Author: Oak & Bluebird

Photocopiers & Printers FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on by Oak & Bluebird
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Frequently Asked Questions about Printers & Photocopiers

A photocopier is a machine that makes copies of documents and other visual images onto paper or plastic film quickly and cheaply. In computing, a printer is a peripheral device which makes a persistent representation of graphics or text, usually on paper. While most output is human-readable, bar code printers are an example of expanded use for printers.

WHAT IS A MULTIFUNCTION PRINTER?

Multifunction printers or "MFPs" put together, in one single machine, the features of a printer, a copier, a scanner, and sometimes also of a fax machine. By definition, MFPs are necessarily connected to a computer by wired or wireless connection but can sometimes be operated directly from their control panel like standalone copiers.

In 2020, multifunction printers can be:

    • Inkjet multifunction printers, almost always allowing colour printing as well as black-and-white printing,
    • Black-and-white laser multifunction printers,
    • Colour laser multifunction printers,
    • 3-in-1 multifunction printers (print-scan-copy) using either inkjet or laser technology, printing either in black-and-white or in colour,
    • 4-in-1 multifunction printers (print-scan-copy-fax) - because fax is falling out of favour in Australia, multifunction printers sold on this market now rarely have fax feature.

 

Note that black-and-white versions can scan images in colour.

Advantages of these machines include:

    • Convenience in usage compared to separate devices,
    • Much smaller footprint than a combination of all respective devices,
    • Cost savings related to lower electricity consumption.
    • Discriminating factors which can be looked into to select the best multifunction printer include:
    • Number of functions (with or without fax),
    • Colour printing support,
    • Printing technology (laser is better for fast printing, inkjet better for colour printing),
    • Scanner resolution (if you need high-resolution scanning, check the scanner resolution of the model carefully. Scanner resolutions for multifunction printers are often low),
    • Printing resolution (the standard resolution of 300 dpi will be good enough for most printing unless you require photo quality),
    • Available connections (wired, wireless, network like Ethernet or Wi-Fi or simply local like USB),
    • Related applications and software, especially for mobile printing,
    • Multitasking capabilities,
    • Total cost of ownership and cost-per-page.

 

We, therefore, recommend comparing several quotes in the multifunction printer to choose the best device for your business at the right price.

WHAT IS A STANDALONE PHOTOCOPIER?

A standalone photocopier traditionally refers to single unit-machines entirely devoted to copying functions.

As standalone machines, they put together the features of a copier, a printer and a scanner and can work entirely on their own, without the need to be controlled by a computer or external device.

The introduction of multifunction printers (MFPs) has however blurred the line between photocopiers and printers, as most of these multifunction printers can now copy documents with their built-in interfaces, in addition to being connected with computers. On their side, most photocopiers in 2020 can now also be used as printers when connected to PCs.

However, professional photocopiers remain different in terms of productivity as they feature:

    • very fast copy speeds (over 50 pages per minute),
    • large and economical ink toners,
    • cabinets containing thousands of pages and big document feeders,
    • sophisticated document management features such as stapling, binding, sorting and sizing,
    • the ability to copy and print different sizes of paper,
    • robust mechanics for a high volume of use.

Standalone copiers usually offer a lower cost-per-page than multifunctional devices and are ideal for businesses with medium to high copy needs. Document finishing features such as binding, sorting and stapling are far less common and less durable in multifunction printers.

Photocopiers for small businesses are therefore a kind of crossover between multifunction printers and professional photocopiers trying to provide volume copying capacity with reduced footprint.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHOTOCOPIERS, PRINTERS, MFDS AND MFPS?

The difference between printers and photocopiers has been blurred, as multifunction printers can also be copiers and photocopiers connected to a computer can also be used as printers.

It's even more complicated to tell the difference between "MFPs" and "MFDs", as both refer to multifunction machines. Indeed, these acronyms stand for "MultiFunction Printers" or "MultiFunction Devices", respectively. The term "MFD printer" is even used to refer to "MultiFunction Device Printer", which means... MultiFunction Printer!

However, the following distinctions can be made:

- Multifunction Printers are small, tabletop printers with copier and scanning functionalities, but relatively slow printing speeds (less than 30 pages per minute) and paper capacity (about 100 pages); they are mostly sold for home use. Multifunction printers for small businesses, however, do make sense. As long as these MFPs have a network connection and a decent capacity and printing speed, they can be suited for light professional use.

- Multifunction Devices have the same functionalities but deliver faster printing speeds (up to 90 pages per minute), big document feeders and cassettes (over 300 pages), and sometimes even different paper format support.

- The difference between photocopiers and printers with copy functionality is basically the same as the difference between MFDs and MFPs, respectively. In fact, in many offices, MFDs are simply called "photocopiers"!

WHAT ARE PHOTOCOPIER HAZARDS?

Known photocopier hazards include:

- Ozone gas production: this highly reactive, unstable and colourless, but not odourless gas which can affect the respiratory tract, lungs and even the eyes;

- Toner dust is also dangerous for the respiratory tract, going as far as to cause respiratory tract irritation, sneezing and coughing - people suffering from bronchitis and asthma should stay clear of the machines, especially when changing toners;

- Photocopier overheating may cause the release of selenium, which if inhaled, can cause insomnia, upper respiratory tract disorders, low concentration at work, irritation of the lips and the eyes;

- Photocopiers may also release carbon monoxide gas, which is a deadly poisonous gas, causing nausea, headaches, dizziness and death;

- The bright lights produced by photocopiers can be very dangerous for the eyes.

HOW MUCH DOES A PHOTOCOPIER COST?

Prices of photocopiers vary greatly depending on a number of factors:

- Printing speeds, in pages per minute (ppm),

- Printing technology (laser copier or inkjet copier),

- Colour printing capability or simply black-and-white,

- Paper management features (how many pages can fit in the trays and magazines, what formats of paper are supported, features such as binding and stapling).

In Australia, photocopier prices can start at:

- Less than $100 for a basic inkjet multifunction printer,

- Less than $400 for a laser, colour multifunction printer,

- Less than $800 for entry-level, standalone black-and-white photocopiers,

- More than $2,500 for a colour photocopier,

- $20 to $120 a month, depending on the specifications and included service, for a photocopier leasing plan, with ink toners selling for about $50-90.

WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A PHOTOCOPIER?

Several criteria, related to the price of the photocopier or the features of the photocopier or printer, may be looked into to compare printers:

- Features needed. Copying, and printing, in black and white only or in colour, with automatic double-sided printing, scanning, faxing are the major features needed in office copiers.

- Speed. Heavy-duty copiers may print or copy up to 100 pages per minute, but this comes at a price. Choosing a photocopier with 20 to 40 pages per minute printing speeds covers most small business needs.

- Connectivity. How the machine connects to a computer is a key issue. USB connections are purely local, which means the machine can't be shared between several PCs. Wireless connections are preferred for ease of use and installation.

- Autonomous controls. This determines what the user can do without having to use a computer to control the copier. Being able to print (from a smartphone or USB dongle), scan, copy, fax, or send by email, and set precise parameters for these operations without the need for ever starting a PC is a real bonus.

- Size. This may seem so obvious that many prospective buyers actually forget about this point. An office photocopier in the traditional sense is huge and bulky. Small office copiers using inkjet technology like multifunction printers can sit on desks and may have all the same features.

- Price. If heavy-duty copiers are needed, the price may be an obstacle. Prospective users may then look into rental or leasing plans offered by many specialist providers.

- Leasing/rental plan conditions. If a leasing or rental plan is selected, it's essential to understand all the conditions and read all the fine print of the contract.

- Cost per page. The price of the machine is one thing, but it doesn't tell how much copying and printing duties cost. Cost per page includes the cost of all consumables, maintenance and accessories needed, and a basic is rule is that the cheaper the printer is, the more expensive the cost per page gets. The most important tip for choosing a photocopier is to check the price of toners or ink cartridges before buying any machine.

SHOULD I BUY A COLOUR OR A BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOCOPIER?

 If you consider the purchase of a new copier, it's important to determine if you have any need for a colour photocopier in your company, or at home.

In the world of multifunction printers (MFPs), two technologies exist for colour printing: laser or inkjet. The laser is generally the standard solution for black and white units, and inkjet is preferred for colour documents. As a matter of fact, inkjet technology is perfect for copying pictures, or print photographs, in colour and with an excellent resolution. However, printing is understandably slower in colour than in black and white, all the more so with inkjet technology. Finally, while inkjet units are generally cheap to buy, replacement ink cartridges are quite expensive and will represent a significant expense.

Laser colour photocopiers are faster, toner is less expensive than ink, even in colour, but the machines themselves are quite expensive. Unlike inkjet models, laser units can process large volumes of colour documents daily, with consistent speed and quality. To put it simply, inkjet MFPs are perfect for home use or small businesses, while laser ones are the choice of larger companies or copy professionals.

HOW DOES AN OFFICE PRINTER LEASING CONTRACT WORK?

Office equipment can be extremely costly, and many businesses couldn't afford to buy printing or computing devices if they had to purchase outright. Leasing contracts for office printers enable businesses to use exactly what they need, but at prices that are easy to budget for, along with substantial tax benefits.

When you take out a leasing contract, the equipment is delivered and installed. You then simply pay the agreed monthly or annual fee for the duration of the agreement (usually somewhere between 1-5 years). Servicing, maintenance and even consumables can be added, although the equipment remains the property of the provider throughout. Once the contract ends, the equipment is returned, upgraded or sometimes purchased at a substantial discount.

HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR A PRINTER-PHOTOCOPIER?

Copier or printer service contracts are often chosen by businesses because of four reasons:

- The copier is needed just for a short time,

- Low rental fees make printers accessible for small businesses,

- The pricing of printer-and-maintenance contracts is usually attractive, as compared with other maintenance arrangements,

- All-inclusive, hardware and service plans are hassle-free solutions for businesses.

The minimum period for a printer-copier service contract is nearly always 12 months, up to an agreement for a maximum of 5 years.

