Photo: The Entech Family at our annual dinner looking forward to 2012.

We hope you had a great 2011, excellent Holidays, and are enjoying 2012 so far!

We’re really excited about 2012, and the biggest buzz in our industry has been, and continues to be, the exponential growth of Cloud Computing.

If you’ve been following our blog, you noticed we wrapped up a series on “7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business” (also available as a free eBook) in October.

Over the last few months, we’ve been asked how businesses are actually switching to, and using Cloud Computing.  We’re extremely excited to say we’ve compiled 8 great examples for our new free eBook that will be debuting shortly, entitled:

“8 Ways to Use Cloud Computing in Your Business”

We’ll be reviewing how Cloud Computing helps businesses continue to grow and flourish through having centralized business document storage, secure online accounting & billing (allowing business owners the ability to more closely monitor cash flow!), and even enhance the relationships you have with your clients through online customer relationship management!

Be sure to get your free copy of our “7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business” eBook and you’ll automatically be notified of when our new eBook debuts!

As always, if you have any technology questions, or need help with your computer systems, or network, please give us a call at (800) 573-0234, or contact us online.  We’re here for you!

Thank you, and Happy New Year!

-Martin

…that appeared in Southwest Florida’s “December 2011 – Gulfshore Business” publication.

Congratulations, Jake!

In the article, Jake talks about the most common questions he receives lately regarding cloud computing, and they are:

“What’s the cloud?  What’s cloud computing?”

In a nutshell, the latest buzz of “cloud computing” simply means doing & storing your work on the Internet (which is commonly referred to as the ‘cloud’) as opposed to your computer, or company file server.

One of the perks of cloud computing is not having to maintain your own file servers.  Another is “mobility”, since your work is stored securely online – you can generally work from anywhere you have an Internet connection and a mobile device (think Smartphone, such as the iPhone or Android, or Tablet, such as the iPad) or computer.

Generally, companies pay a monthly recurring fee to continually have access to their programs securely available in the cloud.

Jake mentioned that “in Southwest Florida, cloud computing is catching on, however, many are nervous about the switchover because they feel think they will lose control, however, that’s not necessarily the case”.

Be sure to get our free “7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business” eBook that will help you understand what cloud computing is, and how it can help you!

Also, you can read the Gulfshore Business article online, too!

Enjoy,

Martin

Like every business owner, you are continuously searching for ways to shave off a few pennies here and there on your business expenses.

For example: You’ve learned that by using certain credit cards you can get cash back or rack up frequent flyer miles that will save you money on future trips. You’ve also learned that by marketing & interacting with your customers on social media accounts such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, you can make a tremendous impact on your profit margins. In the past, you’d have to place an ad in the yellow pages or in a newspaper (which isn’t cheap) and pray that someone would find your ad. But now with free online advertising, through social networking, you’re saving a considerable amount of advertising dollars and potentially reaching a much larger audience online.

Want to learn to save even more money on your business expenses? Then you must know about cloud computing!

Over the past few months I’ve given you 7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business. In fact, we wrote an eBook with the same title and if you want it, it’s yours for FREE. Simply click the eBook cover above. To recap the benefits of cloud computing, here are a few tips that you can use to increase your bottom line:

1. What is Cloud Computing?
2. Cloud Computing Security
3. Cloud Business: Your Office Can Operate from Anywhere in the World
4. Cloud Computing IS Disaster Management
5. How Your Business Can Save Money With Cloud Computing
6. Cloud Services for Small Businesses
7. The Risks & Benefits of Cloud Computing

So if you can improve your profit margins by NOT having to buy expensive servers for your business and by using cloud computing software such as hosted Microsoft SharePoint, wouldn’t it make sense to make the switch? For more business technology solutions to make your company run more smoothly, please call us at (800) 573-0234.

-Martin

This is the 7th of 7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business which is available for FREE from our library of eBooks.

