The team, hailing from MIT?s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, developed a security platform combining the strength of human involvement with the effectiveness of artificial intelligence. Given the name A.I.?, this new platform is capable of detecting 85 percent of incoming attacks while reducing reported false positives by 20 percent. How A.I.? combines AI and human involvement is actually quite genius. To begin, the ?untrained? machine reports a sample set of results to a human expert. These results are informed by machine learning and are checked against the 200 most important problems. The human expert then checks over and corrects the machine?s work, with the intention of finding mistakes and false positives. Subsequently, the human-checked results are inputted to A.I.?, the machine learns, and the next set of tests will have fewer errors. This process is then repeated with the security platform adapting each time to look for what its human teacher looks for. In a paper presented at the IEEE International Conference on Big Data Security, research scientist Kalyan Veeramachianeni summarized, “You can think about the system as a virtual analyst. It continuously generates new models that it can refine in as little as a few hours, meaning it can improve its detection rates significantly and rapidly.” Of course, the precedent of effectiveness set here by combining human expertise and oversight with A.I. has far-reaching ramifications for other A.I. initiatives currently in development; initiatives that have both humanity?s best and worst interests in mind. Although, for now, those of us in the IT world are celebrating this A.I.-enabled technology for being one giant leap forward in security analysis accuracy. It?s important to keep in mind that a platform like A.I.? is still years away from being available to the average business. Therefore, we recommend that you stay on top of your network security by following best practices, which combines automated software solutions and human vigilance in order to combat the latest threats. White Mountain IT Services is standing by to assist you with all of your company?s network security needs. To equip your business with the most comprehensive IT security solutions on the market, call us today at (603) 889-0800.

Chair SpecificationsWhile this may not be the first issue to enter your mind as you consider sources of discomfort in the workplace, it only makes sense to assure that the office chairs are as comfortable as possible. After all, it is where the employee will spend most of their day. A good office chair will have a cushion (preferably with breathable fabric) as well as armrests for the times the employee stops typing. The arms should be bent at 90 degrees and resting on the arms with relaxed shoulders. As for the backrest, height and angle should both be adjustable to keep posture upright – and the best will include some form of lumbar support. Desktop Hardware PositioningIdeally, the keyboards should line up to your employees? positions so that there?s a straight line from their navels to their ?B? keys; mouse at the same level, and as close to the keyboard as possible. Heightwise, the keyboard and mouse should be at a level where the typist will bend at the elbows, not the wrists. The monitor(s) should be positioned so that the top edge of the monitor is about two or three inches above the user?s eyeline. One last note concerning monitors: glare should be eliminated as much as is possible. Here is a handy chart for determining ideal desk proportions. Using the Right EquipmentOf course, using properly-sized equipment is only half of the battle – it also must be used properly. Posture is key to minimizing soreness and discomfort. Beyond the arm positioning and eye level of the monitors, leaning and slouching will cause stiffness. You should suggest that your employees position themselves to be sitting up straight, shoulders relaxed, and avoid reaching for items on their desks. Be Sure to Take BreaksIt is also recommended that those working with computers and screens take frequent breaks to reduce the strain on the muscles and eyes. Stretching, getting up and moving around, or at least looking away from the screen are all highly recommended. One might ask why they should invest time and resources into assuring that their employees sit properly. The simple answer: a comfortable employee is a productive employee. Without the distraction of physical discomfort, a team will accomplish more, treat your clients better, and generally improve the environmental experience of the workplace. So, how else could some small environmental adjustments improve office productivity? Let us know in the comments below!