However, the longer the commitment, the more vital it is to bear in mind that:

- Contracts for printers are often based on "clicks", that is, a minimum number of "intentions to print a page as manifested by a click on the computer", which must be paid for every month no matter if it is used or not. In fact, this monthly volume is only relevant for the pricing when it's exceeded and triggers additional charges.

- Reading and understanding the fine print is really an absolute must, as some printer hire contracts include options which will be useless to many businesses and punishing concepts of "maintenance".

- Cost-per-page is the most important factor in order to understand the actual cost of the printer contract plan.

- Provided supplies like toners, paper, ink, staples may be far more expensive than if purchased separately. But changing these supplies yourself is often forbidden in some contracts, resulting in a breach of contract, sometimes even with penalties.

WHAT IS A FAX MACHINE?

Fax stands for facsimile, meaning that a fax machine doesn't send a document, it sends a reproduction of the document. In fact, fax technology involves the digitisation of a text or a picture through an optical scanner, the transmission of data through a telephone line, and the interpretation of data on the receiving side as a printed document. It's overall a fairly simple process, which makes it a fast, easy and cheap mode of document transmission.

Can I use recycled paper in my machine?

We recommend that you do not.

Recycled paper is good for making cardboard boxes and those cup holders you find in coffee shops. It is also of a lower quality than other papers. Please do not use it in your photocopier!

Recycled paper has to be washed, mashed, pressed and dried. Unknown to most recycled paper holds a lot more moisture and dust than normal paper. As the machine heats up after prolonged use the moisture and dust in the paper starts to come out, and the paper starts to curl causing it to get stuck in the machine's workings, causing paper jams.

Saying this, most copiers will cope with up to 50% recycled paper for short print runs. 

Should We Buy Used?

Buying a used photocopier requires you to carefully consider the copier's condition and its potential long-term value to the organisation. While you can likely find many great deals on used products, you will have to complete the market research to find the right product at the right price. Another consideration is the warranty on the used equipment. Make sure the system you select is offered with a comprehensive warranty that covers you in case of components breakdown over a short period of time.

What are the Maintenance Needs?

Other than filling the toner and ink for the photocopier and refilling the paper tray, what are the maintenance needs for the system you're considering? If you're a small business, the office photocopiers will likely be used by all members of staff. And so, you should try to find a system that requires limited running maintenance to help your team maintain their productivity.

Effectively selecting a quality photocopier can help your organisation improve its productivity and limit its costs in the coming years. Review the questions in this post during the selection process, and you'll come to decision that suits all equipment users within your business.

What is a Managed Print Service?

We define a managed print service as the assessment, optimisation and proactive management of the print environment, delivered by a provider under a contracted service level agreement. Managed Print Services contracts are either based on a cost per page model, which requires minimum volume commitments or a pay per print model where billing is based on what is actually printed.

How can I find out the total cost of ownership for my printer?

The TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of a machine refers to the expected cost of the machine by the time it reaches the end of its duty cycle. When buying a printer, many customers only consider the initial price of the machine. If the face value of a machine is relatively cheap, this doesn't necessarily mean that the total cost of ownership will be the same. In fact, in many cases, cheaper printers can end up being more expensive in the long-run. Replacement parts, ink and toner all contribute to the TCO of a machine, so that cheap and cheerful machine may prove to be much costlier than you first anticipated.

How much do I have to pay for replacement consumables/parts?

The cost of replacement consumables and parts depends entirely on the brand and specification of the bits and pieces that you want. Generally speaking, higher yield toners will cost more money than those with a lesser capacity. However, in the long-term, consumers tend to find that these are much more cost-effective.

When it comes to replacement parts, prices will vary subject to the machine that you own. Manufacturers all retail their replacement parts at different prices, so it can be useful to research these costs before buying your machine. This will give you a good idea of which brands offer the greatest value for money.

What is my warranty?

In short, this refers to the length of time that you are covered for with your machine. For example, if your machine comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty, and it breaks down within that time, you are liable for a complete refund or replacement from the manufacturer. The majority of our machines come with a lengthy warranty, giving our customers that much-needed peace of mind.

What are the requirements for buying a multifunction printer?

Understand what you need the multifunction printer to do for you and your end-users. Beyond printing and copying, how do you want to use the multifunction printer to help manage documents, reduce paper, simplify workflow, scan to the cloud, work remotely, etc.? How many copies, print, fax, scan and email jobs will you run each day? How many users will share the device? Will you need it to be colour capable? Wireless? Mobile- and cloud-connected? There are several requirements to consider.

Why consider a multifunction product rather than a standalone copier?

An MFP (multifunction printer) combines similar technologies-printing, copying, scanning and faxing-in a single machine. This is more economical in several ways:

It uses less floor space.

    • You need to stock only one set of consumable supplies.
    • You eliminate the need for multiple service suppliers and contracts.

MFPs are available in almost all speed and product ranges for both large and small workgroups.

Should I purchase or lease my equipment?

Whether to lease a printer or buy is an individual decision based on the needs of your company. Leasing is often an excellent choice while interest rates are low, as they are now. A lease may be tax-deductible for a business in the year you incur the monthly expense, and it allows you to lock in a maintenance rate for 3-5 years. Leasing allows you to upgrade as business needs change while keeping your operating and capital expenses low. Contact your representative today. He or she will present you with pricing and the potential benefits of either choice so you can make an informed decision.

What happens to a photocopier or printer at the end of its life?  

We return the machine to our workshop facility where it is stripped down into the various metals and plastics. Then they go off to a local recycling facility.

What's the difference between laser and inkjet printers/printing processes?

Laser printers use heat and pressure to bond toner (a dry powder) onto the surface of the medium being printed. In contrast, inkjet printers disperse ink (a liquid) onto the medium being printed where it dries to form the final print with some or all of the ink being absorbed into the top layer of the labels.

I have an inkjet printer, but I'm having problems with the print smearing. What's happening?

As with laser printers, there are a few potential causes for this problem. Firstly, you should check if your sheet of labels has come into contact with water or other liquids. Inkjet inks are water-based, which means that if they come into contact with fluids, they will run or smudge. Secondly, your printer may be dispersing too much ink, or the top coating of your labels may be oversaturated with ink; in either case, the ink isn't dry properly, which leads to smearing. This can occur in designs that include a lot of different colours or large blocks of colour (you can work around this by reducing the amount of colour in your design or purchasing coloured labels). The best way to solve this issue is to alter two of your printer's settings, "Print Quality" and "Paper Type". The print quality settings allow you to prioritise either the print quality or the print speed. A "Best" or "Photo" print quality setting makes the printer operate more slowly, but with the dispersal of more ink to create a higher quality of the print, so you may wish to try the "Normal" or "Draft" settings. The paper type setting will also adjust how the printer runs in order to create the best possible print results for the type of paper being printed onto (such as coated, uncoated, photo paper, or glossy paper). You may also want to consider removing the labels from your printer as soon as they are printed so you can place them on a flat surface while the ink dries properly. A final possibility is that there is an incompatibility between the label material and the printer/inks you are using; inks have slightly different compositions, which can produce a large variety in the print quality. Try using a different printer/inks to see if you get better results.

I'm trying to print a coloured background, but I'm getting a white border down one or more of the edges. 

Unless you buy a printer with edge to edge printing, you're probably running into an issue with printable and unprintable areas. Most printers cannot print to the very edge of an A4 sheet, which means there is an area that they can print (the printable area) and an area around the edge of the sheet that they cannot print (the unprintable area). Unfortunately, there is little you can do if your labels fall outside the printable area of the sheet. You may need to take your labels to a printer or get hold of a printer that is capable of edge to edge printing, choose a different size or layout of label (so that all of the labels fall within the printable area), remove your coloured background, or use coloured labels.

Need an affordable work from home (WFH) solution fast?

Posted on by Oak & Bluebird

Need an affordable work from home (WFH) solution fast?

Right now in April 2020, the world is currently facing an unprecedented situation that is transforming the way we live and work. A nation can do as much planning as possible for situations like these that come around once in a blue moon. Yet, it's almost impossible to predict how the population will react. This time, it's panic buying.

Items are selling out at rapid rates as people prepare for an uncertain future. Everything from toilet paper, pasta, DIY supplies to computer monitors are disappearing. Pictures of empty shop shelves are being shared on social media, fueling the panic.

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For a business owner plunged into the world of remote working, this panic is likely caused by uncertainty over having the right equipment to let you and your employees work from home. You may have recently found that this immediate change can be a very costly exercise, especially for large teams and if your staff members need specialised IT equipment.

7 Work From Home (WFH) Essentials

No matter what your day-to-day job involves, there is a bundle of essential IT gear that most office-based workers need to effectively work from home:

 

    • A laptop. Unfortunately, it's not realistic to lug a big office computer home.

    • A monitor for a second screen to work on.

    • Cables to keep them connected.

    • Keyboard and mouse. Bluetooth is ideal.

    • Essential software and application access.

    • A printer. Not all staff will need one, but for some, it may be important.

The cost of this WFH setup could be upwards of $2,500 per person. If you don't already have most of these essentials for your staff, this is a fortune to pay upfront, particularly if you have a large team.

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How to Mitigate Financial Stress

The best way to mitigate this financial stress - particularly when revenues might be tight - is to avoid the upfront cost. Fortunately, there are various options available to help you get around the large upfront cost of a sudden move to work from home.

Option 1

Rental of hardware only for a monthly fee under a managed service agreement.

Option 2

For laptops and computer hardware, there is a per-seat managed monthly plan model, DaaS (Device as a Service). DaaS is a life-cycle service that provides the rental of hardware, consultation, setup, ongoing maintenance and replacement of office technology, all rolled into an affordable, fixed per-person monthly plan.

Important Considerations

Software

    • What are the specific needs for different roles in your business? E.g. payroll software

Phones

    • Desk phones. Do your traditional office desk phones need to be able to operate from your employee's home? Do staff need to take these home?

