How to Submit a Great Support Ticket

June 29, 2018 By estorm

Imagine you’re going about your work day, everything’s humming along and you’re getting stuff done. All of a sudden, you run into a roadblock with your Office 365 or Outlook and your productivity is halted in its tracks. It might be that you’ve run into a totally new behaviour or bug that you’ve never seen before, or maybe you’re not entirely sure if you’re using a particular tool in the most efficient way. What’s your next step?

That’s where we enter the picture. We’re here to help you and we want to ensure we’re delivering as valuable of a service to you as possible. Regardless of how you choose to reach out to us—whether by phone or email—there are certain pieces of information that our Support Engineers love seeing in a ticket. These are the bits of information that help us to address your case in the most complete and efficient manner possible.

Subject Line

The subject line is important because it uniquely identifies and conveys your issue so that we know where we’ll need to start troubleshooting. The perfect subject line is a clear and general description of the issue that has occurred, which also includes what machine or device you’re using.

Example: Outlook not sending emails on Mac

Body

Greeting & name

It’s always nice to kick things off with a friendly hello and a name so we know who we’re helping.

Computer name or number (if known)

This information won’t be applicable to all businesses and if you don’t know it that’s perfectly fine as well.

Machine / device

Including what type of machine—such as Mac or PC—or device you’re experiencing the issue on allows us to assign the right Support Engineer to deliver the best result.

Description of the issue with steps you might have tried

Information will vary from case to case, but a good way to approach this part of the ticket is to describe what you expected to happen and then what actually happened. The expectation part is likely to be more detailed than what actually happened, but that’s okay! We’re looking for whatever general details you can provide on the behaviour you’re seeing and on steps you may have already taken to troubleshoot the issue.

Example: Marketing is trying to send an email to salespeople when a contact is assigned to them. All of the other salespeople are receiving emails fine, but they aren’t arriving for me. I have checked in the SPAM folder, but the emails aren’t there either. Why aren’t these emails coming through?

Whenever possible, our team looks for specific examples of the obstacle you’re running into. If we can find evidence of that issue at hand (or if we can recreate the behaviour you’re seeing), that gives us a great starting point for troubleshooting. The more specific you can get, the better. If you’re submitting an email ticket, consider attaching screenshots.

Contact number

Including a contact number for our Support Engineer to contact you during the resolution process helps with timely resolutions, particularly in certain instances where remotely accessing your computer may be necessary.

When we put all the information together into a single ticket and finish it with a focused question, we can see a full picture of the case. With that information, the Support Engineer is able to accurately and effectively address and rectify the issue quickly.

At eStorm, we’re constantly looking for ways to pre-empt potential user questions, but there will always be a need for a live support channel to handle these unexpected roadblocks. By using the above advice you can ensure that you get back into action as quickly as possible.

IT Support Services Brisbane

Headquartered in Brisbane, we provide tailored IT support services to suit your specific requirements. No matter the size of your organisation, our solutions include a variety of services that are critical to the successful delivery of business IT support.

Our Managed IT Support Services include Managed IT Services, Outsource Your IT Department, Mobile Device Management, IT Consultancy, Corporate Apple Services, Project Services, IT Audit and Review, Virtual CIO Servicesand Production Studio and Design.

If you’d like any further information, or to find out exactly how we can help your business – please feel free to call us on (07) 3120 0640 or email us at [email protected]

If you are located outside of Brisbane, eStorm can still help you.
Sydney: (02) 9188 5148
Melbourne: (03) 9088 6431

In need of our other IT support and managed services?

We specialise in Managed Cloud Services, IT Support Services, Managed Network Services, Business Telephony, Hardware and Software Procurement and Education Services.

Slow internet results in a significant cost to employers

June 29, 2018 By estorm

We all know how important a great Wi-Fi connection is these days – but just how much can a sluggish connection affect your business? Studies show that for every $13,291 worth of salary, disengaged employees account for a $4,520 cost to their employer. However, a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit found that those who were untethered and connected to fast and reliable Wi-Fi via a device created a significant boost in productivity for the business.