If you are a business owner, you are all too familiar with the process of weighing out the risks and benefits of any new venture or decision. Obviously, the decision to move your computing to the cloud is no exception. Here are a few things to consider when exploring the risks and benefits of cloud computing.

To be expected with any type of newer technology, there are still some unanswered questions and inherent challenges. This is true with adopting cloud computing for the “edge” computing of minor applications and non-critical business systems. These include:

• Security of enterprise data that is stored in the cloud
• Risk of lock-in to cloud platform vendors
• Loss of control over cloud resources run and managed by someone else
• Reliability

On the other hand, the amazing benefits of cloud computing can save a great deal of money, time, and stress for your businesses. These include:

• Security that is not dependent on your hardware (all is not lost if your laptop gets run over or your desktop computer catches on fire)
• Mobility of your workforce(anyone can work from anywhere at anytime)
• No purchasing software licenses
• Operate IT systems much more affordably than previously possible
• No need for an on-site server
• Easier to change management of infrastructure including maintenance and upgrades

Cloud computing also offers an on-ramp to new computing advances such as non- relational databases, new languages, and frameworks designed to take advantage of new innovations.

As mentioned previously in one of my other blog posts, you’ll need internet access to take advantage of cloud computing services. If you would like your entire office to be mobilized, we can help with a wireless internet installation. This way, you and your employees can take your laptop computers from your desk to the conference room and every where else in your building. Contact us to learn more or call (800) 573-0234.

-Martin

This is the 6th of 7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business which is available for FREE from our library of eBooks.

For small businesses, cloud computing hits a particular sweet spot. Cloud services allow small businesses to reap the benefits of not having to deploy physical infrastructure like file and e-mail servers, storage systems or software. Plus, the “anywhere, anytime” availability of these solutions, means working with part-time or remote employees is hassle-free. Small businesses are able to easily collaborate with business partners and employees by simply using a browser.

In fact, it’s probably safe to say that the technology needs of today’s small businesses can be almost completely be fulfilled with cloud services. This technology can actually offer a net gain in data security and system reliability. This is especially true when dealing with small businesses that have aging computers and data that is stored on hard drives that are rarely (if ever) backed up.

Another huge benefit of cloud services to small business owners is the “pay for what you use” philosophy. Basically, you only pay for the space you need. If you only need 5 gigs, you’ll only pay for 5 gigs of space.

So, unlike traditional hosting or outsourcing, where you may be paying for storage that you only use a small portion of, you only pay for what you use in cloud computing. If you need to add more capacity to handle peak load, you can add it within minutes – and treat it as an operating expense rather than a capital investment.

Did you know that we can provide your business with a comprehensive
enControl® managed IT services package that is tailor fit to your budget? Or if you prefer, you may choose any one of our business technology solutions, a la carte’. Contact us online for more information.

-Martin

This is the 5th of 7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business which is available for FREE from our library of eBooks.

O.k., let’s say you’re an executive at a large corporation. You are responsible for making sure that all of your employees have the right hardware and software that they need to do their jobs. You also have to ensure that everyone has their own computer at the office.

However, buying software and hardware for everyone isn’t enough…you also have to purchase software licenses to give employees the required tools to do their job. Anytime there is a new hire, you may have to buy more software or make sure that your current software license allows for another user.

With cloud computing, this stress and cost becomes a thing of the past. Instead of installing a suite of software for each computer, you would only have to load one application. That application would allow workers to log into a Web-based service which hosts all the programs that the user would need for his or her job. Remote servers hosted by another company would run everything from word processing to complex data analysis programs.

So, in short, cloud computing eliminates the need to purchase:

• Hardware(employees can work from their personal laptop or home computer)
• Software
• Software Licenses

This new technology saves you money, time, and eliminates stress. Just imagine…no more calls to the 1-800 numbers on your computer software! Wow…are we in heaven? Well, not exactly, but we are in the cloud!

If you ever need support with your cloud computing software, we can help. In fact we have a dedicated website to assist you with ANY of your computer problems. Simply go to YourComputerHelpDesk.com & tell us your problem.

