Google Mail Helps Keep Your Business Safe
Most of us know about the "Spam folder"–the place where mail gremlins send messages that they think is garbage. Depending on your email system, this decision could be based on whether you've ever sent or received mail from that address before, or if it has too many...
Microsoft will no longer be providing support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 as of January 14, 2020
This includes any security patches and updates, system patches, and technical support. If you or someone you know is still running Windows 7 (or heaven forbid, Windows XP) workstations in their office, They are at a huge risk of malware or a ransomware attack. Atlas...
Why Should Your Business Consider Cloud Solutions?
Many businesses are skeptical of cloud based solutions. They hear stories of large cloud based hacks and conclude that keeping their data on-premise is better. It's true that there have been major news stories of some very large cloud hacks involving Microsoft (2010),...
Data Disasters: Making Sure They Do NOT Crash Your Business
Nobody likes to think about disasters, but they do happen--and usually at the most inconvenient times. Disasters come in all types and sizes: a fire in a neighbouring suite that spreads to your office; a police action that prevents your staff from coming to work one...
The Tale of Two Christmases (or Why I Need to Eat my own Dog Food)
Christmas has become a time for personal IT trials. Just before a Christmas flight in 2017, my laptop's motherboard failed. Granted, it was a 5 year old machine and had given me a good life; but it was still frustrating. The bright spot was that I had "eaten my own...
Getting the Most from Telecommuting
Telecommuting is growing across North America. Benefits include lower cost for office space and better staff retention. However, many managers and employers remain skeptical of its value. A study by Glenn Dutcher and Krista Saral from the University of...
The Benefits of G-Suite for Non-profit Organizations
Inglewood is an urban neighbourhood in northwest Edmonton, Canada. Its Community League has a few part time employees and is managed by a volunteer board. In addition to advocating for neighbourhood issues with the city's administration, it rents out its community...
Passing Stupid Down the Line
No one is just born to be a manager. In most organizations, it is the people who excel at their jobs that are usually given the chance to be made managers. However, this approach has hidden challenges. People who have been subject-matter experts about a particular...
Supporting Road Warriors
I acquired a new client yesterday. He owns a small business owner and is a frequent road warrior as he meets with customers. His list of frustrations from his last service provider was a long one: When he was away from Wifi, he needed to use his cell phone as a hot...
Why VoIP Should be on Small Business’ Radar
Maybe you've never heard of VoIP or if you have, your eyes glossed over and you turned your head the other way. Simply put VoIP is a telephone service. It rings phones and connects people. But unlike the phone service offered by your public telephone company: the...