More specifically:

16% boost in productivity
18% boost in creativity
Increase in job satisfaction of 23%
Increase in company loyalty of 21%
Employees felt more empowered
Employees felt more autonomous within their working practices

Over a 40-hour week, a 16% boost in employee productivity makes up an accrued total of an extra 6.4 hours per week, which translates into a total efficiency saving for employers of 41 working days per year per employee.

So – what’s the solution to improving your internet speeds and coverage? At eStorm we use Ubiquiti UniFi AC access points.

First of all.. What is an access point?

An access point is a device that creates a wireless local area network, or WLAN. An access point connects to a wired router, switch or hub via an Ethernet cable and projects a Wi-Fi signal to a designated area. For example, if you wanted to have Wi-Fi access in your reception area but don’t have a router in range, you can install an AP (access point) in the reception area and run an Ethernet cable through the ceiling that runs back to the router / server room.

The access point is used in conjunction with a router to extend the wireless coverage around your home/business. Coverage to “dead spots”, distant rooms or other floors would be significantly improved. You might be asking – why not use a range extender? Range extenders are great for home Wi-Fi networks, however they just don’t cut it for modern businesses. Range extenders can only support a limited number of devices at a time. Concurrently, while range extenders increase the coverage of the Wi-Fi router, they do not increase its available bandwidth. Depending on the number of devices connected simultaneously, a range extender could weigh down your entire connection.

Conversely, access points can handle a significant number of simultaneous connections, as well as allowing users to freely roam without experiencing network interruptions. As you move through your building, your device shifts seamlessly from one AP to the next without dropping the connection. Other advantages of using access points include:

Business-grade access points can be installed anywhere you can run an Ethernet cable with newer models being compatible with Power over Ethernet so there is no need to run a separate power line or install an outlet near the access point.

Captive Portal and Access Control List support, so you can limit guest access without compromising network security, as well as easily manage users within your Wi-Fi network. Select access points include a Clustering feature—a single point from which the IT administrator can view, deploy, configure, and secure a Wi-Fi network as a single entity rather than a series of separate access point configurations.

Why Ubiquiti UniFi AC Access Points?

eStorm how to improve workplace productivity ubiquiti wifi unifi ac ap

The Ubiquiti UniFi AC Access Point delivers wireless coverage, indoors or outdoors, in high-density deployments requiring low latency and high up-time performance. Available in five models, the new UniFi AC Access Point delivers the throughput needed for bandwidth-intensive applications, including HD streaming, large file transfers and cloud services with up to 5x faster speeds.

The UniFi Wi-Fi system combines enterprise performance and unlimited scalability. You can build wireless networks as big or small as needed all while maintaining a single unified management system. Easily accessible through any standard web browser and the UniFi mobile app (iOS or Android), the central management controller software to configure and manage your access points is easy-to-learn with a simplified user interface. This allows you to quickly configure and administer an enterprise Wi-Fi network without the need for special training or knowledge.

One of the best things about using these units is the RF environment functionality to detect and troubleshoot any nearby interference, analyse radio frequencies, choose optimal access point placement and configure settings. This allows you to identify deadspots and other areas where your Wi-Fi might be lacking in order to fix them and deliver the best results possible.

ubiquiti rf and management business internet

The reality is that domestic level Wi-Fi access points just don’t cut it in a work environment anymore. Enterprise level access points offer features that consumer grade APs simply cannot deliver, such as:

Superior security features
Exceptional reliability
Redundancy
Greater flexibility
The ability to scale

Learn more about eStorm’s business internet and how we can help solve your speed and connectivity issues. Specialising in managed network services, we understand the importance of reliable, secure and optimised communication. If you’re looking to improve, overhaul or optimise your current business network technologies or internet services, our specialists are here to help. Give us a call any time on (07) 3120 0640 to discuss how we can help improve your business’ network coverage, or email us at [email protected]

IP-PBX (VoIP) vs Traditional PBX Phone Solutions: Which Is Best?

May 22, 2018 By estorm

As today’s business environment is so highly dependent upon greater connectivity amongst stakeholders, vendors, customers, staff members and supervisors – as well as small businesses often succeeding or failing based on the effectiveness of their communications systems – being dependent upon traditional phone companies for technology and service is often an expensive, time consuming and tedious process.