-Martin

This is the 4th of 7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business which is available for FREE from our library of eBooks.

Now, obviously, if there is a category 5 hurricane approaching, a hefty winter storm making its way to your town, or an out of control wild fire near your vicinity, you certainly need to have some business disaster planning in place! However, with cloud computing, this disaster management and planning is not something you have to worry about when it comes to your computer.

If you are a business owner, you most likely have a:

Business Continuity Plan – The protocol and action plan for when anticipated things go wrong (such as components or servers failing, power outages, human error, etc.)

Disaster Management or Recovery Plan – This is a plan for the unexpected (such as natural disasters, fires, planes falling out of the sky, etc.)

Most experts agree that when it comes to information technology and especially disaster management, cloud computing is the way to go. In fact, it basically serves AS your disaster management plan!

When all of your valuable information is stored outside of your computer, then you no longer have to be concerned with the destruction of your files and valuable information, in the unfortunate instance that your computer network is destroyed.

Disaster recovery traditionally involves the backup of all a company’s data on backup servers, which can be easily accessed. These backup servers can be on site or contracted out, but the ownership of the hardware or subcontracting of these services can be quite expensive and form a substantial part of an IT budget for an organization.

A cloud disaster recovery service brings peace of mind to businesses that can’t necessarily afford the hardware and capital costs involved with in-house disaster recovery provision. It completely eliminates the need for expensive hardware, as data stored in the cloud is on the servers of service providers. Then those service providers, in turn, have their own system of remote backup servers at different locations which constantly back up any customer data that they receive. This way, you are able to access it at any time.

If your data is saved in the cloud, it will have a number of backups which can assist in data recovery for any material stored in it. This creates a type of organizational back-up that any individual business may find very expensive to duplicate.

Want more information about our business disaster planning and recovery services? Contact us today!

-Martin

This is the 3rd of 7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business which is available for FREE from our library of eBooks.

In our current economy, it is becoming increasingly popular for companies to hire part-time or commission only employees and permit them to work from home or “on the road”. Conducting cloud business has enabled this mobility, and made it more efficient for documents and software to be available to employees from anywhere, not only the office computers. It’s the perfect solution for:

• Remote users
• Multiple offices
• Employees who work from home or on the road

Having the ability to operate a cloud business is also extremely valuable when you find yourself in a situation where employees may be physically unable come into the office, but would otherwise be able to work.

For example, let’s say your company was located in the Northeast and one of the winter storms had everyone snowed in for days. Or, even if you’re here with us in sunny Florida, perhaps there has been a hurricane and the roads are flooded. Perhaps the majority of your staff is unable to come into work. Would you be forced to shut down operations for a few days? Or, can your employees continue to be productive with the resources they have at home? If your company is equipped with cloud computing software such as hosted Microsoft SharePoint, your employees can continue to manage documents & tasks, coordinate group & event calendars, and share files.

On a smaller scale, let’s say that a company executive or staff member is traveling and their flight is delayed so they are unable to be at the office. Cloud computing allows them to work from anywhere, with full access to business files and e-mail, as long as they have access to a computer and the Internet.

In the traditional world of desktop applications, data is usually stored on your computer’s hard drive. If you’re on vacation and leave your computer at home, you can’t access email, photos, or any of your files or data. In the new world of web applications and cloud computing, your email, as well as all of your files, documents, and data is stored online. So, you can access it on a web browser from any computer that’s connected to the Internet. Giving you the ability to work from a “home office” anywhere in the world.

Now sure, most of us will probably still use some version of Microsoft Office or Quickbooks that was installed on our computers, but even those types of software offer an online version that can be used instead. The possibility of being able to access your data and software wherever you need it makes the transition to conducting cloud business very appealing!

As I mentioned earlier, you still need a computer and access to the internet in order to conduct business in the clouds. If your business’ computers or network ever fail, we can help you with onsite computer repair and network administration to help your business get back up and running again.

