What is ChatGPT and how can businesses effectively use it?

What is ChatGPT and how can businesses effectively use it?

When artificial intelligence (AI) and research company OpenAI launched ChatGPT on November 30, 2022, nobody could have predicted the disruption it would cause. Within the first five days, more than one million users logged in, and within two months, ChatGPT reached 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing online platform in history

 

ChatGPT’s influence is already being felt across all industries, including Utah’s educational institutions, and businesses are also eager to explore how ChatGPT can improve their workflow. If you don’t want your business to be left behind, here’s what you need to know about this new technology.

 

What is ChatGPT and how does it work?

ChatGPT is a powerful program for communication. Designed to understand and respond to human language, its responses mimic how humans interact. Using ChatGPT feels like chatting with a knowledgeable and friendly human: ask questions, and it will provide relevant and coherent answers.

 

At its core, ChatGPT is designed to understand and generate human-like text based on the input it receives. It works through a two-step process: pre-training and fine-tuning. During pre-training, ChatGPT learns from a massive amount of text data available on the internet. This data includes websites, articles, books, and various other sources that cover a wide range of topics and writing styles. Through analysis, ChatGPT learns the intricate patterns, grammar, syntax, and semantics from this data, enabling it to generate coherent and contextually relevant responses. 

 

After pre-training, the model undergoes a fine-tuning process. During this phase, it is trained on specific tasks and data sets curated by human reviewers. These reviewers follow guidelines provided by OpenAI to make the model more accurate, safe, and useful. Fine-tuning allows ChatGPT to specialize in various applications, such as translating language, providing writing assistance, and answering questions.

 

Does ChatGPT have limitations?

Even though it has access to a vast amount of internet data, ChatGPT’s database is limited up to 2021 as of this writing. Therefore, it cannot provide answers or information beyond that year. Moreover, if a user asks an ambiguous question, ChatGPT will not request clarifications but instead attempt to guess the intended meaning, leading to unintended answers.

 

Furthermore, ChatGPT isn’t perfect and can generate incorrect or inaccurate responses, especially if there is misinformation about a particular topic. Although its answers may sound accurate, it’s still crucial to double-check the information, especially if you’re dealing with esoteric topics or updates beyond 2021.

 

How can I use ChatGPT in my business?

Despite its limitations, ChatGPT remains highly useful for businesses looking to leverage AI to stay competitive. Here are several ways you can use ChatGPT to level up your business:

 

  1. Automate your customer service: Customer service is now commonly handled by bots. Use ChatGPT as your smarter, friendlier, and faster customer service representative. It can handle inquiries, tailor conversations for different customers, answer FAQs, and scale up to handle increased customer demand.
  2. Create content for your business: ChatGPT can generate copy for various purposes, such as blogs, social media posts, print ads, and video scripts. However, users should still double-check the output for accuracy, factualness, and relevance.
  3. Assist in research and analysis: Utilize ChatGPT to research market trends, competitors’ services, and other crucial business information. But remember to cross-verify its output to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
  4. Translate copy to other languages: Easily translate your business materials to target global markets without language barriers.
  5. Generate reports and summaries: Accelerate the report and summary creation process, and provide valuable insights for business owners faster than traditional methods.

 

Embracing AI early allows companies to adapt better to the changing landscapes of business and technology. By incorporating ChatGPT into your business’s system, you can improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, save costs, and make data-driven decisions.

 

If you want to use ChatGPT for your business but are unsure how to proceed, don’t worry. Our IT experts at NetWize here to guide you in maximizing ChatGPT’s strengths and avoiding its pitfalls. If your business is in Salt Lake City or nearby, feel free to contact us today.

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Looking for a help desk service for your customer support team? Consider these 7 crucial factors

When it comes to finding the right help desk service for your business, there are a lot of factors to consider. How much can you afford to spend? What kind of support do you need? How many agents are available? These are just some of the questions that you need to ask yourself when making this important decision.

Why is a help desk important to your business?

A customer support help desk is a critical component of any business, as it serves as a dedicated point of contact between you and your customers. Its core function is to provide a platform for customers to voice their concerns, ask questions, and seek assistance with any issues they may be facing.

A well-structured help desk can improve customer retention by ensuring that client issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. It also allows you to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement, so you can offer a better customer experience. In today’s competitive marketplace, providing excellent customer support is not only vital for increasing brand loyalty, but it can also be a key differentiator in attracting new customers.

Here are the important factors that you should consider when choosing a help desk service for your customer support department.

User experience

Choose a help desk partner that offers instant access to answers and a smooth handoff to a live support agent to give customers the best user experience possible. With an instant access feature, customers can quickly get the answers to their inquiries, so they don’t have to suffer long wait times for support agents.

A smooth handoff process also ensures that customer queries are handled efficiently and effectively. By showing them that their needs are being taken seriously, you create a positive impression of your company and its customer service offerings.

Customization

With customizable options, customers can tailor the help desk to their specific needs. They can choose from various support models such as self-service, live chat, or dedicated account management. Additionally, they can configure their help desk with multilingual support, automated ticketing, and CRM integrations.

Channel support

It’s also essential to choose a help desk platform with a multichannel customer support function. It should have capabilities that range from handling email and calls to live chat, SMS, social media, and more. In other words, it should be a one-stop shop for handling customer inquiries.

Note, however, that not all help desk subscriptions are created equal — higher tiers offer more advanced features and greater flexibility. That said, focusing on fewer support channels can actually improve your customer experience by ensuring quality rather than quantity. By selecting a vendor that specializes in your preferred channels, you can achieve high-level support and a more satisfied client base.