    • Softphones. Could you remove the need for a physical desk phone and use a mobile app that allows you to make and receive calls, just like you're in the office?

    • Diverting calls. Do you need to set up call diversions from office phones?

How We Can Help

We is here to help you with your transition to Work From Home so you are set up for success and to ensure the changes you make have long-term benefits. Right solutions and expertise to help you implement this.

 We have the right services for your specific needs, all packaged within a monthly plan, without the upfront costs. These include:

  • IT Hardware, including laptops and monitors, as a rental, with extra  services included in Device as a Service plans, such as:

    • Service and support

    • Analytics

    • Device optimisation

    • Run ups

    • Security and updates

  • Cloud-based data storage, including file access for your team and your own cloud network

  • Softphones and other business telephony systems

  • Printing/ scanning and Document Management Solutions (DMS), including:

    • Digitising paper forms

    • Scanning solutions

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Affordable Long Term Solution

We works with you for the long term. We are also a small-medium enterprise (SME), so we understand the current challenges and needs that many businesses are facing right now. We are a real-life example of how a transition to working from home can happen quickly and seamlessly.

We successfully transitioned to a working from home model almost overnight, enabling our 130+ staff to work remotely with no interruption to service or business workflows. During this shift to working from home, we've even seen an improvement in overall communications and some productivity increases within our teams. We want to help you do the same.

NBN rollout map: 9 ways to prepare for the move

Posted on by Oak & Bluebird

office NBN rollout map: 9 ways to prepare for the move

The National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout is well underway, connecting more than 40,000 premises across Australia every week  to a faster and more reliable internet network.  If your business or office communication systems are landline-based, you will have no other choice but to migrate to the new network within 18 months after it has reached your location. Otherwise, your premises may be cut off from the telecommunications network.

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But what does it mean to be prepared for the NBN rollout? Here are 9 vital things to know:

1. The NBN Co Might Pull the Plug on the Existing Network in Your Area Soon

NBN Co intends to connect 11.7 million premises by 2020. So, most likely, the organisation will switch off the existing network in your business location soon.

2. Don't be Caught Off Guard: Know Your Disconnection Date

Keep your switch-off date in mind when preparing your NBN migration timetable. Once the NBN reaches your area, you may have up to 18 months to upgrade and migrate. When the "migration window" expires, you'll be disconnected from your old internet and phone service. Don't put your business at risk and wait until the very last month to migrate as the date of installation can take longer than expected, depending on NBN Co's schedule. To avoid downtime and revenue loss, be sure to plan well ahead for a smooth transition.

3. How to Check Service Availability in Your Business Location

Visit the NBN rollout map and type your address in the provided search box to find out if the new broadband infrastructure is available in your area, as well as the type of NBN connection you will have. If your location is highlighted in purple or designated as "service available," you can connect to the NBN. For areas where the build has commenced, the map will be highlighted brown with an approximate date of completion. If your area is showing as "not currently available" you may need to ask NBN Co about its rollout timetable for your location.

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4. NBN Migration is not Automatic: Engage a Service Provider

Once the NBN access network is available in your area, you will need to engage with a service provider to make the switch. Remember, the migration will not happen automatically, so contact your preferred company or engage with a new provider for assistance when you're ready to switch to the new network.

5. Your NBN Migration Window Could be Smaller than 18 Months

Once the NBN access network is available in your area, you will need to engage with a service provider to make the switch. Remember, the migration will not happen automatically, so contact your preferred company or engage with a new provider for assistance when you're ready to switch to the new network.

6. Choose an NBN Package Based on Budget and Network Speed Requirements

The maximum internet speed you can get from a broadband connection depends on your specific NBN business plan. So, choose a package that delivers your preferred data download/upload rates. Usually, gigabytes per second (GB/s) indicates the speed of a broadband network.

Likewise, consider the monthly data allowance required when selecting your NBN service. The specification limits the maximum amount of data you may transfer, download, or upload via the new network within a specified subscription period. Keep in mind that your broadband speed and data bundle requirements dictate the price of your NBN business package.

7. Read the Fine Print: Determine What You're Getting (and Paying For)

The NBN service contract you sign should include requirement specifications or details such as:

  • Your connection speed: Data transfer, download, and upload rates impact the effectiveness of your internet-powered business/office communication systems.

  • Power outages: Most NBN service components like landline telephones or security alarms may cease to operate after a power outage. Does your NBN plan include ways to minimise or avoid downtime during a blackout? Your provider should clarify that beforehand.

  • Network outage: What information or assistance will be available to you in the event of a broadband connection failure?

Consult for a Smooth Transition to the NBN

Are you ready for the inevitable NBN migration? We can answer all relating questions after a comprehensive assessment of your existing business phone systems and data cabling. We'll then advise you on any equipment, cabling upgrades or replacements required in your premises to flawlessly integrate with your preferred NBN service.

Would you like to learn more about the NBN rollout and how we can get your phone systems ready?

Let's talk now!

Managed IT Services FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on by Oak & Bluebird

Frequently Asked Questions about Managed IT Services

What does a Managed Service Provider do?

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a third-party company that manages and assumes the responsibility of a defined set of IT and technology management services to its customers. It is a strategic method of improving operations that is commonplace among large corporations as well as small and medium-sized businesses, non-profit organizations, and governments. As an MSP, the our Team can act as the client's IT Department or can augment the IT staff that is already in place.

What kind of companies are the right candidates for managed services?

Businesses of all sizes and in all industries use Managed Services for a variety of different reasons. Small to medium size companies use MSPs to provide full IT services so they can focus on their core business and maintain operational cost control. Larger companies may use an MPS to augment the in house IT staff, having the MSP handle the more day to day tasks freeing up resources to complete more strategic projects. Companies that need 24x7x365 monitoring and alert will engage an MSP to assist with that coverage.

Why use managed IT services? 

Simply put: most organizations use managed IT services because modern cybersecurity is a pain in the neck. Securing your networks and devices takes constant attention to the little details daily. Cybersecurity has high stakes too: even one single missed point has the potential to let malicious hackers into your systems. Even if you have an in-house IT team to handle your business technology, they might not have the time to focus on security day in and day out painstakingly. Most in-house teams are too busy putting out fires to keep up with comprehensive cybersecurity.

How to choose a managed IT provider? 

We're not going to lie: it takes time, and hard work to choose a managed IT services provider - but there are ways you can speed up the process. Start by identifying which IT services you need (such as business continuity, software licensing, or mobile device management), compile a shortlist of MSPs that provide those services, and then start making calls and taking notes. 

How are managed IT services vs break/fix different? 

When comparing managed IT services vs. break/fix, the word you want to keep in mind is "proactive." Break/fix companies provide traditional IT services: you break your technology, they come and fix it for you. But with the rise of cybercrime these days, malicious hackers make their money by breaking your tech - and it's not always possible to fix what they destroy. Managed IT services proactively prevent ~99% of breakage and cyberattacks by keeping your systems up to date and secure around the clock. Of course, the best MSPs will also roll up their sleeves and get to work fixing your systems when you need them to, which means that managed IT services providers are often breaking/fix providers too.

Signs that you might not be the right candidate for Managed Services?

 

    • You are a do-it-yourself type and only want help when you cannot figure it out yourself.
    • Why pay someone else if you can figure it out yourself?
    • Your IT plan is to keep the network running until the wheels fall off. Then we will deal with it.
    • You do not measure the performance of your business and employees.
    • You are content creating "work-arounds" or applying "Band-Aids" to fix problems.
    • You do not care how your employees use business resources during business hours.
    • You think "those IT problems" are not too bad, we can work harder.
    • You believe a PC should last more than 6+ years.
    • You enjoy spending free time learning how to fix computers.
    • You do not care if employee efficiency or morale can be improved.
    • You depend on "non-professionals" to help you out with IT.
    • You maintain that business productivity and performance are secondary to IT costs.

 

What sized companies benefit from Managed Services?

 

    • For managed IT services to be of value to your company, you should have at least ten workstations/end users and at least one server.
    • The maximum size depends on your company's business model, number of locations, strategic initiatives, growth plans, etc.
    • For companies under 200 end-users, an MSP can be the entire IT department (CIO, CTO, help desk and the like) or act as a supplement to in-house IT staff.
    • For companies with more than 200 end users, we usually see businesses hire an in-house technology technician, but still keep the IT Planning, Network Monitoring, and Windows Patch Management outsourced.
    • Managed Service Providers (MSPs) don't get sick, take vacations, or require benefits. MSPs also generally cost less than a full-time employee.

 

What if our network is working fine?

 

    • Most networks that we encounter are very far from healthy, although the client often doesn't realize it.
    • There is a lot that can be done, from installing patches to verifying and improving security to replacing outdated hardware that will improve the average network.
    • You have to have the right technical skills, the suitable network management systems and be prepared to spend the time on proactively stabilizing the network.

 

How are Managed IT Services usually priced?

It can vary from company to company, but typically services are priced by the hour, by the service, by the number of users serviced, by the number of devices serviced, or some combination of all of the above. Most companies will put together an annual service contract with you that bills you on a monthly basis.

What are some examples of Managed IT?

The list of potential managed IT services can be long. Among the specific benefits offered is overall network administration, maintaining the operational performance of your existing network infrastructure, patch management, live monitoring of network and equipment events, system performance audits, performance reporting, and so on.

Who Need Managed IT Services, SMBs or Large Enterprises?

Managed Services applies to all businesses looking for IT support. From startups to multinational companies, the Managed IT Services have become the need of the hour for almost every enterprise. In the wake of growing cloud adoption, the IT MSPs are finding relevance among SMBs who often refrain from spending on complex assets and critical storage maintenance. Moreover, staying updated to the changing technology trends and security updates is usually a severe challenge that most companies face. MSPs take care of this. So, MSPs work for every organization, irrespective of their size.

What Is The Difference Between Managed Services and Outsourcing?