As a result, many businesses find themselves in the predicament of whether or not they should commit to upgrading to a VoIP phone solution (and then whether that should be hosted or on-premise) versus continuing to use a traditional PBX phone system. To make a decision that’s right for you you need to have a clear understanding of traditional PBX, as well as hosted and on-premise IP-PBX (VoIP).

Traditional PBX

Traditional copper based non-VoIP PBX is coming to the end of its life cycle with more copper services being turned off each day.

The main issues with a traditional PBX phone systems are:

More expensive call costs
Line rentals
Traditional PBX systems are based on an increasingly obsolete technology, which results in the limiting of features
Limited integration
Clunky interfaces making navigation needlessly difficult and time consuming
Minimal reporting
Lengthy contracts
Expensive maintenance contracts attached
Poor resale value
Limited functionality as you are locked into what was originally purchased
Expensive upgrade costs, such as adding additional phone lines
Increased running costs as traditional PBX units are a draw on power

Upgrading to an IP based phone system is now more important than ever before – but which solution is right for you? Hosted PBX or On-Premise PBX?

Hosted PBX

Hosted PBX or Hosted VoIP, also known as a Virtual PBX, is an Internet phone system or private branch exchange (the private telephone network used within a company to make and receive phone calls outside of the business) delivered as a hosted service. This means that the provider is responsible for housing the IP-PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange), as well as maintaining and managing the technology required to provide the services to the phone system.

How it works

At the user level, an employee’s IP desk phone connects to a router where the calls, signalling and features all run through an IP-PBX server based at the service provider’s location. A monthly fee is typically paid for this service, with businesses having the ability to add and remove features as and when they are needed, which provides a significant degree of flexibility.

The advantages:

The third party provider is responsible for running, managing and upgrading the Hosted PBX
A significant reduction in installation, operation and maintenance costs
No training or speciality knowledge required for running the phone system or adding extensions etc., as the PBX provider maintains the system
Scalable with your business
Superior integration – including CRM integration
Simple addition of extra lines
Low monthly service cost
Outsourced maintenance
Extended features, like conferencing (may come with additional costs)
Highly flexible – this includes month-to-month payments to avoid lock in, as well as being able to transfer office extensions to mobile
Potential to reduce telephone costs by up to 80% by leveraging SIP trunks, WebRTC, free calling to remote extensions and reducing the number of telephony lines
Superior call quality when paired with the right internet connection
PBX housed in a data centre environment could see an increase in efficiency and stability, as data centres are specifically equipped with cooling and other infrastructure to house them

The disadvantages:

Connections and voice quality are as a result of the Internet connection
Loss of power or internet results in loss of phone service, however calls can be routed to voice mail and cell phones
Customisation of features are limited to what the provider offers

We recommend utilising a Hosted PBX solution for businesses with 1-50 employees.

Learn more about Hosted PBX / IP PBX systems and solutions.

On-Premise PBX

On-Premise PBX offers all the same benefits as a hosted PBX solution (including management of your system), with the only real difference being that your PBX system resides at your location instead of at the providers location.

This has its benefits:

Monthly fees can be cheaper due to using your own infrastructure
On-Premise PBX makes more sense in terms of efficiencies for larger and more complex use cases and environments

The disadvantages:

Loss of power or internet results in loss of phone service
Technical issues may require a qualified technician onsite, which can be subject to availability and scheduling
Can lead to an increased power bill depending upon the size of the environment

We recommend utilising an On-Premise PBX solution for businesses with over 50 employees.

Learn more about On-Premise PBX systems and solutions.

If you’re looking for a hosted or on premise PBX phone system provider, you can find our Hosted PBX solutions here and our On-Premise PBX solutions here. If you’d like any more information or assistance, please feel free to call us at any time on (07) 3120 0640 or email us at [email protected]

CeBIT Australia 2018

May 16, 2018 By estorm

CeBIT Australia is the focal point for the Asia Pacific business and technology industry comprised of both an exhibition – for organisations to showcase their solutions and capabilities to a domestic and international audience of decisions makers for enterprise, SMEs and government – and conference – where attendees are able to maximise their learning and networking opportunities with captains of industry, who cover cloud computing, big data and analytics, cyber security and eGovernment.