EvernoteFor years, Evernote has been the predominant note-taking application on the Android platform, helping users keep track of their ideas and managing useful content. The app has always allowed users to capture and store sound bytes, but now it provides the option to convert those audio files into text format. The app allows users to keep both the audio file and the transcribed text file together so that they have access to both. This extraordinarily useful option provides an outlet in which to cross-check the two to ensure everything was translated properly. Besides capturing audio to text, with Evernote you can produce notes, collect information, and catalog that information in a way where a simple interface search can help you have any of the data you?ve saved at your fingertips in seconds. The app also has options to chat with collaborators and share files, providing the seamless cooperation tool you need in today?s fast-moving business environment. Dragon DictationAnother option that takes advantage of voice-to-text is the #1 audio dictation software Dragon. This app is very simple. In fact, it has only one button; tap it to record, and again to stop. Once you finish dictation, the text will show up, which can be a little discombobulating at first, but it doesn?t take long to do it. With the renowned accuracy of Dragon software behind the app, you will be able to produce lengthy emails, notes, status updates, and more. Copying the text is a cinch, as is saving it for later. Voice AssistantThe Voice Assistant app has been redesigned for iOS and is now easier to use than ever. Simply switch to your preferred option and you can convert your audio files to text. Once you have the text file available you can use the auto copy feature to send your transcripts to the apps you use most, making it a quick and easy solution when looking to transcend mediums. Voice assistant is a great alternative to the onboard virtual assistant-like apps such as Siri. Supporting over 22 separate languages and with integrations with some of today?s most important apps, Voice Assistant can be purchased for only $.99. If you are searching for a way to make dictation easier for you, consider these three options. Do you find speech-to-text useful? If so, what application do you frequently use to turn your audio files into text? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Businesses have always relied on telephone communication systems to stay in touch with external and internal contacts. However, the traditional method of telecommunication has fallen behind the times, giving way to more flexible solutions that are designed to save businesses money and improve efficiency. In particular, Voice over Internet Protocol can be a valuable asset for small businesses that are experiencing growth. Rather than using telephone lines to transfer and receive calls, VoIP uses the Internet to send your voice to the recipient. Considering how most businesses need an Internet connection in the first place, using VoIP is simply utilizing a technology that?s necessary in order to eliminate an unnecessary expense. Differences Between VoIP and Traditional Phone SystemsDoes your business utilize VoIP? If not, you should consider doing so as soon as possible. It?s a great way to cut down on your operational costs and improve workflow. Here are some of the main differences and advantages that your organization can experience from using VoIP as a part of your communications infrastructure. Additional features: While your traditional phone system might support services like caller ID, user blocking, call forwarding, conference calling, etc, VoIP offers all of these services, plus some. Unlike the traditional phone system, which you need to be close to the receiver to use, VoIP works right from your desktop PC, laptop, or smartphone. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can use your work number from anywhere, allowing for flexibility that the traditional phone system envies. Plus, VoIP offers several other features, including video conferencing, which can be very helpful for bridging the gap between employees while working remotely. Decreased costs: If you?re paying for both a landline and an Internet connection for your office, you?re essentially paying for one too many services. Considering that landlines are often bundled with other services that you may not necessarily want, it?s more affordable and efficient to simply use VoIP as your preferred communications solution. Add in the fact that you can say goodbye to long distance, and you have a convenient and cost-effective package. Flexibility: Traditional phone systems require an immense amount of work to add new lines to an infrastructure. Depending on your office?s setup, new phone lines need to be installed, and you might even need to remodel your office. Both can be expensive, but with VoIP, you don?t need to waste time or money on improving your infrastructure. As long as your Internet connection and internal network can sustain the traffic and strain, VoIP will work as intended. If your organization is ready to implement a solid new communications infrastructure, a VoIP solution can go a long way towards improving operations. To learn more, give us a call at (603) 889-0800.

The success of ?software as a service,? or SaaS, is a significant trend that you need to leverage to your advantage. In essence, businesses that use SaaS are paying a flat rate for a productivity suite or similar service. This software can then be accessed through the cloud via an Internet connection, making it both flexible enough to add new users, and accessible enough to be used anywhere on most any device. According to BetterCloud, 91 percent of Google Apps users claim that SaaS helps them more than traditional desktop applications, while 68 percent of Office 365 users say the same about Office. The success of Software as a Service offerings can be attributed to paying less for more over time. Rather than buying software outright, businesses are finding it more economically feasible to pay a smaller monthly rate for services rendered. This presents several benefits in comparison to purchasing applications in full, like having more manageable payments over time, and always using up-to-date versions of business apps. Additionally, it?s much easier to add new users to a cloud-based productivity suite than it is to purchase new licenses for all of the software required for their position. Besides these benefits, BetterCloud believes that there are still some significant roadblocks that are preventing organizations from implementing cloud-based applications. One of them is the business?s dedication to the antiquated desktop application infrastructure. People are simply used to having their solutions available right on their desktop workstations. Even if they?re gaining ground, concepts like cloud computing, document sharing, and collaboration are all relatively recent developments in the business world. It will still be some time before these concepts are fully recognized and accepted. The modern business?s technology infrastructure is changing to adapt to a demand for an increasingly-mobile, highly collaborative work environment. Having access to critical software solutions while in the office isn?t enough anymore. Executives and employees alike want access to their data and applications at all times, and it?s this drive for mobility that?s fueling the cloud-based application revolution. Therefore, if you want to be at the forefront of the competition, you need to take measures now and begin the assimilation process as soon as possible. If your business is looking for a way to improve operations, you can contact White Mountain IT Services at (603) 889-0800. We can equip your business with the software solutions and cloud computing environment it needs to stay productive.