Number of agents

The number of customer service agents you need depends on the size and scope of your business, as well as your customer service needs. It’s important to factor in how many concurrent conversations you may be able to handle with your current help desk solution to ensure that no customers are being left behind. And the ideal help desk should be scalable, allowing you to add or remove agents as needed.

Reporting and analytics

Having access to customer feedback is essential in improving customer retention rates. Comprehensive reporting and analytics can pinpoint areas of improvement and help your business better understand your customers. It also helps identify the best strategies for providing excellent customer service. Additionally, reporting and analytics can help you identify trends in customer behavior and give you valuable insight into customer preferences.

Security

Choose a help desk provider that has comprehensive security measures in place, such as two-factor authentication and data encryption. This will ensure that customer data is protected and secure to keep your customers’ information safe.

Budget

Lastly, when evaluating different help desk solutions, remember to factor in your budget. If you’re looking to manage your customer support without breaking the bank, consider help desk providers that offer free versions. While the features may be limited, you’ll still have a fully functional support center and a chance to get acquainted with the solution before you scale up. In any case, be aware of budget limitations before committing to any particular help desk solution.

If you’re looking to enhance the quality of your business’s customer service, consult NetWize’s IT experts. We’ll guide you in choosing the best possible solution for your company in Salt Lake City. Call us or leave us a message.

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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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What Does it Take to Become a Dell Premier Partner

At NetWize, we are proud to have partnerships with many reputable companies, such as Microsoft, HP and Cisco. One partnership we’d like to highlight is Dell, one of our Premier Partners. What does it take for a business to join these ranks, and what are the advantages? You are about to find out!

In order to first become a Dell Partner, a business must possess three essential things: an active website, an email that is tied to the business and a valid certificate for reselling. Once you move up to Preferred Partner status, there are additional requirements, like completing at least one PartnerDirect competency, in areas such as storage, cloud computing or systems management, and certain level of sales over the previous four quarters upon completion of core competencies. The next level of partnership is Premier Partner, which is what we are here at NetWize. Premier Partners require two or more completed competencies, with at least $750,000 in sales in the previous four quarters, as well as the completion of one Dell Solutions training course. In addition, Premier Partners must display the PartnerDirect Premier Partner logo on their website (something we take pride in doing).

Once you have moved up the ranks, there are many advantages to be had. Dell Premier partners have access to active Channel management, field marketing, and engineering teams. They also engage with the Dell direct account managers to ensure that their clients are receiving the very best possible service, pricing, and support.  In addition, Dell works closely with its Premier partners to ensure that they are trained and up to date on all products and services and that the partner understands the Dell product roadmap.

In addition to being a Dell Premier Partner, NetWize is also a Dell GeoPartner. GeoPartner is a relatively new program that allows Dell direct sales representatives to leverage local partners to deliver services. The local partner delivers the service under the Dell banner, thus broadening Dell’s service reach. There is a relatively small number service providers included in the program, and Dell isn’t necessarily looking for hundreds of partners to join. Instead, they want to select companies, like NetWize, who have the specific skill sets that can meet the needs of its customers.

Ready to work with an IT provider who can assist you in many different areas? Contact NetWize today!

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The Importance of Backup and Disaster Recovery

More than likely, you have spent years building up your successful business. If a disaster strikes, you could lose everything you have worked for in the blink of an eye, unless you have a disaster recovery plan in place. Yet many companies view disaster recovery  as an unnecessary cost; however, one should consider the total cost of ownership of lost data to your business.

According to StorageCraft, the survival rate for businesses without a disaster recovery plan is less than 10 percent. In order to prevent this, it is important to have a business continuity plan in place. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure your information is completely safe.

Plan. First and foremost, you need to develop and implement a disaster recovery plan that works for you. This plan will lay out exactly how information will be recovered and restored in the event of a disaster.

Store off site. Think of this as a vault where your important information is stored. This could be on a tape, hard drive, or an offsite backup facility that’s highly equipped to meet your needs.

Backup regularly. Take a couple minutes out of your day and get into a routine where you are sure to archive information—you won’t regret it. This can be done either periodically, or at the end of each workday.

Netwize was founded with the goal of being your IT solution at a fraction of the cost. Now that you know some initial steps to take, let us take care of the rest of your disaster recovery and backup planning for you. Contact us today!

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We are Microsoft Gold Certified

At NetWize we know that having outstanding I.T. support is vital, yet difficult to find. This is one of the reasons why NetWize has invested in becoming a  Microsoft Gold Certified partner. But what exactly does that mean, and how can this benefit your business? Microsoft Gold Certified partners are  able to provide and implement Microsoft best practice solutions by skilled engineers so your I.T. runs like a well-oiled machine.

In order to become a certified partner, a company must first demonstrate a superior level of certification, capabilities and implementations. Once reached, they can then be considered (and possibly chosen) to become a gold certified partner. Once approved, a company has proven that they have the credibility needed to partner with Microsoft, one of the world’s largest software providers.

Simply put, Microsoft Gold Certified partners are independent companies that are able to provide the highest level of technical knowledge and expertise. When opting for a managed service provider, it is important to keep their level of expertise in mind. After all, you want your technology to be in the best possible hands, right? With a Microsoft Gold certification, you can positively trust their services and knowledge because they  have proven themselves to become a certified partner.

Microsoft Gold Certified also partners have a close working relationship with Microsoft so they receive direct support from them while working on your projects.  That also means you can be confident you are receiving the best service available in regards to your technology.

Interested in learning how we can put our Microsoft expertise to work for you?  Contact NetWize today!

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