Managed services and outsourcing share commonalities but are different in offering and the approach. Experts in both areas provide you with the needed technology and IT infrastructure support. While a consultant service ends with the implementation of a specific requirement, an MSP helps your company's IT for a long-term improving your organization's overall IT posture. While an IT consultant lays down the path for effective utilization of IT, an MSP proactively manages and operates the client's IT infrastructure and end-user systems. While IT Consulting has more to do with advice, managed services deal with the implementation required to run a specific application or a service.

How Much Do Managed IT Services Cost?

There is no standardized pricing as such for managed IT services. That purely differs with the service offered and the duration of the service. Pricing in IT MSPs usually involves per user and per-device pricing. Sometimes, services begin with low pricing and later on involves high variable costs. Mid-range services are often considered the best value for most businesses. And, high-end services involve higher fees and are more suitable for particular circumstances.

What are managed services, and how does this benefit me (the client)?

'Managed Services' is a general term that has not been truly defined yet. However, the way in which automated tools, agents, and software help manage systems is becoming more and more impressive every day. We fully utilizes 'managed services' to ease network management, foresee issues before they turn into problems, and help keep client fees stay as low as possible.

Is it risky to store essential data with a third-party provider?

It is not inherently risky to store data with a third party provider for two reasons- the data is encrypted, and the provider is not motivated to damage its reputation by repurposing the data of its customers. As long as the provider stores the information on its own servers, it is safe to use for data storage.

What are the advantages of outsourcing?

There are several advantages of outsourcing, particularly:

    • It is more cost-effective than the in-house model.
    • The provider possesses a high level of expertise.
    • It is easy to change network options.

Maintaining a system in-house can involve the following costs-hardware and software purchase, system maintenance, and staffing experts. Outsourcing allows a business to substitute these costs with an affordable monthly fee.

Are there certain solutions a provider should offer?

There is no certain set of solutions distinguishing good providers from mediocre ones, but a business is wise to choose a provider that offers solutions it may need in the future, in addition to the ones it needs today.

For example, many businesses turn to a provider for a common service such as issue tracking, but later require consultative advice on implementing new hardware, or need assistance implementing a network for mobile communication devices. A provider whose solutions meet a business' present needs, and anticipate its future ones, is the ideal choice.

What if we already have an internal IT department?

Of course. We have worked with numerous internal IT departments on a project-bases or in managing day-to-day operations. We work well with others, we promise.

Is Ransomware a real threat?

Yes, Ransomware is also malicious in nature because it is designed to encrypt files on a hard drive, essentially locking the user out, then demands a ransom to unlock the files. Keep in mind, and ransomware is also considered malware.

What type of attack is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, designed to deny access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. Ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails or by unknowingly visiting an infected website. Ransomware can be devastating to an individual or an organization.

Why do I need Managed IT Services?

Every business of every size in every industry must take a proactive approach to IT management in order to

increase productivity, reduce downtime, improve cybersecurity, and achieve better cost predictability.

What are the benefits of Managed Services?

One of the biggest benefits of managed IT services is the cost savings that businesses experience by making business IT support costs more predictable and manageable. A managed service approach will also provide businesses with comprehensive security, customized backup and recovery solutions, and state-of-the-art cloud storage and hosting.

 What industries does We serve?

Our serves most industries, as business technology is common across industry verticals. We also have specialized knowledge in the needs of industries that have special compliance requirements.

 What differentiates? Why Should I Choose You?

Committed partner with a strong focus on service. We pride ourselves on our ability to understand your business and your customers so that we can customize our service to you and ensure that you are able to provide that same commitment to your customers. We are dedicated to providing predictability of service, cost certainty, and responsiveness. Our organizational maturity, extensive senior talent, expertise, and effective systems will help you achieve your business goals.

Why Is Data Backup Important?

If you value the corporate data files on your computer or network servers then it is definitely worth protecting. You never know if your system is going to be damaged by equipment failure, man-made or natural disasters. Your type of industry can dictate the level of importance for your record-keeping and the retention rate for your files. A crucial data backup of your valuable customer base is an essential part of rebuilding after any disaster, sometimes the determining factor if you reopen or not. Also, your computer system could suffer a non-recoverable equipment failure or be attacked by malware, destined to destroy all your data files and potentially spread a virus through your corporate networked system. The cost to try to recover or rebuild these files is enormously expensive, labour-intensive and not always successful. Why incur this level of expense and suffer the frustration when this can be prevented?

Don't get caught off guard. Talk to one of our IT experts about your company's existing data backup plan. Compare what you are doing to what we has to offer. Enjoy the peace of mind in knowing whatever happens, and your corporate data is secure.

When to backup data?

Initially, we recommend that you do an overall backup of each computer and/or server. We then have you switch to increment backups that include all the newest files, folders and program data your system has acquired since the last backup. Our approach is designed for you to choose your comfort zone. Would you feel better doing an increment backup every 15 minutes during the business day or just at the close of business? The decision is yours, so choose your time frame and know you can always adjust your backup schedule depending on specific times of the year when you might have a greater volume of workload.

We strongly recommend that you test your backups regularly. Our technician will show you how to download a file from your backup so you can compare it to its original version and make sure it is staying current with each increment backup. We also suggest that you periodically look at your list of data files scheduled for backup to make sure your newest additions of files and folders are being included in your scheduled backup.

There is nothing worse then loosing all your important data when you could have backed it up. 

How Are Managed IT Services Different Than A Standard IT Contract?

The most significant difference between Managed Print Services and Standard IT services contract is Reactive vs Proactive. In Standard IT services contract, when your systems are down, you call, and the IT person comes out and fixes it. That means your company is out of commission until the tech gets there, diagnoses the problem and fixes it. It also puts you in the precarious position of hoping your backup was successful, hoping that data hasn't been corrupted by Viruses and Spyware and a litany of other "What If's". Another big issue is there really is no incentive to keep your systems running efficiently and securely. In a Standard IT service contract, the IT person only gets paid when your system goes down. In a Managed Services contract, the IT Partner is incentivized to keep your systems running because they get paid a flat rate. It actually costs them more money to send a tech out, so as opposed to a standard IT person, the Managed Services Partner will do proactive maintenance and monitoring so they can predict problems ahead of them affecting your business. Managed Services is usually on a per computer basis; however, we has a plan that covers your office needs.

Why should I choose Our Managed Services over another provider? 

Our commitment to the highest quality service and support is backed by our philosophy of mutual respect and building relationships. We focus on your business drivers and develop technical capabilities exceeding your expectations. Our managed and hosted services take you off the expensive installation and upgrade treadmill by continually providing the latest proven technologies - fully managed, redundant, secure, and affordable. 

How are we different?

What we do and how we do it is different from the norm. As your managed services/outsourced IT partner we provide a bespoke package designed uniquely to your requirements, and our approach and terms & conditions are so client-centric and different from the traditional model that it can be challenging to make a like-for-like comparison with our peers.

To make it easier, we present a comparison highlighting and explaining the key differences as reported to us by our clients as being the most important to them, and why it makes us unique.

Will I maintain full control over my business by using your service?

Yes, absolutely.

We understand that you are likely to have some reservations about outsourcing your IT. Perhaps you're concerned about the loss of directorship, the privacy of confidential information, or spiralling costs.

Rest assured that with us you won't surrender any control. On the contrary, you'll gain additional flexibility by relieving time-consuming responsibilities to us.

Will you ensure my work is backed up?

Yes - that goes without saying.

We regularly backup essential data to a separate location. In the worst-case scenario, this backup might be required to restore your system if your data is deleted or modified accidentally, or without authorisation.

However, we aim to anticipate potential faults and act before they become a source of confrontation or crisis. Regular maintenance, system updates, and enhanced security features carried out by us all help to eliminate data loss.

How will you keep my company's data safe and protected?

We'll assess the impact cybercrimes could have on your organisation, and take every possible measure to prevent anyone falling victim to them.

Our aims to tighten up the security at SME's so that no single vulnerability will become the cause of the disruption. We achieve this through:

    • Educating clients (and their staff)
    • System account management
    • System updates
    • Data backups
    • Staying up to date with known vulnerabilities
    • Recommending new software and hardware that reduces security breaches.

Companies of all sizes depend on the smooth running of their IT systems and the information contained on them. That's precisely why we devote so many resources to (substantially) minimising risks.

How would Your Services benefit my business? 

Our Managed Services are tried and tested. We:

    • Understand your IT needs in context of your entire business
    • provide open, candid advice, where your business IT issues are our first concern
    • are detailed, thorough and obsessive about ensuring nothing is missed
    •  provide consistent customer service and are always at hand to support and improve your business where necessary
    • ensure results, installing IT solutions that deliver greater IT control and efficiency
    • are committed and professional and prefer to be the best at what we do

 

 

How to choose the right Managed IT Service provider?

 

    • Understanding of both business & IT lifecycle
    • It is important that your IT managed service provider understands that technology is supposed to solve business problems. They should be able to help you align your IT support function with your overall business strategy and act as a propeller in your growth. But this can only happen if you have outsourced your IT function one service provider.
    • Many businesses often fell in a trap of appointing multiple managed services providers to meet various needs which are not recommended, as this approach can be costly, complex, and can slow down your processes. A better approach is to outsource your IT needs to one supplier who can take care of your IT function from concept to completion.
    • Industry experience
    • Finding a supplier that can consistently deliver on time is extremely important. Look for experienced suppliers who have been in the business for a long time and have a strong track record of delivering results.
    • Technical expertise
    • You can use different operational performance metrics to measure your supplier's technical expertise. Metrics such as on-time delivery, quality, lead times, SLA hit rates and average response times will give you a fair idea of their competency.
    • If you already know where your company is on the managed service needs spectrum, you'll be able to assess better if the prospective MSP is a good fit.
    • Customer references
    • The key is to identify that your prospective supplier has positive reviews in the areas you need them. Customer testimonials and endorsements from happy customers who have worked with the supplier are essential, and you should always ask for references when choosing a supplier before outsourcing your IT function. While any supplier can list the reasons why they are a qualified partner, only the quality ones will have excellent customer references to share.
    • You should look for customer testimonials or case studies and shouldn't be afraid to ask the prospective supplier for a shortlist of past clients to call on. This research ahead of time can lead to a more successful partnership in the long term.
    • Local presence
    • Location is one of the most important factor when shortlisting your IT services provider. Another factor that may weigh your search in finding the right MSP is their typical on-site response time. If an installation or implementation requires on-site technical assistance, you'll want to know the answers for all of these situations.