CeBIT Australia 2018 provides a wealth of knowledge from many highly regarded representatives in tech and business, such as the Country Director for Google Cloud Aus and NZ, Global Senior Director of Social Media for Lego, CEO and Managing Director of Yamaha, CTO of TOLL, the Head of Aus and NZ from Stripe, Executive Director and Head of Emerging Tech of CommBank, CEO of Airtasker, CEO of Yahoo, Google’s Managing Director for Aus and NZ, BHP Global Information Security Officer, AGL’s CTO and the COO of Telstra just to name a few, as well as many other highly regarded representatives of tech and communications companies, banks and government departments.

Coupled with the 250+ exhibitions, which include organisations of all sizes and disciplines, from startups, to big data, communications, software, hardware, education, security and cloud, CeBIT Australia 2018 really showcases the best of business and tech in the Asia Pacific region.

This is the kind of thing we get really excited about – events like CeBIT Australia provides us with even more learning opportunities, as well as a wealth of information and solutions that we’re able to take directly to our clients in order to help them grow, remain competitive and solve their industries most difficult problems. We love to keep our finger on the pulse and immerse ourselves in the exciting current and future developments in tech so we are able to better serve our clients and help improve their businesses.

Public Cloud vs Private Cloud vs Hybrid Cloud – Which Is Right For You?

May 8, 2018 By estorm

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, infrastructure and resources via the internet, with deployment options including public, private and hybrid cloud.

What is a Public Cloud

Public clouds are the most common when it comes to setting up cloud computing. The cloud resources, such as servers and storage, are owned and operated by a third-party cloud service provider, which is then delivered via the internet.

All hardware, supporting infrastructure and software is owned and managed by the cloud provider as, in a public cloud, all hardware, storage and network devices are shared with other organisations aka cloud tenants.

Public cloud services are frequently accessed via a web browser and most commonly provide web-based mail, online office applications, storage and testing and development environments.

Public cloud advantages include:

Lower costs – due to not being required to purchase hardware or software
No maintenance as the service provider is responsible for maintenance
Close to unlimited scalability
Increased reliability

What is a Private Cloud

A private cloud is comprised of computing resources used exclusively by a single business or organisation. Private Cloud is a secure and high performance solution available for businesses seeking the added resilience of having their infrastructure, servers and storage housed within a secure data centre environment. We discovered that many businesses prefer not to operate in a multi-tenant and public cloud environment because of internal policies, industry compliance legislation or just personal preference.

The infrastructure and services in a private cloud are always maintained on a private network where the hardware and software is specifically dedicated to a single organisation and a single organisation only. This allows organisations to tailor their resources to meet their exact requirements.

Private clouds are most commonly utilised by organisations with business-critical operations who seek a greater level of control over their environment.

Private cloud advantages include:

Greater security
Increased flexibility
High levels of customisation
Increased scalability
Greater efficiency

Learn more about eStorm’s Private Cloud solutions and what Infrastructure as as Service (IaaS) is.

What is a Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid clouds offer a combination of on-premise infrastructure with cloud based services in order to maximise the benefits of both solutions.

A complete cloud solution isn’t always the right solution for all businesses as there can be limiting factors, such as poor internet access that limit the benefits of moving all your IT infrastructure and applications to the cloud.

Hybrid cloud solutions are tailored to provide you with the best of both worlds. Experience the benefit of on premise IT resources whilst still maintaining some of the benefits of a full cloud solution such as anywhere access, full redundancy and disaster recovery

Hybrid cloud advantages include:

Flexibility
Control
Cost-effectiveness
Easy transition

Overall Benefits

All 3 methods for deployment provide similar benefits, which include:

cost-effectiveness
performance
reliability
flexibility
scale

Learn more about eStorm’s Hybrid Cloud solutions and why a complete cloud solution isn’t right for all businesses.

