5 Signs that your small business needs technology upgrades

Remember back when we had to wait minutes for our dial-up modems to connect us to the internet? Nowadays, we’re perpetually connected to it — no more waiting necessary. If everyone in your company had to revert to dial-ups, that’ll add up to hours of wasted production hours.

Sticking with old and inefficient tech can essentially have the same effect on your business, but how would you know it’s time for IT upgrades? Here are five signs you need to watch out for:

1. You’ve outgrown past capacities

This is a usually good problem to have because it means that your business is growing. Small firms often use free versions of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) apps. However, once they exceed a certain number of employees and/or need more advanced features, they’ll need to upgrade to paid versions with richer sets of features.

You’ll also need to scale up your tech when your customer base grows. For example, you might need to augment your team of customer service representatives with chatbots that can take FAQs off of your reps’ shoulders. This will enable your agents to take on the increase in complex customer queries — the type that only humans know how to answer.

Business growth also means the generation of more data, such as customer records, order information, and shipping details, among other things. Not only will you need more data storage, but also better data protection and enhanced backup systems.

2. Device repairs and upgrades are costing you more

Often, when your computer is still relatively new, replacing or upgrading worn-down parts is the cost-efficient way to go. However, as more time passes, replacement parts become harder to find and thus more expensive. Furthermore, operating systems and software require greater computing resources that old and obsolete computers don’t have. Such machines will run slow or hang, which leads to costly downtime. Whatever money you think you’re saving by not buying new devices will be quickly exceeded by the money you’ll lose in terms of productivity, paying customers, and opportunities to surpass your competition.

3. You’re missing out on energy cost savings

Beyond providing better performance, newer business computers also offer greater energy efficiency, which leads to substantial cost savings. Heck, some computers can be used by multiple end users. By using such powerful devices, you won’t need to allocate individual computers to each employee, but instead provide them with networked machines called thin clients that consume up to 50 times less electricity.

4. Your business processes have become more complex

Offering a wider array of goods and services, partnering up with other businesses, and expanding to new territories all lead to the adoption of more complex business processes. To illustrate, broadening product lines necessitates factoring in more data variables, such as the sourcing of new materials, construction of new factory machines, and creation of new production workflows. Partnering up with another business means setting up new accounts, communication lines, and protocols for data sharing and ensuring data security. Putting up offices in other countries means complying with varying laws on data storage and handling.

The more intricate your business processes become, the more you’ll need data systems across teams, departments, and business partners to be better integrated and streamlined for the sake of efficiency.

Most businesses take the piecemeal approach to building their IT systems. That is, they build upon their existing infrastructure by adding new tools that may fit their budget and fulfill their business requirements in the short term. However, these often introduce costly incompatibilities and inefficiencies in the long term. Partnering with a top-notch managed IT services provider like [company_short] to upgrade and correct your tech will reduce your costs down the line.

Furthermore, the more intricate your business processes become, the more you’ll need data systems across teams, departments, and business partners to be better integrated and streamlined for the sake of efficiency. Steps like manual data entry and records reconciliation must be automated to make processes faster and less prone to errors. You’ll also want your SaaS tools to work well with one another so that you’ll avoid redundant data processing steps and the formation of data silos. You can do all of this by upgrading your tech with enterprise resource planning in mind. Our IT specialists at [company_short] can help you out in that regard.

5. Your staff members are complaining about their devices

Last but not least, forcing your staff to keep using outmoded machines will frustrate them and cause them needless stress. Managers often underestimate how much their staff resent them whenever they expect a certain level of performance but don’t provide the tools that are sufficient for this purpose.

However, by providing your employees with new computers and adding just a few more minutes of productivity into their day, you’ll realize gains that will eventually pay for the cost of the machines. Not only that, but you’ll also show your staff that you value them and their contribution to the organization and want them to succeed in their roles. All of this will likely boost their morale and motivation to do their best work for the company.

For all of your tech upgrade needs, [company_short] has got you covered. Leave us a message or call us at 801-747-3200 today to learn more.

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What you need to know about Windows 11

Windows 10 is arguably one of the most successful iterations of the Windows operating system (OS). However, Microsoft has never been one to rest on its laurels, which is why it will release Windows 11 this holiday season.