Major Benefits Of A Managed Security Services Provider

Posted on by Oak & Bluebird
Office-Business-Photocopying-Machines-07-1024x768

What are the Benefits Of  A Managed Security Services Provider 

Technology makes modern-day business possible by increasing efficiency and generating useful insights through data. Your networks house your information and make it possible to get more work done than ever before. As one of your most valuable assets, your network deserves the utmost care and attention when it comes to upkeep.

Many businesses assume that the only option for network management is to delegate it to the in-house IT team, but that's far from the truth. Managed IT and technology services provide expert support and service for your network, so you can focus on what your business does best. The business benefits of managed services in combination with the money you can save make it a smart solution for companies of any size.

Managed IT service is when a company outsources certain IT functions to a third-party provider, referred to as a Managed Service Provider or MSP. These outsourced functions may be as basic as keeping IT equipment and other services functional all the way up to full IT team outsourcing. 

The goal is to either serve as an IT team for a company that has little or no internal capabilities or to support an experienced IT team by taking some of the day-to-day tasks off their plate. 

MSSP lowers costs in many areas

Can managed services cut down cost? The answer is yes. It can also make your IT expenses more predictable. With managed services, your costs are neatly packaged into a set amount paid on an annual or monthly basis. An in-house IT team, on the other hand, comes with many more frequent and unexpected expenses that can quickly drain your budget.

Networks come with a lot of equipment that needs to be maintained and sometimes repaired or replaced. MSPs provide maintenance as well as repairs as part of the contract, so a fix that might cost you thousands of dollars out of pocket is absorbed by the provider. This model shields your budget from extreme fluctuation, improving the stability of your business overall.

Small businesses benefit immensely from managed services because the up-front cost to start is so much lower. When a business starts from scratch, the initial costs of hiring and training a team while simultaneously paying for the servers and other equipment necessary can be financially overwhelming.

    • Reduced training costs
    • Working with an MSSP results in major cost savings on training and ensures IT teams have up-to-date knowledge of cybersecurity and threats. You benefit directly from the expertise and experience of the MSSP.
    • Lower staffing costs
    • You also save on staffing costs. Using an MSSP means you don't incur any costs for hiring one or more full-time professionals. In addition, MSSPs continuously monitor security systems - 24 hours a day, seven days a week! You can't even expect that from your best employees.

 

Lower investment costs

An MSSP spreads the fixed costs of investments in technology over a broad customer base. And as a customer, you benefit directly from these savings. With an MSSP, you save directly on the costs of your own hardware, applications, and experts.

No unexpected costs

An MSSP is a solution to a lot of your concerns, and it makes it clear what you have to do as an organization. After all, managing everything in-house means new rules and guidelines can come as a surprise, resulting in high unexpected costs when you need to hire industry and compliance experts.

More time to focus on your business

An MSSP frees uptime, so you can work on the things that really move your business forward - no more continuously having to resolve incidents. Your IT teams can reclaim time to focus on developing things, such as new services (innovation), network-related optimizations, business roadmaps, and more.

Access to unique expertise and tools

Are your IT staff experts in cybersecurity? Do they know all the latest developments, techniques, and technologies that guarantee safety? IT security is a unique expertise area that requires continuous training and education. For many organizations, experienced and dedicated staff for IT security are not only expensive but also difficult to find. 

Gaining access to the best cybersecurity solutions and technologies is a key asset and incentive to start working with a Managed Security Services Provider. An MSSP also provides independent cyber-security advice; this isn't the case for suppliers of hardware and tools.

One of the main benefits of working with a Managed Security Services Provider is the broad cyber-security expertise it offers, something that many companies don't have in-house. Outsourcing this to a Managed Security Service Provider means you can be certain that a security expert will protect and manage your data properly. The certified employees of good MSSPs are always aware of developments in the industry and in modern cyber threats.

Organizations that place their trust in an MSSP are often more effective at protecting their own organizations than when they rely on their own security teams alone. Of course, this doesn't alter the fact that both teams have to make proper arrangements about how they communicate with one another.

Direct cybersecurity

IT teams themselves often don't have time to keep up to date with the best next-generation firewalls or cyber-security topics, such as endpoint protection, phishing, and advanced threat prevention. 

The good news is that as a partner of your company, an MSSP always has that knowledge at hand and applies it directly. From the moment an organization chooses a good MSSP, that expertise is immediately accessible: your MSSP is dedicated to ensuring the security of your network, endpoints, and data 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is intelligent, always-on cybersecurity expertise!

Automatic detection and fixing of vulnerabilities

An MSSP takes a lot of work off your hands when it comes to detecting and fixing vulnerabilities. An MSSP can:

    • structurally detect and reduce vulnerabilities in critical systems.
    • Proactively predict threats, especially and specifically for targeted cyberattacks.
    • Automatically detect important offensive tactics and methods in critical systems.
    • Respond effectively and quickly.
    • Reduce the likelihood of an attack succeeding and becoming an 'event' that takes a lot of time to control.

Increase Action-oriented Insight And Reduce Alert Fatigue

Day in, day out, IT professionals have to deal with countless security alerts originating from various security tools used within the company. In short, alerts often fail in their purpose: they're either not usable or don't contain information that could be used to take action. This form of alert fatigue increases the likelihood that actual cyber threats will go unnoticed.

Over 31% of IT security specialists don't respond to security alerts due to the high number of false positives. 

Many cyber-security solutions cause integration problems when exchanging data, resulting in inefficient and ineffective data silos. MSSPs usually have integrated technology solutions that fully focus on action-oriented alerts.

So if your MSSP sends you alerts, these are hardly ever redundant or unusable.

Most MSSPs use the technology of all types and sizes that in-house specialists have integrated over time for businesses. The MSSP, therefore, offers solutions that avoid situations where IT staff receive endless alerts, while at the same time increasing response efficiency. Moreover, thanks to the insights provided by an MSSP, you can set easily measurable goals for cybersecurity.

Scalability

Another benefit is that MSSPs can be scaled perfectly to your needs, and the required security IT infrastructure can be easily adapted. So if you temporarily need extra capacity, you simply scale up. Resources automatically grow with your capacity needs. And if you need to scale back at a later time, you can. MSSPs respond quickly. 

The price tag associated with maintaining an in-house IT team is a big one, and that's why you often see teams that are understaffed, overworked and unable to get everything done due to a lack of time and resources. That doesn't work on a daily basis, and it definitely doesn't fly when your company is trying to expand.

Training even one additional employee for your IT department costs thousands of dollars, and there is never a guarantee that they'll even stay with the company. An MSP absorbs the cost of training, and you'll never have to worry about your IT experts jumping ship.

Scaling networks takes significant coordination, manpower and new equipment. It's a huge cost for any company, and it often takes an IT team's focus off other important functions like security. Managed services can help you expand or upgrade systems when you need to, without having to hire and train employees you won't necessarily need later on.

Good guarantees and fast response times

Good MSSPs offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs) alongside their 24-hour, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year support An SLA contains guidelines for customers on incident response times and guarantees in the event of security incidents. 

In short, all potential risks associated with cyber threats are shifted from your organization to a specialized third-party, the MSSP.

Risk Of Cyberattack Is Growing.

Has your organization ever had to deal with ransomware, malware, virus infections, or cyberattacks? This attack may have seen important services fail and meant employees couldn't do their work for hours or even days. It could even have blocked customers from accessing your digital or physical services. There's a good chance this has already happened to you, given that the number of reports of cyber incidents has never been as high as it was last year.

The damage cyber attacks do to organizations ranges from unauthorized access via a relatively simple hack to large-scale theft of sensitive data, resulting in prolonged downtime. Effective recovery costs a lot of money and damages the confidence of your customers and investors. Whatever happens, don't let a cyber incident destroy your organization. Prevention is better than cure, but if it does happen, it's important to act quickly and limit the consequences.

Affected By A Cyber Incident?

If something does go wrong and your organization falls victim to a cyber incident, the often already overloaded IT staff work overtime to get the affected services and security back up and running as quickly as possible. These sorts of situations can be a frightening wake-up call, suddenly making everyone aware of the organization's unexpectedly high vulnerability to cyberattacks.

This is when people start asking: how can we better secure our organization, employees, and customers against cyberattacks? And what's the most cost-effective solution?

Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) provide structural security solutions against cyberattacks, including always up-to-date expertise in the latest cyber threats and appropriate solutions.

What is a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)?

Because security threats are becoming increasingly common, many organizations are partnering with a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), often in addition to their existing security program. MSSPs provide professional monitoring and management, protecting hardware and data from potential cyberattacks. 

A Managed Security Service Provider is a third party that manages and implements network security and other forms of security for organizations. This could include:

    • Blocking viruses and spam.
    • Managed Firewalls.
    • Detecting intrusion attempts.
    • Setting up and securing a virtual private network (VPN).
    • Implementing system changes or upgrades.

In addition, MSSPs continuously monitor the security devices and systems in the organization. Most MSSPs offer a wide range of services, including:

    • Device management.
    • Log monitoring and management.
    • Vulnerability management.
    • Consultancy services.

Managed Security Service Providers generally offer their services in a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. This means that your organization doesn't need any extra hardware or staff - and this has a number of major benefits! We've listed the eight main ones for you.

Most Common Types of Services

The number and type of services a company needs from an MSP usually depend on the company's internal IT capabilities. However, the most common services companies need support on are:

Data Backup

IT backup services protect and retain your data and allow you to recover data as small as single files or as large as entire databases.

