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3 Benefits of a Cloud Strategy with Microsoft Azure

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If you were an early cloud strategy adopter, you may have migrated to the cloud years ago when the trend was still in its infancy.

The benefit of being an early adopter is that you can be the first to take advantage of the cost savings and increased productivity.

The drawback is that you’re often the one out front helping identify the bugs and quirks that keep the system from working the way it’s expected to work.

Some organizations weren’t willing or able to take that kind of risk and are only just now considering the cloud.

It’s the perfect time to do so – and if you were an early adopter of cloud strategy, now can be a great time to learn about innovations that can save you more time and money and keep you more secure.

There’s no avoiding the fact that the cloud is here to stay.

3 Benefits of a Cloud Strategy with Microsoft Azure

3 Benefits of a Cloud Strategy with Microsoft Azure

In Canada, it’s become even simpler now with Microsoft Azure.

Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive solution for organizations that are moving to the cloud and need scalability and a multi-pronged platform.

It offers a reliable, scalable, and secure infrastructure environment with Canada-based data cloud services and storage.

The benefits of Microsoft Azure include:

Security

In addition to being fast and reliable, Azure offers a secure cloud solution.

According to Microsoft: “Security and privacy are built right into the Azure platform, beginning with the Security Development Lifecycle (SDL).

The SDL addresses security at every development phase and ensures that Azure is continually updated to make it even more secure.”

Flexibility

To improve the flexibility – and speed – of the cloud service delivered by Azure, Microsoft has acquired flash storage company Avere.

What does this mean for businesses moving to the cloud using Azure?

According to the press release announcing the purchase, not only does Avere support large-scale media needs, but it also supports the high-performance computing needs of organizations “in life sciences, education, oil and gas, financial services, manufacturing and more.”

Cost Control

Azure is an extension of the idea that turning costs into more-predictable monthly expenses rather than unplanned, unexpected capital costs is a smart business strategy.

This allows organizations in any industry to improve customer experience, drive innovation, and manage costs.

Investing in Azure might be right for your business.

However, to really obtain the ROI you’re anticipating, be sure to choose an Azure MSP who will help you:

  • Implement and manage your Azure operations
  • Manage your hybrid cloud
  • Migrate your systems
  • Ensure that you have the most comprehensively secure IT strategy possible to meet your operational needs

Whether you need help evaluating storage needs, configuring data, or ensuring compliance, having the right MSP partner is more important than ever.

The ITeam is an authorized partner MSP for Microsoft Azure. Contact us to learn more.

The Importance of Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

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The most common mistake a small business makes regarding cybersecurity is the assumption that their business will not be targeted.

Unfortunately, hackers do not discriminate based on size.

Small businesses often have vulnerabilities in their systems that can lead to billions in losses.

Cybersecurity should be a top priority for all businesses.

Most Common Hacking Methods

The Importance of Cybersecurity for Small BusinessesA comprehensive cybersecurity strategy requires more than the basic security package.

Hackers’ techniques continue to evolve, and potential threats are surfacing from virtually every angle.

The following is a list of the most common hacking methods:

  • APT (advanced persistent threats) – long-term targeted attacks that attempt to access networks in multiple phases to avoid detection
  • DDoS (distributed denial of service) – hackers intentionally overload a system to force a network shutdown
  • Insider threats – the misuse of network credentials by an administrator or previous employee, to access confidential information
  • Malware (malicious software) – any type of program that is introduced to your system to damage or gain unauthorized access
  • Password attacks – a variety of means by which hackers can attempt to crack your passwords, including mass theft, Wi-Fi monitoring, and brute force.
  • Phishing – an attempt to gain confidential information via what appears to be a legitimate website or email source
  • Ransomware – akin to malware, but hackers will demand ransom in return for the release of confidential information or unlock a system

Although you cannot predict what breach your small business is most likely to experience, the best strategy is to be prepared for any attempts to gain access to your system.

Strategy Depends on the Nature of Business

Your cybersecurity strategy will also reflect the nature of your business.

Defining the best security solution will involve an understanding of the risks specific to your organization.

How much does your business rely on e-commerce?

Do you have sensitive customer data stored on cloud servers or laptops?