What can we expect from this version of the world’s leading OS? Read on to find out.

1. Windows 11 is a free upgrade for Windows 10

Software licenses aren’t cheap, so the cycle of old software losing support and new software being released has always been a concern for many users who feel that they’re being milked for their money. However, if you’re a Windows 10 user, there’s no need to fret because you can upgrade to 11 for free — provided your computer meets Windows 11’s minimum system requirements.

2. The new OS will feature new visuals

First of all, app icons on the taskbar will, by default, be centered instead of left-aligned, with icons for open and pinned apps appearing to the right of the Start button. This makes reaching that button with the mouse easier, since the user doesn’t have to go all the way down to the bottom left corner every time to do so. However, if you prefer to switch back to the classic left-aligned icon layout, you can do so.

Open windows will feature tightly rounded corners — visual cues that will help users differentiate one window from another. The windows will also feature semi-transparent backgrounds that allow the wallpaper beneath to be partially seen. This refreshing take on an old design is a boon for users who see their wallpapers as digital art.

3. Snap layouts will make setting windows on the screen easy

Windows users have long enjoyed the ability to manually change window dimensions. For added convenience, Windows 11 will let users choose between preset layouts so that apps will easily snap into the right size and onto the right place on the screen.

4. Each user will be able to use multiple virtual desktops

A single Windows 11 license can grant a user different workspaces in the form of virtual desktops (VDs). That is, one particular user may have two VDs — one for work and another for personal use.

To help differentiate between VDs, users can give each one a name. Users can also use different wallpapers and snap layouts so that they’ll have immediate visual cues as to which VD it is they’re using.

5. Widgets will make it easy to get snippets of info

Microsoft is bringing back desktop widgets, which are small apps that feature snippets of information like the weather or news. Widgets can also be tiny apps that let users perform quick functions like adding up numbers on the widget itself — i.e., without having to launch a new window. Users can pick their own widgets, or artificial intelligence can automatically populate widget panels by discerning users’ interests based on their browsing history in Microsoft Edge.

6. Microsoft Teams will be included

The free version of Teams — Microsoft’s popular video conferencing and chat app — will be integrated into Windows 11. By doing this, Microsoft hopes to break Teams’ image as purely a business product and crack the much larger consumer market.

The free version of Teams — Microsoft’s popular video conferencing and chat app — will be integrated into Windows 11.

7. Android apps will be downloadable

Android apps are normally for mobile devices, but now, users want to be able to use these apps on their desktops, too. This is because desktops have much larger screens and can let users avoid cumbersome touchscreen controls. Google did try to make their apps serviceable on Chrome OS, but the apps didn’t look as good or were glitchy. Windows users, on the other hand, had to rely on third-party Android emulators like BlueStacks and Andy.

Microsoft hopes to change this dynamic by teaming up with Amazon and Intel for their Windows 11 release. Users will be able to get apps from Amazon’s Android App Store, which will be added to the Microsoft Store. Downloaded apps will be usable on Windows 11, thanks to Intel’s “Bridge Technology,” which is presumed to be Microsoft’s authorized Android emulator for its new OS.

8. Gamers will gain a better playing experience

Via the Xbox app, video game players will be able play their Xbox games on their Windows 11-powered computer. Two features will vastly improve their experience: DirectStorage and Auto HDR (high dynamic range). DirectStorage prevents lag for games whose data packets are delivered to the graphics cards from storage. Auto HDR, on the other hand, significantly improves graphics quality over SDR (standard dynamic range) with enhanced brightness and a wider range of colors to make contrasting hues more pronounced.

9. OS performance will be better

Microsoft promises performance improvements, such as:

  • Faster wake-ups from sleep, sign-ins via Windows Hello, and web browsing
  • Enhanced security
  • Smaller and more efficient OS updates that will occur in the background
  • Greater energy efficiency that prolongs battery life
  • Higher-quality audio and haptic feedback for stylus
  • Improved voice typing functionality
  • Touch-optimized experience

Worried about shifting to Windows 11? Don’t fret — let our Microsoft experts at [company_short] help you out. Leave us a message or call us at 801-747-3200 today.

