The IT Experts

Make Sure You Have a Backup Handy

We cannot stress this enough. Before you go ahead with procuring any new hardware, you should have a backup in place just in case the deployment goes awry for any reason. As for backup best practices, we recommend having three: one on-site and ready to go, one in a secure remote location, like an off-site data center, and another in the cloud for easy access. If you need help with this process, we’d be happy to lend a hand.

It also helps if you have the device that you are going to deploy the data to, as this minimizes the chances that your new device will not work as intended. Imagine getting a new smartphone only to find that it simply doesn’t work, or that you don’t like it? In cases like this, we recommend keeping the old device around just in case you still need it for something.

Okay, let’s jump to the main event. What actually happens when you delete your files?

Doesn’t Deletion Just Delete the Files?

Contrary to popular belief, deleting files on your device does not necessarily delete your files in their entirety, at least not right away. In order to grasp this concept, consider the nature of storage devices. Because of the way they are constantly writing and rewriting data, the nature of said data needs to be fluid and easily replaceable. Thus, when you are deleting files, what you are really doing is making it easier for your device to “rewrite” or “reuse” the space previously taken up by the files for future use. For example, Windows will essentially “hide” this data until a time when it can be rewritten with new data.

When thought of in this context, it is easy to see why Microsoft used the term Recycle Bin for the location where all deleted files go instead of the “Eradication Bin,” an infinitely cooler sounding name. All jokes aside, it’s important that, in the event you purchase or procure a new drive or storage device that you take the time to overwrite your old device before junking it. Doing so prevents any would-be hackers from accessing the scattered files on your device, which could potentially open the door for other issues down the line.

The Correct Solution

We recommend that you work with an established managed service provider like KB Technologies Managed IT whenever you need to recycle an old device. Doing so allows you to move forward with peace of mind, knowing that your device does not have any sensitive data on it that could be harvested by hackers. To learn more about how we can help your business in this matter, reach out to us at (954) 834-2800.

VoIP vs Traditional Landlines

First, let’s discuss the major differences between the two. We all know about your traditional landlines; the technology is the same as it was all those years ago when you first started your business. Your handsets hook up to the local telephone company’s infrastructure which is responsible for relaying your calls. Compare this to VoIP, which uses the Internet to transmit calls instead. This can be game-changing for some businesses; while it does rely on Internet connectivity, it effectively allows you to cut out unnecessary expenses, too.

All the Great Features

VoIP is capable of just about any feature that your traditional landline telephone solution can provide, plus some others that can be advantageous for your business. All features like conference calling, call forwarding, voicemails, extensions, putting users on hold, and more are present here and can be utilized by your staff on the regular. VoIP even has capabilities for some features that are impossible to utilize with your standard landline solution, such as voice and video chat integration, instant messaging, and much more. It is a much more dynamic solution for the modern workplace.

None of the Frustrations

Adding new users to your landline infrastructure can be a hassle. You have to run new wires for the handsets, purchase the hardware required for them to take calls, and allocate the appropriate amount of space for new offices or workstations. While some of these frustrations do admittedly still apply for VoIP--namely ensuring that you have enough space for new employees and hardware for them to use--you do not have to run new wires for them. Since VoIP applications are typically desktop applications or mobile applications that utilize the Internet, there is no need to hook them up to the phone infrastructure or run new wires. You just create an account for a new user, assign them an extension, hook them up with some hardware, and install the software on the device. In this way, it is much easier to add new users.

Lower Costs

You’ve heard about “cord cutting” in terms of media streaming applications replacing television, and VoIP does something similar for telephony. Oftentimes, companies will bundle services together. For example, if you want telephone services, you might also need to purchase Internet or television services from the same provider. VoIP allows you to eliminate this need and utilize a pre-existing service (and something that your business is guaranteed to use)--the Internet. Furthermore, the more flexible and scalable costs associated with VoIP make it easier to fit into a budget. Don’t need a specific feature or service? Chances are you can customize your solution to fit your needs.

Get Started with VoIP Today

VoIP is a great solution that all businesses should consider for their communication needs. If you are not sure how to get started, or if you just want some advice on how to improve your current communications setup, KB Technologies Managed IT can help. To learn more, reach out to us at (954) 834-2800.

Security

One major cause for concern with cloud migration and deployment is security. Hosting data or applications in the cloud, essentially an online environment, promotes accessibility, but this accessibility can create problems if you aren’t careful. How is your data accessed? Where is it stored? What kind of cloud is the best fit for your security needs or for your particular type of data or application? Make sure you can answer these questions.

A good example to look toward is the public cloud versus the private cloud. The public cloud might make for great accessibility and ease of use, but the private cloud gives you more control over your security measures.

Compatibility

Not all data or applications belong in the cloud, so ask yourself if you really need to make the move to the cloud. Sometimes, due to privacy regulations, it is better to keep your data stored in-house to keep it safer and easier to centralize. It’s also imperative that you consider whether or not the applications you use in the cloud will work for your business, as some of them might be too resource-intensive to be effective in that kind of computing environment. You will want to make sure that you have enough bandwidth for all of your users to access it so it can function properly. After all, the last thing you want is for something designed for convenience to become a hassle or an exercise in frustration.

Scalability

How easy or difficult is it for you to add more storage space, more users, or more features for your cloud-based applications or storage solutions? A solid understanding of the limits of your cloud solutions is necessary, especially for a growing business that is trying to implement solutions that can grow alongside it. You don’t want to spend too much on a solution that will be obsolete in the future, but at the same time, you don’t want to increase the cost of implementation by buying more than you need.

If you need some help with your cloud management or deployment, KB Technologies Managed IT can provide the support and expertise your organization needs to succeed in this endeavor. To learn more about how we can help your business, reach out to us at (954) 834-2800.