-Martin

This is the 2nd of 7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business which is available for FREE from our library of eBooks.

Even though cloud computing has been changing how people use the web for a few years now, it is now also changing the way people operate a business. Basically, it is allowing people to store their personal or business files and documents online, offering a security that is not dependent on the security and functioning of your personal or business computer.

Here’s what we mean… Traditionally, computers were installed with software, such as Microsoft Office or Outlook, then files were created and stored on the computer. However, cloud computing allows the software to be “installed” and used, on the Internet. It can be accessed through a web browser, such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or even a smart-phone.

Many people are currently worried about losing their documents, photos, and files if something were to happen to their computer. Most personal computers or small business hard drives are rarely backed up, and even if they are, there is still the possibility that these back-ups could also be lost or destroyed. With cloud computing, this stress is eliminated because everything is stored online.

For example, if your business documents, software, photos and critical files are stored online, and you use a web-based service (like Yahoo!, GMail, or hosted Microsoft exchange services) for your e-mail, an 18-wheel truck could run over your laptop and all of your data would still be safely residing on the web. It would be accessible from any computer with Internet access, or even any smart phone, anywhere in the world.

Of course there are still some cloud computing security concerns. If for some reason your Internet goes down, your access to your data also disappears. This is why it is important to choose wisely when picking a company to provide you with hosting and co-location* services. The company should make sure that important data can be downloaded if needed. They should also ensure the security of your data, while you enjoy the flexibility that cloud computing provides.

When considering cloud computing security, it’s important that you NOT store sensitive or private information. At the 1:19 minute mark in the video above, it gives you a good idea of what you should and shouldn’t store. If you need to store sensitive information, be sure to work with a company that can provide you more cloud computing security measures to avoid a breach in security.

*Did you know that we can provide your business with server hosting and co-location services? For more information call (800) 573-0234 or contact us online.

-Martin

This is the 1st of 7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business which is available for FREE from our library of eBooks.

Cloud computing is all the rage. It has become somewhat of a catch phrase recently, so before we go any further, let’s answer the question: “what is cloud computing?” Cloud computing actually translates into “Internet-based Computing”. The name is derived from a metaphor referring to the Internet as “The Cloud”.

Computing in the cloud is something that is becoming increasingly popular. If you are doing any of the following, you are already cloud computing…

• Searching Google
• Updating Facebook
• Making hotel reservations
• Watching YouTube
• Online banking
• Shopping online
• Downloading music
• Using your Gmail or Yahoo email account

However, before we can completely answer your question: what is cloud computing, you’ll need a better understanding of “the cloud”. The concept of “the cloud” has been around for a long time in the business world. Basically, it means a grid of computers serving as a “service-oriented” architecture to deliver software and data.

Most websites and server-based applications run on particular computers or servers. What differentiates the cloud from the way those are set up, is that the cloud uses the resources from the computers and basically creates a “collective virtual computer”. Here, the applications can run independently from particular computer or server configurations. They are basically floating around in a “cloud of resources”, making the hardware less important to how the applications work.

So, now that you understand “the cloud”, let’s go back to explaining exactly what cloud computing is. Traditionally, if you’ve used a computer – you’ve installed software (such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, etc.) on your computer, and it, along with the files created, have been stored on your computer. Today, software has migrated to be ‘installed’, and used, on the Internet. And you use it through a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or even a smart-phone such as an iPhone. Instead of clicking an icon in your START menu to access a program, you can click a “Bookmark” in your web browser to access it.

Cloud Computing is simply “Internet-based Computing”, where shared resources, software and information are provided to computers (and other devices, like iPhones & Androids) on-demand…much like electricity!

Cloud computing can help to make your business operations run more efficiently much like our business technology solutions. For example, if you’re moving into a new building, we can lay the proper foundation for the network wiring, network hardware, and workstations to make your business more efficient with a new office installation. Call (800) 573-0234 to learn more.

-Martin