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Does your business really need managed IT services?

On a sunny Salt Lake City day, you receive an SMS alert about an upcoming doctor’s appointment. Since you’re already on your phone, you enter “bike grease” in your web browser and find that your local shop carries the brand you’ve heard of but have difficulty remembering. On your way to that shop, you see people receiving groceries from a curbside pickup.

All of these things have one thing in common: they are powered by IT. How do these small businesses get to be so tech-savvy? you might wonder. Can they afford their own IT departments?

We’re here to tell you that unless a small- to medium-sized business (SMB) is a tech startup or a firm in the IT sector, it’s likely that they don’t have an internal IT team. Most SMBs take a DIY approach to implementing IT projects (i.e., without bona fide IT experts), but wiser business owners partner with a managed IT services provider (MSP). Here are three reasons why availing managed IT services is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your company.

1. You get an IT department, but at the fraction of the cost

The high demand for but low supply of IT professionals makes their salaries some of the biggest across all industries. SMBs can barely afford them, much less compete with larger enterprises that offer employee benefits such as a free gourmet lunch. And even if an SMB snags their own IT specialist, that employee is likely to move to greener pastures sooner or later, never mind how much that business spent on hiring and training them.

However, for less than what you’ll pay one full-time IT employee, you can avail of the services of an entire IT team when you work with an MSP. This team is composed of IT professionals with varied specializations and decades of experience between them. This means that if you have an IT concern, they’re more likely to be able to handle it than a lone employee would.

2. You gain access to a wide range of services that help your business grow

MSPs are a one-stop shop for all of your IT needs, such as:

IT consultation and strategy implementation

Top-notch MSPs provide excellent IT consultation services. They’re able to assess what your business needs, both in the short and long term, and create and implement an IT strategy that will aid and accelerate your company toward its goals. They’re also partners with leading IT solutions providers such as Microsoft and know which offerings will best serve your business.

Data security

Hackers have no qualms about stealing money wherever they can take it for the least amount of effort. And since many small-business owners mistakenly think their companies are too small to be targeted by cybercriminals, they likely don’t invest in cybersecurity, which makes their companies low-hanging fruit for hackers.

Beyond malicious actors, other factors, such as faulty network configurations and calamities, may cause your business to suffer costly downtime.

MSPs help SMBs thwart cybercriminals by implementing the latest and best cybersecurity measures. They also ensure uptime and smooth operations via 24/7 IT support, as well as mitigate the effects of natural and man-made disasters via disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

3. You gain access to the latest and best that IT has to offer

Investing in IT can take up a lot of resources. If you had to do it yourself, you’ll likely have to spend a lot of money on hardware, software, and IT specialists. And when there are advancements in technology, adapting to change can be difficult because it will entail adopting more tech and/or doing away with the IT assets that you’ve paid a lot of money for. If your business is not in tech, then this is highly impractical.

Fortunately, MSPs are in tech. Since they spread their costs across many clients, they can continually invest in the latest gadgets and IT solutions so that they’ll always be able to provide the best service possible. MSPs also stay on top of the latest developments in the world of tech so that you can adjust to disruptive changes in a timely manner and take advantage of their benefits as soon as possible. To illustrate, MSPs who are also licensed Microsoft vendors can advise their clients on how to leverage the Android On-Demand Chat Translation feature in Microsoft Teams.

4. You gain the ability to prepare for and comply with all the data regulations that apply to your business

Different industries have different data rules and regulations, such as HIPAA for the healthcare sector and PCI DSS for businesses that process card transactions. Additionally, different regions and states have their own data privacy regulations. For instance, the Golden State has the California Consumer Privacy Act, Canada has the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, and the European Union has the General Data Protection Regulation. And, as of this writing, 10 states are likely to pass their own version of data privacy legislation this year.

Complying with the regulations of one state is hard enough, but if you do business across many states, then compliance is a nightmare. Top-notch MSPs like NetWize stay on top of the shifting techno-legal landscape to help businesses meet all the requirements of every applicable data regulation.