Do your employees rely on Wi-Fi or personal networks to conduct business matters?

Knowledge of these factors, among others, will help give you a better understanding of which resources should be delegated to cybersecurity.

Establishing the right framework will help minimize the amount of risk to which your business is exposed.

Implement Best  IT Practices

Applying best practices related to cybersecurity is an important tactic that every small business should employ.

Rather than rely on certain security recommendations, establish formal security policies to ensure that every department and all personnel are in compliance.

This will help reduce insider threats as well as password attacks. Additionally, keep all your software current, including security patches and updates.

Failure to do so could create a gap in your security wall could make it easy for a hacker to install malware.

Most importantly, educate your employees on cybersecurity strategies and prevention, which will reduce the number of successful attacks.

Do not fall victim to the misconception that small businesses are not a target for hackers.

A company with 50 employees is not going to make headlines if their business is attacked due to cybersecurity weaknesses, but it is a common occurrence nonetheless.

It is important to recognize that your current security systems may have gaps, and there should be frequent audits of your IT infrastructure to ensure consistent functionality.

Make cybersecurity one of your top priorities, regardless of the size of your business. Don’t be the next target.

The ITeam understands the cybersecurity issues facing Canada. We are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk and maximize efficiency. Contact us to learn more.

How a Cloud-Based Business Helps You Attract Talent

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How a Cloud-Based Business Helps You Attract Talent

Hiring and retaining top talent is always a challenge.

Having the ability to retain the best people is something that is on the mind of virtually every CEO and HR executive.

Engagement and retention are essential for remaining competitive in a global economy.

The companies with the best talent win.

So how do you attract talent, develop a leadership pipeline, build resilience into your business, and appeal to the now-dominant millennial generation?

Get your head – and your business – in the cloud.

Why a Cloud-Based Business Equals Better Talent

The most successful companies recognize that better retention, happier employees, and more productivity come from recognizing that a good portion of the talented people you need won’t be looking for a position with your company and may not even be people that you can hire full-time.

In fact, 17 percent of today’s workforce is part of the on-demand economy, signifying that many professionals are happy to provide the skills you need – on their terms.

This means more than just offering flex hours.

It means making your business operations securely accessible online so that your employees can just as easily live in the next continent as they can the next town.

Greg Arnette, founder and CTO of Sonian, a cloud-based email archiving company, explained that a distributed workforce strengthened their ability to attract and retain the best talent:

“We support a distributed team development model, which means we can recruit across the country for the best talent and are not constrained by hotly contested talent clusters in Silicon Valley, NYC or Boston. We’re able to source the best people from Denver, Seattle, Syracuse, Portland and other leader, but smaller, cities. We recognized early this was a way to differentiate.”

Cost Savings Exist for Cloud-Based Businesses

Beyond the standard savings that can be realized from an operational standpoint by shifting to the cloud, having the ability to offer flexible, remote work opportunities can help your organization save even more money.

Consider the amount of money and time that go into training a new hire.

It can be a huge loss if that person has to quit their job because they move, need to be closer to home, or require more flexibility.

When you have a cloud-based business, it’s more likely you’ll be able to retain that talent and experience by offering the flexibility required, rather than losing the institutional knowledge they’ve gained and being forced to incur the expense of training someone new.

Succeeding with a Remote Workforce

Bringing your business into the cloud is relatively simple when you have partnered with the right Managed Services provider.

The bigger challenge is fostering growth and development with a team you rarely if ever, see in person.

Whether all of your employees or only a few are remote, you can provide on-demand cloud-based solutions to help them succeed.

Make sure you have tools in place that let them feel like they are part of the team:

Develop effective and reliable communications (apps, VoIP, and other tools), and provide opportunities to grow with the company and take on new responsibilities.

Remote workers and on-demand talent need accessible leaders and opportunities for professional development to make your company the best choice for their skills.

We’re dedicated to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses make changes now to remain competitive, flexible, and ready to face whatever challenges come their way. We do this by providing essential IT support and customized services designed to meet the needs of your business.

The ITeam will work with you to develop a cost-effective and comprehensive IT strategy that will help you survive economically stressful times and attract the talent you need to thrive. Contact us for a free consultation.