The first step toward properly running a business is realizing that you aren't the average consumer. You don't spend half an hour a day writing checks to pay for your bills - in fact, some of your employees probably do just that all day. The truth of the matter is that everything to a business owner is on a much larger scale than the average consumer - that includes purchasing your technology.
Every business knows about "spending money in order to make money." Dropping cash on advertising and hiring key personnel are classic examples of this. However, "spending money on risk prevention in order to save money by avoiding expensive problems, and thereby making money," isn't as well known. Perhaps because it's harder to explain.
The Internet of Things is on its way. But, is the world ready for it? Some experts aren't so sure about that. The Internet of Things may very well usher the world through the door to social inequality and violations of basic human rights, among other atrocities.
There's no denying that maintaining an IT infrastructure is a major expense. Not only is the equipment expensive to purchase, but it often comes with a larger-than-expected price tag to maintain. One of the best ways that you can cut back on the expenses of owning and operating an IT infrastructure is by taking advantage of desktop virtualization.
The world is growing ever more mobile. We used to rely on landline telephones for communication, but portable cell phones have revolutionized the way that we communicate with each other. The fact that they can now connect to the Internet completely changes everything once again. While some people tend to use them for random games such as Candy Crush Saga and Words with Friends, the smartphone is particularly valuable for a small business owner.
Everybody loves their freedom, but for some, freedom is an illusion. Take for example the busy business owner. Often times, their work schedules are so packed with tasks that they don't feel free to take a break and enjoy themselves. Technically, they have the freedom to quit, but we think there's a better way to find freedom in the workplace!
Anyone who has been following the recent trends in technological growth will come to the conclusion that mobile technology is more popular, and has taken its rightful place at the head of the pack. 2014 may see even more drastic shifts toward the mobile revolution, cementing its place as the preferred mode of computing.
The technology for artificial intelligence isn't quite there yet, but according to a recent Turing Test performed at the University of Reading, there might be some hope for it in the near future. A Russian team has assembled a computer program called Eugene Goostman who many believe is the first to pass the Turing Test.
For the past decade, touch-screens have changed the way that we as a society touch technology, and have greatly increased the mobility of business in that short time. This trend started with the smartphone, then spread to the 10-inch tablet and larger tablets - perfect for watching YouTube videos, Netflix, or other media consumption.
There are times when a specific task is asked of a server requiring all of its data to be moved. When this happens, all the files and applications are transferred to another server unit in a fascinating procedure called server migration.
Lighting up the airwaves in the United States is the issue of net neutrality. It's a complex and technical topic regarding Internet regulations, but don't let the fine print keep you from caring. This is an important topic that could affect how the Internet is consumed around the globe!
It has been two weeks since the National Communications Association warned the world about the GameOver Zeus and Cryptolocker ransomware, and if you haven't taken steps to avoid these threats, it's not too late - if you haven't been infected yet, do so as soon as possible. Otherwise, your network will be vulnerable, and so will your banking credentials.
Does your company have dedicated antivirus software to protect it against the annoying threats on the Internet? Sometimes, a computer virus can weasel its way past your software, but there's no greater frustration than when you realize that the reason you contracted a virus is because an employee disabled your software. Don't let this happen to you!
We've come across a fun, furry idea to relieve workplace stress. Kitties and puppies! In a fun twist to the workday, many companies are allowing staff to bring their pets with them to the office, and the results are adorable!
If your Dad happens to be a business owner, then you know how hard it can be to give him a nice Father's Day present. Business owners tend to be good at buying themselves whatever they need or want. Every business owner can benefit from IT services. It's the gift that keeps on giving!
The Internet is a vast ocean filled with all sorts of different creatures. Many are harmless, like the bottlenose dolphin, but once in a while you will encounter an aggressive shark. But no matter how powerful or intelligent these creatures are, they still wind up flopping around on the deck of some fisherman's boat. Why? Because fishermen know what they're looking for and how to capture it. The same can be said about Internet phishers.
Technology might be growing more mobile, but the need for support remains the same. Yet, the need for technical support on-the-go grows ever more important. What will happen to your business if you aren't able to get IT support, and it's an emergency?
Microsoft has changed its tune recently. They have made a serious push to take advantage in the mobile computing explosion by creating software that is designed specifically for the mobile device user. When the software giant released Windows Phone 8 in the fourth quarter of 2012, many thought it was only a matter of time before the software would resonate with mobile users. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the smartphone market hasn't been as friendly as the home and business computing market, and Windows Phone 8 has been a thorough disappointment.
Cloud computing is making everything easier for businesses. Companies utilizing IT infrastructures before cloud computing existed know exactly what we're talking about here. A quick analysis of organizations before and after the cloud perfectly exemplifies how cloud computing is making revolutionary changes to the way we do business.
In the same way that there are two sides to every issue, there are two sides to every IT department. IT departments of today are expected to both maintain IT infrastructures and implement new money-making solutions. It's like IT is a road with two lanes - a fast lane and a slow lane.