5. You gain a proactive team whose interests are in line with yours

Some business owners believe that they’re saving money by availing IT services only when things break and need fixing. This practice actually costs them more because of one or more of the following reasons:

  • The business suffers downtime while waiting for their IT guy to arrive.
  • Their IT guy might lack the knowledge to fix the problem, so the business will end up waiting so long for nothing.
  • The business pays their IT guy by the hour. If the IT guy provides the option to either go for a quick fix or to resolve underlying tech issues and prevent problems from recurring, the client will often opt for the quick fix.
  • The business pays the IT guy whenever there are IT issues to fix. That means mo’ problems, mo’ money for the IT guy!

MSPs, on the other hand, are partners in their clients’ endeavors. If their clients’ companies grow because of the IT services they provide, then those clients will do more business with them. Conversely, if the firms they serve start to fail, then MSPs may ultimately lose those clients. Therefore, the best MSPs are the ones that nip IT issues in the bud before these become a major cause for concern. For a predictable cost, these MSPs grant you all the upside of IT and handle all of its downsides for you, which lets you focus on doing what you do best: your business.

To learn more about how NetWize can be of service to your company, send us a message or call us at 801-747-3200 today.

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4 Ways Microsoft Azure can help your small business grow

Cloud computing allows businesses to outsource their IT — and Azure is essentially Microsoft’s version of IT-as-a-Service. That is, Microsoft Azure offers the following:

  • Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) – Azure allows businesses to rent server storage, networking, and data centers instead of them having to purchase and install the required hardware and software themselves on-premises (on-prem).
  • Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) – Azure has all the tools firms need to build and manage databases as well as their own applications.
  • Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) – Azure has a wide range of ready-to-use apps for data analytics, identity management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and many more.

Microsoft Azure serves large enterprises all over the world, but this doesn’t mean that your small business in Salt Lake City can’t use it to grow. On the contrary, in 2014, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared that 40% of Azure revenue came from startups and independent software vendors. Here’s how you can leverage it for your business’s benefit.

1. Use Azure to avoid high spikes of CAPEX and opt for much flatter, more manageable OPEX

Much of the benefit to be gained from Azure lies in its IaaS. By leveraging Azure, new businesses don’t have to invest much in their own infrastructure while starting out. On the other hand, long-established businesses can integrate their existing infrastructure with Azure resources, provided that any and all significant compatibility issues are resolved or overcome.

Using Azure’s IaaS has many immediate benefits, namely:

  • Data storage that’s easy to manage – Data storage requirements for your apps and systems may fluctuate over time, and Azure allows you to scale as needed.
  • Cutting-edge cybersecurity protections – Microsoft’s cloud computing operations thwart 1.5 million attempts at compromising systems every day — and the company compiles what it learns from these attacks into its intelligent security graph to better defend end users.
  • Up-to-date compliance for federal and state law – Whatever data regulations your company must follow, trust Microsoft to enable you to comply with all of these.
  • Guaranteed at least 99.9% uptime – Uptime guarantees for different Azure services vary — see Azure’s Service Level Agreements Summary for more details.
  • Repairs, maintenance, updates, and upgrades – Azure takes care of all of these for you so you won’t have to worry about them anymore.

Much of the benefit to be gained from Azure lies in its IaaS. By leveraging Azure, new businesses don’t have to invest much in their own infrastructure while starting out.

Migrating on-prem systems to Azure is also an option, though do keep in mind that Azure may actually cost more than keeping your current infrastructure the way it is. However, the flexibility (i.e., scalability) that Azure provides may justify the extra cost, especially when it comes time to consider sunsetting aging on-prem IT assets. To figure out what’s best for your business, talk with our Azure specialists for a cost-benefit analysis.

2. Build, test, deploy, and manage your own apps using Azure’s PaaS

Tech startups rely on the Azure platform to build the next industry-disrupting service like Uber and Netflix, though that does not mean that the PaaS is limited to IT-centric businesses. A law firm may need a content management system that uses the latest AI-based cybersecurity tools to protect sensitive client information. Meanwhile, a manufacturer may need an app for monitoring factory equipment in real time using Internet of Things sensors.

Whatever custom app you need for your business, you can build, test, deploy, and manage it on Azure for free for 12 months, then just pay for the resources you use moving forward. And whenever Microsoft deploys a new tool during your trial period, you get immediate access to that tool as well.