This layer of redundancy provides additional security and accessibility in case of an event. It usually makes sense to outsource secure data back-ups to take advantage of the state-of-the-art technology an MSP can offer. 

Help Desk Solutions

Many companies who use managed IT services have little or no IT resources of their own. MSPs often offer help desk solutions as a way to give their customers access to an on-call IT specialist who can help them troubleshoot their issues either remotely or on-site. 

IT Support Services

IT support services are really useful when you need a combination of IT support and guidance. The MSP is responsible for proactively managing and patching your devices while providing insight into how your system works and how it should work. 

Managed Network Security

Cybercriminals will steal an estimated steal 33 billion records in 2023

This service helps free up your IT resources by outsourcing tasks like network intrusion detection and prevention, virus and spam eradication, content filtering and traffic analysis through a traditional or next-generation firewall.

Microsoft Office365

With so many companies adopting this extremely popular cloud service, many MSPs are able to plan, design, implement and support Office365 for their customers.

Object Storage

This type of data storage architecture allows a customer to store large amounts of unstructured data. As businesses struggle to find ways to store massive amounts of data, object storage can offer benefits like cost-effectiveness, scalability and reliability. This type of storage is typically used for data like media files, web content, documents and backups. 

Storage

General data storage comes in several tiers. The provider generally works with the customer to find and use the type of storage that will give them the optimal efficiency and the lowest cost. 

Systems Management

This type of outsourced IT allows your MSP to monitor your servers, applications and network. They'll interpret the data and real-time metrics in order to proactively identify and solve issues before they cause downtime and impact your business.  

Virtual CIO

Small and medium companies don't typically have the capacity to hire a dedicated Chief Information Officer. A Virtual CIO is a service some MSPs offer that provides analysis, strategy and a step-by-step plan for the company's technology. 

 

Is your IT manager really qualified to keep your data secure?

Posted on by Oak & Bluebird

office Is your IT manager really qualified to keep your data secure?

Your IT manager has a big role to fulfill within your company. Not only is this individual tasked with keeping your phone and internet systems running smoothly, they are often responsible for keeping your organisation's data secure. The importance of data security in many businesses has increased substantially over the past several years and keeping your data secure has become a critical part of customer service, compliance, and even business continuity. Should it be your IT manager's responsibility?

The Standard Requirements for IT Managers

Technology plays an incredibly important role in your business--and your IT team has to be up to the task. Hiring an IT manager means looking for an exceptional individual who has a range of important skills and capabilities, from crisis management skills to the tech skills necessary to handle the day-to-day functionality of your business. The IT manager often takes on a number of important tasks:

  • Developing and maintaining technology processes throughout your business

  • Maintaining and updating software

  • Maintaining and updating hardware as needed

  • Running regular checks on network security

  • Maintaining basic data security standards

  • Overseeing system updates

  • Dealing with migrations

  • Handling outages and bringing your system back online as soon as possible

  • Determining timelines and handling major projects, including upgrades

  • Managing other employees within the IT department

  • Helping employees troubleshoot their IT issues

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With such a wide range of skills required, it's often critical to look for an IT manager with several years of industry experience. You will often find, however, that IT managers come to the table with degrees in Computer Science or Information Technology, not degrees and certifications in cyber security. This may mean that your IT manager has little more than a passing knowledge of data security or how to keep your organisation's valuable information secure.

Does your IT manager really have time to manage your cybersecurity?

Your IT manager often has a wide range of tasks on their plate--often including upgrades, tech support for various individuals throughout the building, and dealing with crises. As a result, security management may take a back seat or, in a worst-case scenario, fall through the cracks entirely. Is it really important? Consider the cost of data that isn't properly secured.


Client acquisition goes down with poor security. New clients want to know that their data is secure and protected in your systems. Failure to provide that security, on the other hand, can cause potential new clients to shy away from your business.


Client retention decreases. 70% of customers say that they would stop doing business with a company after a data breach. This holds particularly true for businesses that don't take what customers consider appropriate measures to protect private data or to ensure continued customer security--and it can be devastating to your business reputation and revenue.


Legal issues arise. If you are not meeting compliance with Australian and even international standards, depending on your customers, you  may face legal costs associated with your data breach. The average cost of a data breach stands at over $7 million and legal fees add significantly to those costs.


Trust in your brand plummets. After a major data breach, especially one that becomes the subject of public discussion, you may struggle to maintain your reputation. Building a trustworthy and reputable brand is an expensive and difficult exercise, and trying to regain trust after a breach is a challenge that your business may never recover from.


A single data breach can cost your company millions of dollars. Unfortunately, many Australian businesses are struggling to identify, isolate, and stop data breaches, which means you can continue to lose money throughout the process.


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The cybersecurity skills shortage

Throughout Australia, cyber security faces a significant skills shortage. This skills shortage has already cost more than $400 million dollars and it's set to cost even more in the coming years. Cyber security is a constantly growing field that has substantial implications for every business across Australia. While most cyber security professionals themselves are highly trained and have skills that cover a wide range of arenas.


As technology improves, cyber security professionals are finding their skills increasingly in demand--and many of them are seeing a substantial increase in their daily workloads. For businesses, the high demand for cyber security professional means you have to fork out top dollar to have an in-house expert.

Chances are, your IT manager already has to keep up with information from a wide range of other fields. Unfortunately, with the skills gap widening, the chances increase significantly that your IT manager does not have the specialised skills necessary to keep your business's data as secure as possible.  Ultimately, this can result in a loss of revenue, legal implications and much worse.

Building a Solution

With the skills shortage in cyber security Australia, you may find that it's more difficult than ever to find an effective solution to the problem. A cyber security specialist working in-house has the potential to offer your business the security it so desperately needs. The average IT manager, on the other hand, probably won't be able to.

That's where we comes in.

We understand the importance of cyber security in business. Furthermore, working with us is far cheaper than hiring a cyber security specialist to work directly with your business--not to mention the fact that, given the current shortage of cyber security specialists in Australia, finding a specialist to work for your business could be incredibly difficult. Not only that, you won't have to worry about training or onboarding staff, nor will you have to suffer downtime between employees if your specialist moves on. We has the solution to ensure that your data is secure. Consider our skills:

  • Remote accessibility

  • Enhanced flexibility in the workplace

  • Private cloud access

  • A dedicated Australian support team

  • Government-grade security

Leveraging the power of our private cloud solution makes it easy to scale your business and offers a higher level of security than many other solutions, which allows you to keep your data safer and protect both your clients and your private data.

 

Moving to a private cloud solution not only takes away the burden of cybersecurity from your internal IT manager, but also gives back this key employee critical time to focus on other high value activities, like implementing improvements to your suite of technology and enabling your staff.

 

Let's talk.

 

Post Covid-19: 4 ways workplaces will change after lockdown

Posted on by Oak & Bluebird

Post Covid-19: 4 ways workplaces will change after lockdown

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There is no doubt that COVID-19 will change the workplace forever. With new light being shed on public health concerns and extended adaption to remote work, companies around the world are revisiting the 'new normal'.

The pandemic has certainly sped up the development of remote systems and tools, with many corporate leaders leaning into the idea of remote teams. Twitter, Facebook, Square and Shopify, for example, have given their employees the option to work from home indefinitely - a concept that hardly existed five years ago.

On May 22nd, the Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke tweeted, "As of today, Shopify is a digital by default company. We will keep our offices closed until 2021 so that we can rework them for this new reality. And after that, most will permanently work remotely. Office centricity is over".

When Andrew Hunter of Adzuna was asked about remote work in a recent interview with Fortune, the co-founder replied, "the standard office-based job is increasingly a thing of the past."

We've been exploring some predicted impacts of COVID-19 on our workspaces, and here are just a few thoughts.

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What to expect?

1. Fluctuating commute times

Did you know that during COVID-19, commute times in congested Sydney dropped by about a third? With many working from home, the roads emptied out. Unfortunately, this may be short-lived. As distancing conscious commuters need to go back to the office, they may opt to drive rather than risk public transport - especially with dropping fuel costs. A shift back to private car use may undo years of initiatives to promote public transport use and drive up commuter numbers on the roads to unsustainable levels.

However, commute times may come down in the long-run. As employers have moved to work from home during COVID-19 lockdowns, these may become more permanent shifts, a move that would take more cars off the road and result in fewer people on public transport commutes.

2. Fewer unnecessary meetings, better communication

The pandemic helped many realize when a face-to-face meeting is required versus when it's acceptable to communicate digitally. Communication management tools such as unified communication systems, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira and Monday.com all provide synchronized, easy access to coworkers without the formality of an organized meeting time. Adopting digital communication platforms has improved real-time communication, shifting employees off phone calls and inefficient emails to real-time chat. That's a big win-win for workers.

3. Fewer work trips

Gone are the days of flying from Melbourne to Sydney for just one meeting. As most employees  remains just as productive while working remotely, it'll be challenging for businesses to justify the expense. Especially when the use of video conferencing tools, such as Zoom, throughout lockdown periods, have proven video meetings can replace face-to-face meetings with minimal impact. Additionally, until there's a vaccine, many are fearful of flying and hotel stays.

Azurite Consulting recently conducted a survey which revealed 40% of those surveyed will not stay at a hotel until there is a vaccine, and 49% don't feel comfortable flying internationally until then also.

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4. Improved remote systems

Given the dramatic shift in workplace behaviours, one byproduct of the pandemic will be a continuation of expedited technology development that supports remote work. Implementing efficient communication and data storage systems that can be accessed anywhere is more important to businesses than ever before and this has become increasingly obvious with each passing day since the outbreak began.

How to adjust

A significant increase in remote work will be an adjustment for many of us. So, it's important to have the right tools in place to optimise for success and productivity within you, your team and organization. 

Learn how to manage time

It's easy to become glued to the computer while working from home. According to a recent survey by Airtasker, on average, remote employees worked 1.4 more days every month, which equates to 16.8 more days each year. It's not hard to see why. Home becomes the office and the office becomes home. 