Still not sure which is the right solution for you? Or perhaps you’re undertaking some cloud changes and could use some guidance to be certain you’re making the right decision – you can learn more with eStorm’s Cloud Consulting services. If you’d like any further information please contact us on (07) 3120 0640 or email us at any time [email protected]

Sources:
eStorm Hybrid Cloud
eStorm Private Cloud
Microsoft Cloud

Windows 7 user? Why you desperately need to upgrade

May 1, 2018 By estorm

According to NetMarketShare’s January 2018 data, 42.39% of users are still using Windows 7, even though on January 13, 2015 Microsoft discontinued mainstream support for Windows 7. This meant that they no longer provided non-critical security updates, design changes or complimentary support for the operating system to end users.

Now the discontinuation of extended support also draws near. On January 14 2020, Microsoft will discontinue extended support for Windows 7, which means they will no longer provide updates, bug fixes or paid support for businesses using the operating system. This date announcement is important as it gives businesses that are still running Windows 7 the opportunity to upgrade to Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 (Windows 10 is the recommended upgrade as it is Microsoft’s latest OS and is still within the 5 year mainstream support period).

Why should I upgrade?

There are several risks in not upgrading your OS once the extended support ends.

Malware

Malware, which is software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain authorized access to a computer system, is particularly pernicious. When Microsoft discontinues extended support, systems running Windows 7 will become significantly vulnerable to un-patched security risks within the OS and applications it runs. This means that upgrading will become essential to remain protected against the massive amount of malware samples that hit the web each day, not to mention the billions of malware samples that already exist.

Ransomware

Ransomware, a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid, is another significant concern – particularly following 2017’s WannaCry attack and the various ransomware attacks that followed.

The WannaCry ransomware attack was a May 2017 worldwide cyberattack by the WannaCry ransomware cryptoworm, which targeted computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system by encrypting data and demanding ransom payments in Bitcoin. It propagated through EternalBlue, an exploit in older Windows systems. While Microsoft had released patches previously to close the exploit, much of WannaCry’s spread was from organizations that had not applied these, or were using older Windows systems that were past their end-of-life.

Thankfully the attack was stopped within a few days of its discovery due to emergency patches released by Microsoft, and the discovery of a kill switch that prevented infected computers from spreading WannaCry further. However, the attack was estimated to have affected more than 200,000 computers across 150 countries, including businesses, universities, hospitals, banks and police with total damages ranging from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.

While it is important to note that upgrading your OS to the latest versions and keeping patches up-to-date does not make you invulnerable, it is always best to maximise your defences as unpatched systems are vulnerable.

If you’d like to find out how we can help your business, or if you require any further information, assistance with your IT needs or you simply don’t know where to start – please feel free to call us on (07) 3120 0640 or email us at [email protected]

How to create a strong password that’s easy to remember (with examples)

April 20, 2018 By estorm

It goes without saying that a strong password is important for your on and offline security—both at home and at work (especially given the new Australian data notification legislation put in place earlier this year, which could see businesses and other organisations fined up to $1.8million for data breaches, unauthorised access to personal information and the loss of data). And we all know our passwords, in most cases, are our first line of defence. However, cyber security insight reports show we have a long way to go when it comes to using passwords effectively.

Nearly one in four (24%) people surveyed use the same password for all accounts. This statistic is of significant concern as passwords remain the most common, and in most cases the only, form of protection used by Australians for our devices. A recent Western Australian government security audit found that 26% of its officials had incredibly weak and easily guessable passwords (more than 5,000 passwords across 17 government agencies included the word “password”).

What makes a strong password?

The traditional password advice follows a fairly simple formula. You’re typically asked to create a password with a minimum of 12 characters, as well as being sure to include numbers, symbols, capital letters and lower-case letters. Likewise, you’re also encouraged to changed your passwords frequently in order to maintain a secure first line of defence for your accounts and applications.

However, contrary to popular belief, using a mixture of uppercase and lower case letters, symbols and numbers, as well as enforcing frequent password changes, has repeatedly shown to be counterproductive to good password security. Over time these traditional password security practices have become commonplace and predictable, therefore making them fairly unreliable and certainly not the safest option when creating a new or strong password.