3. Pay only for what you use, and get more value to boot

Pick and choose the Azure SaaS apps that make sense for your business. Easily cancel subscriptions for the ones you no longer need and subscribe to new ones your business needs as soon as these become available.

Moreover, Microsoft receives help queries and requests for new functionalities all the time. Microsoft developers accommodate popular requests and provide software updates to improve their services — all while maintaining current subscriber fees. This means that you get more value for your money over time.

4. Easily integrate Azure-hosted apps and tools with Microsoft 365 apps

Last but definitely not least, you can use Microsoft 365 SaaS tools to power up the apps you host and the tools you use on Azure. For example, Azure Blob Storage is a tool for scalable storing of unstructured data, and it can be integrated with Power BI so that you can derive insights from that data.

Microsoft Azure may just be the best cloud platform for your business. To learn more about how you can leverage Azure, schedule a consultation with our IT specialists at NetWize or call us at 801-747-3200 today.

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Why your small business needs a professional IT consultant

If your small business in Salt Lake City is like most, then its core proposition is not delivering top-notch IT services. If this is the case, it’s still likely that some of your first purchases would have been computers, and installing Wi-Fi routers may have been among the most critical tasks of your office setup. In other words, IT has become an indispensable business necessity, and small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that plan to grow create IT strategies to make this happen.

This makes sense, considering businesses make plans for everything else, be they for marketing and sales, manufacturing, or distribution. The question then becomes, “Who creates the IT strategies?” Here are seven reasons why a professional IT consultant is the best person for the job.

IT has become an indispensable business necessity, and small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that plan to grow create IT strategies to make this happen.

1. A professional IT consultant is cost-effective

For non-IT startups, a full-time IT specialist will be too costly. The specialist’s salary will likely be too high, and they won’t accomplish much since funds will be allocated to functions that directly fulfill the business’s core proposition instead of IT-centered initiatives. On the other hand, a professional IT consultant’s fees will be commensurate with the value they provide.

2. A professional IT consultant provides custom-tailored IT services

The IT needs of an online store will be different from that of a brick-and-mortar one. The first store will likely need more digital marketing tools than the second, whereas the second will require on-premises security systems more than the first store ever will.

A professional IT consultant will be able to help determine your company’s needs and recommend projects that will address those needs.

3. Professional IT consultants often offer services that help implement their recommendations

Managed IT services providers or MSPs are able to put their money where their mouths are. They are composed of teams of specialists who share decades of diverse knowledge and experience between them, which is why they can solve problems that in-house IT teams can’t. Additionally, they help businesses leverage the latest and best tech into their operations to achieve greater efficiencies, competitive advantages, and significant business growth.

4. Top-notch IT consultants are able to take the long view

More than being able to address a business’s short-term needs, professional consultants can envision how IT will support the company’s mission-vision for the long haul. With this mindset, their first projects are aimed toward creating a solid foundation upon which the business can build and grow.

5. Expert IT consultants optimize IT investments

Torn between prolonging the life of your existing IT infrastructure or installing new tech? Professional consultants will provide you with sensible options that factor in present conditions as well as considerations for the foreseeable future.

For example, sunsetting Windows 7 PCs may now be a much easier decision to make than it was a few years ago, but the tough question is what do you replace them with? Will you bring staff back to their workstations post-COVID-19 and provide them with thin or zero clients? Or will you let team members continue to work remotely and issue them laptops instead? These are the types of questions your IT consultants can help answer for you.

6. A professional IT consultant can help keep your data secure

Cybersecurity is an ever-expanding field, and in-house IT specialists will likely have difficulty keeping up since they’re bogged down by day-to-day tasks. An external IT consultant specializing in cybersecurity keeps tabs on the latest cyberthreat developments and is therefore better equipped to maintain your data’s accessibility, integrity, and security.

7. Professional IT consultants can anticipate shifts in the tech industry

With a finger on the pulse of cutting-edge IT advancements, IT consultants can anticipate trends in business technologies and advise companies accordingly.

Case in point: the Biden administration has unveiled plans to install countless roadside charging stations, while the private sector is taking care of edge computing and 5G connectivity. All of this points to the near-foregone conclusion that self-driving electric vehicles will replace combustion engine-powered vehicles in a few decades.