Set up your workspace 

Getting caught up in being 'always on' because of a lack of separation between physical spaces is something all remote employees easily fall victim to. That is why time management and setting up a proper workspace is crucial. Psychologist Charlotte Armitage suggests that a proper workspace is fundamental to working from home success. "If you work in every room of your house, you will start to associate your home with work, making it very difficult to switch off from work and creating unhealthy imbalance in your work-life routine. Ideally, you need a space that is specifically for work that you can close the door on when you want to switch off.," she explains. 

Reach out to teammates

Workplace by Facebook conducted a survey in 2018 which addressed the concerns of many remote employees by uncovering that 54% sometimes feel disconnected, underlining that it's common to feel alone or stuck when not physically surrounded by a team to collaborate with. It's important to understand those emotions when experiencing them and reach out to teammates to help you feel engaged and connected when feeling isolated. With endless digital communication platforms at our disposal, keeping in touch is easier than ever. 

The effects of COVID-19 on the way we work will continue over the coming years. While the spike in telecommunication and remote activity will be an adjustment, adapting and embracing the change by putting proper tools in place will allow for a smooth transition. 

Business Cloud – Risks, Threats, & Vulnerabilities in Moving to the Cloud

Posted on by Oak & Bluebird
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Business Cloud – Risks, Threats, & Vulnerabilities in Moving to the Cloud

Organisations continue to develop new applications in or migrate existing applications to cloud-based services. The federal government recently made cloud adoption a central tenet of its IT modernisation strategy. An organisation that adopts cloud technologies and chooses cloud service providers (CSP)s and services or applications without becoming fully informed of the risks involved exposes itself to a myriad of commercial, financial, technical, legal, and compliance risks.

The threats and vulnerabilities involved in migrating to the cloud are ever-evolving, and the ones listed are by no means exhaustive. It is essential to consider other challenges and risks associated with cloud adoption specific to their missions, systems, and data.

There are a few characteristics and models for cloud computing:

    • Essential characteristics: on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.

 

 

    • Deployment Models: private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, and hybrid cloud.

 

Cloud Computing Threats, Risks, and Vulnerabilities

Cloud environments experience--at a high level--the same threats as traditional data centre environments; the threat picture is the same. Cloud computing runs software, the software has vulnerabilities, and adversaries try to exploit those vulnerabilities. However, unlike information technology systems in a traditional data centre, in cloud computing, responsibility for mitigating the risks that result from these software vulnerabilities is shared between the CSP and the cloud consumer. 

As a result, consumers must understand the division of responsibilities and trust that the CSP meets their obligations. Based on our literature searches and analysis efforts, the following list of cloud-unique and shared cloud/on-premise vulnerabilities and threats were identified.

Cloud-Unique Threats and Risks

 

Consumers Have Reduced Visibility and Control. 

When transitioning assets/operations to the cloud, organisations lose some visibility and control over those assets/operations. When using external cloud services, some of the policies and infrastructure move to the CSP.

The actual shift of responsibility depends on the cloud service model(s) used, leading to a paradigm shift for security monitoring and logging agencies. Organisations need to monitor and analyse information about applications, services, data, and users, without using network-based tracking and logging, which is available for on-premises IT.

On-Demand Self Service Simplifies Unauthorized Use

CSPs make it very easy to provision new services. The on-demand self-service provisioning features of the cloud enable an organisation's personnel to provide additional benefits from the agency's CSP without IT consent. Using software in an organisation that the organisation's IT department does not support is commonly referred to as shadow IT.

Due to the lower costs and ease of implementing PaaS and SaaS products, the probability of unauthorised cloud services increases. However, services provisioned or used without IT's knowledge present risks to an organisation. Unauthorised cloud services could increase malware infections or data exfiltration since the organisation is unable to protect resources it does not know about. Unauthorised cloud services also decrease an organisation's visibility and control of its network and data.

Internet-Accessible Management APIs can be Compromised.

CSPs exposes a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) that customers use to manage and interact with cloud services (also known as the management plane). Organisations use these APIs to provision, manage, orchestrate, and monitor their assets and users. These APIs can contain the same software vulnerabilities as an API for an operating system, library, etc. Unlike management APIs for on-premises computing, CSP APIs are accessible via the Internet, exposing them more broadly to potential exploitation.

Threat actors look for vulnerabilities in management APIs. If discovered, these vulnerabilities can be turned into successful attacks, and organisation cloud assets can be compromised. From there, attackers can use organisation assets to perpetrate further attacks against other CSP customers.

Separation Among Multiple Tenants Fails 

The exploitation of system and software vulnerabilities within a CSP's infrastructure, platforms, or applications that support multi-tenancy can lead to a failure to maintain separation among tenants. An attacker can use this failure to access one organisation's resource to another user's or organisation's assets or data. Multi-tenancy increases the attack surface, leading to increased data leakage if the separation controls fail.

This attack can be accomplished by exploiting vulnerabilities in the CSP's applications, hypervisor, or hardware, subverting logical isolation controls, or attacks on the CSP's management API. To date, there has not been a documented security failure of a CSP's SaaS platform that resulted in an external attacker gaining access to tenants' data.

No reports of an attack based on logical separation failure were identified; however, proof-of-concept exploits have been demonstrated.

Data Deletion is Incomplete

Threats associated with data deletion exist because the consumer has reduced visibility into where their data is physically stored in the cloud and a reduced ability to verify the secure deletion of their data. 

This risk is concerning because the data is spread over several different storage devices within the CSP's infrastructure in a multi-tenancy environment. In addition, deletion procedures may differ from provider to provider. Organisations may not verify that their data was securely deleted and those remnants of the data are not available to attackers. This threat increases as an agency use more CSP services.

Cloud and On-Premise Threats and Risks

The following are risks applicable to both cloud and on-premise IT data centres that organisations need to address.

Credentials are Stolen

Suppose an attacker gains access to a user's cloud credentials. In that case, the attacker can have access to the CSP's services to provide additional resources (if certificates allow access to provisioning) and target the organisation's assets. The attacker could leverage cloud computing resources to target the organisation's administrative users, other organisations using the same CSP or the CSP's administrators. An attacker who gains access to a CSP administrator's cloud credentials may use those credentials to access the agency's systems and data.

Administrator roles vary between a CSP and an organisation. The CSP administrator has access to the CSP network, systems, and applications (depending on the service) of the CSP's infrastructure. The consumer's administrators have access only to the organisation's cloud implementations. In essence, the CSP administrator has administrative rights over more than one customer and supports multiple services.

Vendor Lock-In Complicates Moving to Other CSPs

Vendor lock-in becomes an issue when an organisation considers moving its assets/operations from one CSP to another. The organisation discovers the cost/effort/schedule time necessary for the move is much higher than initially considered due to non-standard data formats, non-standard APIs, and reliance on one CSP's proprietary tools and unique APIs.

This issue increases in service models where the CSP takes more responsibility as an agency uses more features, services, or APIs, the exposure to a CSP's unique implementations increases. These individual implementations require changes when a capability is moved to a different CSP. If a selected CSP goes out of business, it becomes a significant problem since data can be lost or cannot be transferred to another CSP promptly.

Increased Complexity Strains IT Staff

Migrating to the cloud can introduce complexity into IT operations. Managing, integrating, and operating in the cloud may require that the agency's existing IT staff learn a new model. IT staff must have the capacity and skill level to manage, integrate, and maintain the migration of assets and data to the cloud in addition to their current responsibilities for on-premises IT.

Key management and encryption services become more complex in the cloud. The benefits, techniques, and tools available to log and monitor cloud services typically vary across CSPs, further increasing complexity. There may also be emergent threats/risks in hybrid cloud implementations due to technology, policies, and implementation methods, which add complexity. This added complexity leads to an increased potential for security gaps in an agency's cloud and on-premises implementations.

Insiders Abuse Authorized Access

Insiders, such as staff and administrators for both organisations and CSPs, who abuse their authorised access to the organisation's or CSP's networks, systems, and data are uniquely positioned to cause damage or exfiltrate information.

The impact is most likely worse when using IaaS due to an insider's ability to provision resources or perform nefarious activities that require forensics for detection. These forensic capabilities may not be available with cloud resources.

Stored Data is Lost

Data stored in the cloud can be lost for reasons other than malicious attacks. Accidental deletion of data by the cloud service provider or a physical catastrophe, such as a fire or earthquake, can lead to the permanent loss of customer data. The burden of avoiding data loss does not fall solely on the provider's shoulders. 

If a customer encrypts its data before uploading it to the cloud but loses the encryption key, the data will be lost. In addition, an inadequate understanding of a CSP's storage model may result in data loss. Agencies must consider data recovery and be prepared for the possibility of their CSP being acquired, changing service offerings, or going bankrupt.

This threat increases as an agency use more CSP services. Recovering data on a CSP may be easier than recovering it at an agency because an SLA designates availability/uptime percentages. These percentages should be investigated when the agency selects a CSP.

CSP Supply Chain is Compromised

If the CSP outsources parts of its infrastructure, operations, or maintenance, these third parties may not satisfy/support the requirements that the CSP is contracted to provide with an organisation. An organisation needs to evaluate how the CSP enforces compliance and check to see if the CSP flows its requirements down to third parties. If the conditions are not being levied on the supply chain, then the threat to the agency increases.

This threat increases as an organisation use more CSP services and are dependent on individual CSPs and their supply chain policies.

Insufficient Due Diligence Increases Cybersecurity Risk

Organizations migrating to the cloud often perform insufficient due diligence. They move data to the cloud without understanding the full scope of doing so, the security measures used by the CSP, and their responsibility to provide security measures. They make decisions to use cloud services without fully understanding how those services must be secured.

More risks in cloud computing

Before cloud computing, companies had to budget for buying hardware (servers and network just to mention some) and software (operating systems, security suites, productivity programs). With the advent of cloud computing, they now can tap into shared resources without even needing to sacrifice office space!

