telephone system feature, you'll never miss a call again, even when you are out of the office.
It’s 2024, and people expect instant responses, if a customer calls and can’t get through, they’ll probably just try someone else, but with call forwarding and routing, make sure this doesn’t happen. The International Customer Service Association found that 85% of customers are more likely to return to a business if they have a positive phone experience.
This feature can automatically forward calls to the right person or department, based on criteria like the caller’s phone number, the time of day, or even an option selected in a call menu.
Smart call routing cuts down wait times and gets customers the help they need faster.
“Press 1 for Sales. Press 2 for Support.”
You’ve heard it. That’s IVR in action, and it’s a powerful tool when done right.
Instead of sending callers to a receptionist or a general line, IVR directs them to the exact person or department they need. IVR can also provide callers with information like store hours, account balances, or FAQs, saving you time.
IVR makes it easy for customers to get what they need without frustration.
Remote work has changed everything. With a mobile app for your business phone system, your team stays connected anywhere.
There is no need to give out personal numbers or rely on weak Wi-Fi for calls, enhancing your business communication.
A mobile app makes it easy to work from anywhere without missing a single call.