Beyond this, the spread of edge computing and expansion of 5G networks may mean many disruptive shifts in business, such as the increased use of land-based robots or drones for last-mile deliveries. Households, shops, and offices will have countless smart devices that collect and process data — and businesses will vie for that data to know their customers and anticipate their needs better. There are likely more disruptive developments than these, and IT consultants are the ones most capable of imagining these disruptions — as well as how your business can take advantage of them.

Businesses of all sizes in Salt Lake City trust the IT expertise of NetWize. For unparalleled professional IT consulting and services, request a free consultation or call us at 801-747-3200 today.

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How an MSP can help with your IT

When it comes to the technology in your business, it can often be a challenge to keep it running smoothly and working effectively. Frankly, many small business owners simply can’t keep up and their business can suffer as a result. To avoid this, one of the smartest things you can do is outsource your IT to a Managed Service Provider (MSP).

What is an MSP?

When small to medium businesses look to outsource the management of their technology, many turn to a Managed Services Provider. These service providers function as partners in the management of a business’s technology and often assume responsibility for managing, installing, and monitoring all, or at least a large part, of your tech on your behalf.

Because many of these IT partners are focused on technology services, they can often provide technology services equal to, or better than, hiring an in-house IT team. Beyond that, most IT partners offer services at a fixed monthly rate, thus allowing your business to effectively budget for IT expenditures.

5 Ways an IT partner can help

Aside from stabilizing costs and offering powerful IT solutions, there are many ways an IT partner can help your business. Here are 5:

1. Provide stability and direction

Technology is always changing, and the number of services and solutions available is simply staggering. Do you go with Windows, OS X, or Linux for your operating system? What about servers? Do you want cloud services? If so, which? Simply picking the right solution for your business requires an IT expert.

IT partners know technology and take the time to get to know your business needs and goals. From there, they can help pick and implement the best solutions that will support your current demands and provide the necessary IT platform on which you can stably expand your business.

2. Allow you to focus on your core business function

Anyone who is not an IT expert but has been thrust into the role of managing technology quickly comes to realize that technology management and implementation is a full-time job. What this means in many small businesses is that someone has to give up time focusing on their main role to focus on technology. This inevitably results in a loss of overall productivity.

By outsourcing your IT, you and your employees can focus on core business functions, without having to worry about pressing technology issues and staying up-to-date with tech developments. This results in an overall increase in productivity.

3. Help you learn how to leverage technology to meet your business goals

To many, new technology like the cloud, advanced databases, and web languages like HTML and CSS are simply too confusing. They may even be downright scary! When people feel overwhelmed by technology, they will often not be able to use it in the best possible way or they will shy away from it. This can lead to decreased productivity, unused technology, and a wasted investment.

Many IT partners don’t just install and manage systems, they also take the time to ensure that employees are comfortable with them and understand how to use them. This increases overall tech buy-in and can in turn reduce wasted investments, saving you money in the long run.

4. Enable you to use the latest technology

A common complaint of many who work in small to medium businesses is that the technology systems in the company are old or slow. This is largely due to the fact that many businesses operate on thin margins and simply cannot afford to update systems or integrate new ones.

IT partners offer their services to many different companies and therefore need to ensure that they are using the latest technology. Because most of these services are offered over the Web, they can pass along the features and updates to your business without you having to invest in new technology.

Beyond this, many MSPs offer full-service solutions that include picking the best technology for your business. They can install systems based on your budget and also manage them, ensuring that systems remain up-to-date and fully support your business needs.

5. Ensure compliance

Many industries like healthcare, education, finance, and real estate, require that businesses comply with strict regulations regarding technology and its use. Some governments even require that all businesses meet privacy regulations, making it difficult for businesses to know what the requirements are and if they are actually compliant.

IT partners also operate in these industries and are compliant. This means that they can often ensure that your business and systems are also meeting regulations.

If you are looking for an IT partner who can help your business get the most out of your technology, contact us today to learn more about our managed services.

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Ugly websites cost your business big time

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Why you need to back up your mobile devices

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What are order management systems?

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Advice from a failed disaster recovery audit

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