Cloud computing is the right choice for many SMBs that are okay with outsourcing and comfortable using another party's facilities to store their data, software, and devices. Providers are paid a subscription cost and offer a pool of services, including updates, IT assistance, and training if needed. If so wished, companies are freed from the need to have their own IT department, IT server rooms, etc.? Of course, cloud computing cannot be for everyone.

Companies that have specific privacy concerns, however, still have the option to subscribe for hybrid systems. They can maintain control over their data, for example, while still using shared resources to cut costs. Cloud computing is also essential when a business has employees in satellite offices or works remotely while on the road or visiting a client through laptops or tablets. The cloud makes it much easier for them to access needed information and resources.

So why isn't cloud computing the choice for all companies? The answer is obvious: the inevitable risks of cloud computing. Switching to this new way of defining IT requires an in-depth evaluation of the business' needs and an analysis of how much trouble can be tolerated.

The impact on a business return on investment (ROI)

Migration to the cloud might sound like the most cost-effective option. Still, businesses should carefully compare the costs of owning software and equipment with the price of "leasing" IT technologies. Parameters like speed, security, usage, quality of service, scalability, and support must be considered.

Compatibility

Migration to the cloud might pose problems of compatibility with an existing IT infrastructure or with a company's security requirements and organisational policies. Pre-planning is once again crucial in considering all these aspects before committing to the change.

Trust

Not all providers are equal. Services through cloud computing may be interrupted by unforeseen events. Outages from a service provider, for example, can happen. Since providers are unable to guarantee no service disruptions will occur, data may not be available 24/7.

In a disaster situation, communications may be slow or shut down for some time. Once again, a careful assessment of the cloud service provider is paramount. Businesses need to consider the risks associated with trusting all their operations to an external party and what would happen in case of default and interruption of service. What guarantees the cloud service provider offers if disaster strikes are what a business needs to consider.

Confidentiality

Probably the main concern, confidentiality is often mentioned as the reason for not embracing cloud computing. If a company's operations require the handling of sensitive data, the protection of these data becomes a priority and a concern. A business might not feel confident in sharing with an external party their vital information. Responsibility for a data leak could be hard to assign when data are handled and transmitted between two parties.

Compliance

There are risks involving non-compliance with existing policies and contractual obligations related to the handled data or the business operations. The legal implication of using an external IT provider should be carefully reviewed.

Security

Not just confidentiality, but the entire structure should be evaluated. Where's your data going to be stored? Who will have access to the information? What security measures and protection does the cloud provider offer? Is all information (even when non-sensitive) transmitted in unsecured plaintext or is it encrypted at all times?

Lack of control over performance

There is always the risk that the system quality may be inadequate or that a cloud service provider is unable to provide quality services at all times. It should be clear what guarantees the provider can offer in terms of systems performance and, especially, how prompt is its corrective action in case of a disruption of service. Not having direct access to the infrastructure means that a business must rely on the prompt action of the provider when something goes wrong.

Lack of control over the quality

A business needs to trust the quality standards that a provider can offer over time. How easy would it be to switch providers in case of an obvious degradation of quality?

Many of these risks can be mitigated by careful planning and attention to detail when drafting service contracts with cloud providers. For example, risks related to privacy and data confidentiality can be reduced by using hybrid cloud computing? sharing only some resources but not relinquishing data control.

Cloud computing is most certainly revolutionizing the way small-medium businesses (SMBs), and companies in general, use IT. Cloud computing has allowed businesses to access high-end technology and information at an affordable cost. In most cases, SMBs can access new technology and more resources without the premium price it would have cost in the past.

Regardless of the risks and adverse opinions, however, it seems cloud computing will continue its growth. Only time will tell if the benefits of this IT revolution will outweigh for good the risks involved.

Reduce costs & free up your IT team with Device as a Service (DaaS)

Posted on by Oak & Bluebird

Reduce costs & free up your IT team with Device as a Service (DaaS)

If you take a walk around your office today you may see a huge array of different computing devices being used. Desktops, laptops, tablets, as well as a wide range of mobile devices - each catering to the users' role and preferences.

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And, if you're involved in supporting all those devices, you'll know first-hand what a headache this creates. Your support team has to know the ins and outs of each device, so they can troubleshoot any problems that crop up. When it comes time to update or upgrade, each device demands its own custom process to keep it up-to-date and functioning properly.

 

So, how can a modern company save the hassle and expense of maintaining a fleet of devices? How can it keep staff satisfied they're getting the latest and greatest devices, the performance they need to do their job, plus excellent support to make sure they're not left high and dry when their equipment crashes or needs updating? Device as a Service (Daas) could be your answer.

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So, what exactly is Device as a Service (DaaS)?

DaaS is a device management solution that bundles the leasing of hardware devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones with life cycle servicing and software into a single monthly contract.

It's a paid subscription model that streamlines your company's IT requirements and mitigates the time and cost that comes with managing it all in-house. Importantly, it leaves all device management to skilled experts, which frees up your team to focus on their core tasks and responsibilities.

5 financial benefits of Device as a Service (DaaS)

One of the biggest challenges finance teams face is getting cost predictability, so they can manage their cash flow. They often have to rely on managers to provide budgets for the next financial year. However, when it comes to IT costs, most managers don't know enough to forecast accurately, anticipate when hardware or software needs updating or upgrading, or have a crystal ball to know when a device is going to crash.

Aside from the cash flow challenges of managing all your devices in-house, hardware and software are also expensive capital expenditure items. IDC reports that hardware consumes almost a quarter of technology budgets. All too often, when a company's budget is under pressure, staff get told 'sorry, you'll just have to wait until the next financial year to upgrade.'

According to ZenBusiness, this 'tech-gap' created by deferred CapEx spending results in outdated technologies, low stocks of supplies, and a lack of integrated communication among teams. The net result? You guessed it: unhappy staff.

Two in three employees surveyed said outdated technology has the biggest effect on their productivity. For example, poor-quality computers can burden IT with help requests and result in a loss of productivity when employees can't work due to repairs or maintenance. 57% said this impacted on their job satisfaction and 32% on their relationship with their employer.

DaaS can neutralise all of these issues by providing the following:

  1. Improved cash flow.

  2. Reduced capital expenditure on hardware.

  3. Cost predictability and more accurate forecasting:

    • simple and flexible monthly plans; pay per seat per month over 3-5 years

    • Reduced IT-related costs, with better visibility

    • Insurance included

    • Covers all device-related hardware and software

    • If you close a project, or your business, there's no need to sell purchased assets

    • Asset recovery, disposal and refresh

    • Plan in advance for upgrades and the transition to new technology

  4. Frees up cash otherwise earmarked for the upfront and out-of-pocket expenses of the traditional, one-time purchase model.

  5. The per-device contract, combined with detailed reporting, lets technology costs be allocated to a specific business unit or project.

 

DaaS frees up your in-house IT team

Consider the time an in-house IT team would normally spend procuring and managing devices, as well as deploying and supporting them. DaaS takes care of all this, freeing up your frontline IT staff for more strategic initiatives that help grow your business.

Devices under a DaaS model come pre-set up, so they're almost ready to 'plug and play'. No more wasted time as staff sit around waiting for IT to install software and get devices connected to the network.

Your IT team doesn't have to spend time and resources any longer taking care of the day-to-day management and maintenance of PCs, tablets and other devices. Best of all, they can give away their Helpdesk responsibilities - your vendor takes care of this under the DaaS model.

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DaaS is tailored for your unique needs

To make sure you're not paying for anything you don't need, your DaaS vendor takes the time and trouble to discuss your exact requirements in detail. An important aspect of the DaaS model is scalability; if your business grows and your workforce expands, you just let your vendor know that you require more seats. Similarly, if a project comes to an end, for example, you just scale down. This gives you tremendous speed and agility, which is vital in today's competitive business environment.

The actual devices covered by your DaaS are also carefully considered, so you have purpose-built accessories to suit your business needs. This includes having up-to-date, high-performing hardware, which is monitored and adjusted to suit your employees and their job requirements. And, if new technology comes into the market, your vendor will let you know, so you can be confident you've got your finger on the pulse of the latest tech trends.

Procurement and Supply Chain Officer (North Sydney)

Posted on by Oak & Bluebird

Job Opening Procurement and Supply Chain Officer (North Sydney)

Are you passionate about procurement, supply chain and liaising with people? We have an exciting opportunity to join a growing Aussie Tech company!

About OK Kloud

It enables businesses to continually improve through technology. We work with businesses, across all industries, to refine their technology infrastructure. From printers and copiers, to workflow automation, integrated asset tracking, to communication tools and cloud software - we work with our customers to deliver what they need to be able to grow their business.

We have come a long way since our inception in 2011, and we are only getting better. We are disruptors, innovation is at the heart of who we are. While we are constantly working to improve our products and service for our customers, we pride ourselves on delivering this through our strongest asset - our people.

What we're looking for

We're looking for a highly organised and people orientated Procurement and Supply Chain Officer to join on a permanent full-time contract.

What you'll be working on

You'll support the day-to-day functioning of procurement activities for direct and indirect categories globally. You will use your exceptional communication skills to engage in supplier development and negotiation. As well as continuing to strive to service excellence through ensuring that internal and external customer delivery deadlines are met.

More About You

To be successful in the role, you will have:

  • Minimum of 5 years' experience in Procurement and Inventory management
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve measurable results in line with an overarching business strategy
  • Proven skills in adaptability and attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Confident with negotiating pricing with partners
  • Experience working in a team environment and ability to take ownership

Desirable:

  • Bachelor's degree in Management or Supply Chain
  • B2B and/or third-party logistics experience
  • Previous experience in vendor relationships or management
  • IT and Print stock or product knowledge
  • CRM knowledge - Salesforce is highly desirable
  • APICS qualification highly desired

The Family

There's a reason people work. Rather than being a small fish in a big pond, everyone can see how their individual contribution makes a difference to the success of our business. That empowerment underpins our commitment to personal development, building strong relationships with our colleagues, taking pride in our work, and valuing our diverse experiences and backgrounds.