A good password should contain at least 10 characters with an un-guessable combination of words. Using a phrase with multiple words helps memorisation but remains difficult to guess or crack. A simple rule of thumb is the longer the password the harder it is to hack. Likewise, it goes without saying that you should never share your passwords, or use the same password across multiple accounts, because if one gets hacked the rest become vulnerable.

Strong password examples:

purple cabbage rabbit
graceful elephant dance2
redbull mobile bottle1

A great tool for testing strong password ideas is How Secure Is My Password. However, it is worth noting that exact passwords entered into the site should not later be used as the security of that specific password can no longer be guaranteed. Tools like How Secure Is My Password should only be used as a rough guide for strong password idea testing.

Trying to remember your password for every website, portal, tool and piece of software is borderline impossible—particularly in a work setting where the average enterprise uses 91 services! With programs and services like Skype, Slack, OneDrive, Dropbox, Social media channels, CRM, marketing and sales software, account keeping programs, your online store, website, mail client—the list goes on and on. With more accounts than you can possibly recall, how are you supposed to remember strong, unique passwords for all of them? The simple answer is you can’t—which is why we recommend using a password manager.

A password manager is an application that creates, remembers, securely stores and automatically fills in your passwords for you. A password manager can be incredibly beneficial for any business that wants to boost security, simplify the on-boarding and off-boarding process (did you know that a SailPoint Market Report discovered that more than 2 in 5 employees reported having access to a variety of corporate accounts after leaving their last job!), as well as help employees manage their passwords more effectively. A password manager is a convenient and practical option to help reduce the chance of falling victim to cyber crime that could result in a data breach.

If you’d like to find out how we can help your business with password management, just ask us about eStorm Secure any time on (07) 3120 0640 or email us at [email protected]

You can learn more about why your business needs a Password Manager as well as eStorm’s approach to multi-layered security.

For over 15 years eStorm Australia has been partnering with business, education and government as their trusted Managed IT Services provider, IT Support and single source supplier. Our team of specialists deliver superior on-site and remote IT services tailored to suit your specific requirements.

Call us today on (07) 3120 0640 or email us at [email protected].

What is AWS (Amazon Web Services) and How Can Your Business Benefit?

April 10, 2018 By estorm

What is Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services, or AWS, is a secure cloud services platform that offers computing power, database storage, content delivery, deployment tools and other functionality solutions that can increase your businesses flexibility and reliability while maintaining agility, lowering your IT costs, and scaling your applications.

From data warehousing to deployment tools, directories to content delivery, over 50 services are available at the click of a mouse with AWS.

Deep features such as a wide range of database engines, server configurations, encryption and powerful big data tools enable you to stay focused on your core business, and not on gathering infrastructure.

How can your business benefit?

AWS is as complex as it is powerful and there are several different solutions that can be tailored for specific cloud environments.

When used correctly, AWS can deliver greater flexibility within your business, which is why we recommend utilising the expertise of IT professionals to help you choose the right instances and tools for your applications. For example, eStorm can design redundant and secure environments as well as manage your migration and optimise your deployments.

Learn more about eStorm’s AWS support.

Rightsized for Your Size

AWS solutions can be scaled to your business needs via tailored solutions for small, medium and large corporations. Our solutions are specifically aimed at providing maximum value and cost effectiveness for your AWS environment.

Focus on Your Applications in AWS — Not Your AWS Infrastructure

Your applications are key to the running of your business, however monitoring performance and tracking costs at the application level within AWS often requires a resource-draining effort. From architecture to monitoring, we focus and drill down on individual applications and not merely AWS infrastructure.

One option we provide is a monthly report card that delivers you the relevant data required to keep costs in line with your business objectives.

Customised Control: The Right Way to do Managed AWS

Our approach to AWS allows for custom managed services delegation. This means that if you want to keep some AWS tasks in-house, we are able to facilitate that. Alternatively, you are can unburden yourself and put it on our plate, from infrastructure management to the convenience of having us as a single billing contact for all your AWS services. Our mission is to lighten your load and give you back the time needed to innovate and grow your business with the assurance that you’re always in control.

