Here are three ways that the cloud can help your business. Anywhere Access to Applications and DataIf your organization is new to cloud computing, one of the better ways you can capitalize on its value is by using virtual applications that are hosted on and provided by an online environment. In fact, your business might already be using cloud-based applications, like Microsoft Office 365 or the newly-renamed Google Apps, the ?G Suite.? These solutions offer data storage and cloud solutions that can help your employees work effectively from anywhere with an Internet connection. This helps them get more work done, and in turn, helps your business improve efficiency. Additionally, it can be beneficial to host other applications and services in the cloud. For example, a cloud-based VoIP solution gives your team access to an online phone system that can be accessed via a desktop or mobile app, providing greater communication to your employees. Improved BudgetSince the cloud uses virtualized machines to distribute your data, like servers and your desktop infrastructure, you can significantly cut costs by reducing the amount of hardware that you host on-site. You can manage workloads and operations all through the cloud, which helps you to optimize network operations and reduce inefficiencies. Plus, since you?re using minimal actual hardware, you save on utility bills like electricity and air conditioning, and you don?t have to maintain multiple hardware systems like you would with a whole room filled with servers. Simplified Network with Room for FlexibilityWhen your network is simple, it means that you?re hosting it on the minimum amount of hardware possible. Calling it ?simple? may not be the best way to describe it; rather, it?s using only the required hardware on-site, with the rest of it being hosted in the cloud. All of your organization?s critical solutions can be accessed and called upon from the cloud. For example, a desktop infrastructure hosted in the cloud allows you to take advantage of thin clients, which are essentially less resource-intensive workstations that call applications and desktop functionality from a centralized server. When implemented properly, thin clients can effectively reduce costs and improve efficiency. Plus, cloud-hosting allows you the flexibility to adapt resources adequately as your business grows. To learn more about the cloud or to ask about what the cloud can do for your business, reach out to us at (603) 889-0800.

Basically, VoIP uses your organization?s Internet connection to transfer your voice to its recipient. VoIP tends to use a software client that?s installed on the user?s workstation, laptop, or smartphone, which works anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. Many organizations are finding VoIP to be an alternative to the traditional land-locked phone systems issued by telecommunication providers. Here are some of the major benefits of using software-based VoIP phone systems. VoIP is VersatileThe problem with traditional office telephony is that office workers can?t (easily) take their office phone numbers with them when they leave the office. With VoIP, users can install the softphone application on any applicable device, be it a smartphone or a laptop. This makes it easier to stay in touch while on business trips or working remotely. All the user needs is a headset or a microphone. VoIP is FlexibleOne of the biggest pain points with telephone systems is the struggle that comes from onboarding new employees. When you acquire a larger workforce, you need to add telephones to your communications infrastructure, which can include anything from running new wires around your office, to completely remodeling to accommodate for more space. With VoIP, it?s as simple as adding new users, numbers, and extensions to your software-based phone system. You still have to watch out for bandwidth restrictions, however, due to the fact that your phone system is using your Internet connection. VoIP is Cost-EffectiveLet?s compare VoIP to traditional telephone services. Providers tend to bundle together services that your business may not necessarily want or need, which winds up costing your organization more money in the long run. Instead of bundling together undesired services, you can build out a VoIP service that?s specifically designed for your business. Other great features include screen sharing, instant messaging, conference calling, and so much more. You only have to pay for what you want. Regardless, VoIP uses a service which you already pay for–your Internet connection–so that you don?t have to worry about another big expense in your budget. If your business is rethinking its communications strategy, a VoIP solution from White Mountain IT Services can be just what you need. Every business is different, though, and you need a VoIP solution that?s designed specifically with your organization?s needs in mind. To learn more, reach out to us at (603) 889-0800.

One of the big problems with free Wi-Fi is that people who use public connections are fully aware of just how dangerous it is; yet, they still want to use it. The Identity Theft Resource Center claims that 78.5 percent of users who connect to free Wi-Fi understand that there are major risks involved, and yet only 26.7 percent use a VPN to keep themselves safe. Thus, free Wi-Fi should be approached with caution. Here are just a few reasons why you need to be careful when accessing public Wi-Fi. Anyone Can Access ItIf the Wi-Fi isn?t protected by a passcode, the network is vulnerable to hacking attacks and other threats. Plus, if the router isn?t configured properly, the passcode doesn?t offer much help. The fact that anyone can access it at their leisure means that there?s virtually nothing stopping hackers from connecting to the router and spying on other users. It?s worth mentioning that, although we use the term ?hacker,? even a mischievous child with a bit of curiosity and the proper know-how could access your files via public Wi-Fi if the connection isn?t secure. Free Wi-Fi is Highly UsedIt?s natural that a free Internet connection will attract attention from people. That said, the more people who connect to a Wi-Fi network, the slower the connection, and the more likely it is to house a hacker. Hackers understand that free Wi-Fi draws plenty of victims, so they?ll use the convenience to find new targets. Data Isn?t EncryptedEncryption adds an extra layer of protection to any data that?s sent to and received across an Internet connection. When routers have encryption, hackers have a more difficult time stealing data. Therefore, you should only connect to routers that have encryption, and it?s unlikely that your run-of-the-mill router at your local restaurant has it. What You Can DoYou may not be able to control who secures their public Wi-Fi routers, but you can take steps to protect yourself if you?re ever in the position where you feel you must use it. Here are three best practices for keeping your devices safe while using a public Wi-Fi network: Only connect to networks that require security codes. Set your phones and devices so that they don?t automatically connect to any new Wi-Fi network. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). To learn more about how you can keep your data safe from prying eyes, reach out to White Mountain IT Services at (603) 889-0800.

Regardless of what type of organization you run, there is always a need for a word processor, spreadsheet software, and email solution. You might already take advantage of Microsoft Office, but do you take advantage of the subscription service (Office 365), or do you purchase the software licenses outright? The primary benefit of Office 365 compared to Microsoft Office 2016 comes from understanding the difference between the two. In particular, users and business professionals need to know that Office 365 is a subscription-based model, while the traditional Office 2016 suite is a one-time purchase. However, the differences don?t stop there. Here are three of the major reasons why your business should consider Office 365 as its primary productivity suite solution. Office 365 is More Cost-EffectiveWhen you consider the fact that small monthly payments fit into budgets easier than large up-front expenses, the benefits of Office 365 are clear. When purchased through Microsoft, Office 365 provides users with a discount for paying for 12 months ahead of time, allowing for further cost savings. Office 365 Stays Up-to-DateWhen using the traditional Microsoft Office suite, you would purchase the most recent version of the software. In this case, it would be Office 2016. However, in several years when the next version of Microsoft Office is released, users who paid up-front for their solution will have to, once again, shell out for up-front costs. A better option is to just pay for the Office 365 subscription, which will take into account all of these upgrades so that you?re always using the most recent version of Office–for no real additional costs. Office 365 is More FlexibleUnlike Office 2016, which is a one-time download of your productivity solutions, Office 365 benefits from its subscription-based status by providing varied levels of service. If your current service plan doesn?t quite meet your expectations, you can change your plan to better suit your business?s needs. This type of flexibility is great for businesses that are growing or anticipating growth. So, have we convinced you to switch to Office 365, or at least give it a shot? Either way, regardless of how you want to take advantage of Microsoft Office, White Mountain IT Services can help you get started. To learn more, reach out to us at (603) 889-0800.