Hybrid — The Future is Flexible

Our comprehensive portfolio of infrastructure solutions gives you the agility to optimise architecture as your workloads, security concerns and compliance requirements evolve. Moving to a hybrid solution can simultaneously optimise AWS deployment performance and contain costs.

If you’d like to find out exactly how we can help your business, or if you require any further information, assistance with your IT needs or you simply don’t know where to start – please feel free to call us on (07) 3120 0640 or email us at [email protected]

How To Remove Companies Who Can Access Your Facebook Profile

April 6, 2018 By estorm

In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook has now listed all the companies that you have given access to your profile information in one convenient location.

You might have taken a Facebook quiz, or logged in via Facebook connect instead of creating a new account on a website, or even given a company access to your information for a giveaway – even if that was years ago, they still have access to your information today.

You might not think this is a big deal, but it’s important to keep in mind how much Facebook knows about you. Facebook knows your relationship status, political leanings, interests and so much more! This information is still available to any company you’ve given permission to access your profile.

So lets do a profile purge shall we?

Step 1. In your Facebook app, tap the stacked lines, also known as the hamburger icon, in the bottom right hand corner

Step 2. Scroll down to Settings & Privacy

Step 3. Select Account Settings

Step 4. Scroll down and tap on Apps

Step 5. Tap on Logged in with Facebook

Step 6. Here are all the companies you have given access to your profile. Select and remove the ones you no longer wish to have access.

If you’d like any further information, assistance with your IT needs or you simply don’t know where to start – please feel free to call us on (07) 3120 0640 or email us at [email protected]

What Is A Virtual CIO & How Can It Help Reduce Costs and Achieve Greater Competitive Advantage?

April 5, 2018 By estorm

Iron Man, aka Tony Stark, wouldn’t be able to do half the incredible things he does without his artificial intelligence system named J.A.R.V.I.S.

J.A.R.V.I.S. is forward-thinking, always assessing the risks, prepared for when disaster strikes and essential to Iron Man’s success.

What if your business had a J.A.R.V.I.S.? What if you had someone guiding you in the right direction, that allowed you to focus on moving forward and empowered you to do more?

This is where a Virtual CIO comes in.

What exactly is a Virtual CIO?

A Virtual CIO is an outsourced role that combines the tasks managed and maintained by chief information officers, chief technology officers and technology consultants.

Virtual CIOs are responsible for providing technological leadership, as well as developing and managing strategic and forward-thinking systems and infrastructure that is designed to accomplish the organisation’s overall business objectives, as well as improve organisational scalability and agility. While their decisions encompasses technology, they are also involved in decision making that supports the long-term growth and strategy of the business with a focus on bridging the gap between small business and large enterprise.

What are the benefits of a Virtual CIO?

You gain the knowledge, skills and expertise of an entire team of IT professionals
Cost reduction: a Virtual CIO makes it possible for SMEs to access the IT capabilities and expertise of the largest organisations without the significant cost of a permanent CIO.
Competitive advantage: as we are across relevant and timely industry and technological changes, we are able to provide trusted, informed and effective planning and advice to stay ahead of your competition.
Thorough assessment and audit of your overall IT process and configuration policies, as well as providing guidance on the most effective changes that will promote secure and cost effective networks.
Development of strategic IT goals that align with wider business goals.
Partnership based: we love to immerse ourselves in your business and invest in your success in order to provide you with maximum benefit (our level of input in your business is entirely up to you).
IT planning, budgets, staffing, business continuity and disaster recovery processes.
Involvement: on-site visits and support, as well as management and planning meeting attendance to stay up-to-date with your business.
Proactive monitoring, measurement and maintenance of IT health and security with a focus on keeping data safe, secure and accessible.
Design: we are able to design and implement tailored solutions for your needs.
Consultation and troubleshooting.

You can learn what a Virtual CIO service is and how they can be tailored to your organisation’s size and needs.

If you’d like any further information, assistance with your IT needs or you simply don’t know where to start – please feel free to call us on (07) 3120 0640 or email us at [email protected]

1300 378 676 |

[email protected]