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Google suggests business-friendly phones

If you’re in the market for a new Android phone but overwhelmed with the number of options available, Google can help. They’ve recently published a set of standards of what constitutes a ‘business-friendly’ phone and has created a short list to help you decide.

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06 Mar, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware, Security category
Google suggests business-friendly phones

If you’re in the market for a new Android phone but overwhelmed with the number of options available, Google can help. They’ve recently published a set of standards of what constitutes a ‘business-friendly’ phone and has created a short list to help you decide.

Google-approved devices
Recently, Google launched Android Enterprise Recommended to make it easier for businesses to find secure, cutting-edge devices they can confidently invest in. This program establishes minimum hardware, software, security, and user experience requirements for Android devices and services.

For instance, mobile devices in the program must be able to deliver security updates within 90 days of Google releasing them, for at least three years. This is an important requirement because the Android OS tends to get a lot of unwanted attention from hackers due to its open-source nature and the thousands of unregulated apps available in its Google Play store.

Beyond security, ‘enterprise-ready’ Android phones must have:

  • The capacity to support Android 7.0 Nougat or higher (at least 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and a 1.4 GHz processor)
  • Zero-touch enrollment, which allows businesses to deploy devices with company configurations and policies already in place
  • Seamless application experience across devices and accounts

Google also announced that requirements will change for each new version of Android OS, and vendors will have to submit their devices to be validated every time. Of course, if any device doesn’t meet compliance (or falls out of it), Google will remove it or even its manufacturer from the program.

What devices are recommended right now?
So far, the program has 21 enterprise-ready smartphones, including:

  • Google Pixel (Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL)
  • BlackBerry KEYone and Motion
  • Huawei (Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro, P10, P10 Plus, P10 Lite, and P smart)
  • Nokia 8
  • LG G6 and V30
  • Motorola X4 and Z2
  • Sony Xperia (XZ1, XZ1 Compact, XZ premium, XA2, and XA2 Ultra)

Although it's the leading Android smartphone vendor, Samsung was not included in the list. However, this was only the first fleet of devices that were validated, and more devices will be added to the list throughout the year, according to Google.

So if you’re planning to implement remote work and bring your own device policies in the coming months, check the Android website regularly for new Google-approved devices. And if you need more advice about mobility solutions, contact us today. We have IT experts at your beck and call!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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How to avoid Spectre & Meltdown attacks

Hospitals and clinics have been storing confidential medical files and patient data in highly protected servers. But unless patches are being installed, Spectre and Meltdown attacks could undermine the security of healthcare providers.

Why is Spectre and Meltdown a big problem for healthcare providers?

Spectre and Meltdown are security flaws in computer chips that give hackers access to all data saved in the server, circumventing even encryption and multi-layered security systems.

The post How to avoid Spectre & Meltdown attacks appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

05 Mar, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Security category
How to avoid Spectre & Meltdown attacks

Hospitals and clinics have been storing confidential medical files and patient data in highly protected servers. But unless patches are being installed, Spectre and Meltdown attacks could undermine the security of healthcare providers.

Why is Spectre and Meltdown a big problem for healthcare providers?

Spectre and Meltdown are security flaws in computer chips that give hackers access to all data saved in the server, circumventing even encryption and multi-layered security systems.

This is a problem for healthcare organizations because patient data and other medical information must be protected in accordance with HIPAA regulations. If hackers did use Spectre and Meltdown to hack servers, millions of private data -- including patient names, social security numbers, bank account numbers, and medical histories -- can be leaked over the Internet.

To ensure you servers stay HIPAA-compliant, there are three things you should do:

#1. Apply patches

One effective way to defend against Spectre and Meltdown flaws is by installing patches. Check your server manufacturer's website for the latest updates and install them right away. Although some are saying that these patches are causing systems to perform slower, it's still worth it if you want to avoid the hefty costs of noncompliance.

#2. Implement dedicated servers

A more cost-efficient method to prevent Spectre and Meltdown exploitation is by using dedicated servers. By having complete ownership of the server, you can control the security measures, software, and management of the server. You can also lower the risk of security breaches because no other organization will share your server and gain access to it accidentally, like what tends to happen with most public cloud services.

#3. Hire professionals

Due to the complexity of Spectre and Meltdown, healthcare providers are recommended to hire managed services providers (MSPs). Without adequate experience, you or your employees could accidentally disable security software and/or misconfigure servers.

For organizations with limited capital budget, MSPs can provide you Spectre and Meltdown solutions customized to your needs and budget. Experts will monitor and maintain your systems round-the-clock to address suspicious activities or security issues and ensure your servers receive the proper updates.

Eliminating Spectre and Meltdown flaws is critical for healthcare organizations. Our 24/7 experts can help you design appropriate data security solutions based on your business needs and available budget. If you’re interested in having secure data storage, give us a call today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Choosing the right virtualization strategy

Just because virtualization is an incredibly advanced and complicated technology doesn’t mean small businesses can’t get in on the action. As experts debate the merits of virtual desktops versus containers, all SMBs need are an elementary understanding of how virtualization works and an IT provider.

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02 Mar, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Uncategorized category
Choosing the right virtualization strategy

Just because virtualization is an incredibly advanced and complicated technology doesn’t mean small businesses can’t get in on the action. As experts debate the merits of virtual desktops versus containers, all SMBs need are an elementary understanding of how virtualization works and an IT provider. We can give you both!

What are virtual desktops?

Imagine all you have is a computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Virtual desktop technology allows you to connect those devices to a server across either the internet or your office network. Once connected to the server, your monitor will display a fully functional operating system, and your keyboard and mouse will interact with that desktop with zero lag.

The server you connect to could host dozens of virtual desktops that other users access simultaneously, each with their own storage space, files, and applications.

This explanation is a bit of an oversimplification. You still need computer hardware (motherboard, CPU, RAM, etc.) to connect to a virtual desktop server, but the cheapest components available will do the trick. Everything you see on your monitor is really happening on the server, the computer at your desk is just an access point.

What are containers?

Let’s start with an example. Envision a business that provides video production services. All of its employees spend 20% of their time editing videos in one application. That application requires a lot of computing power, but this company can’t afford to buy everyone a high-end computer for a task they spend so little time on. Other production tasks are simple and don’t require expensive hardware, so virtual desktops aren’t necessary.

With containers, employees could connect to the server from their mid-range desktops and use its hardware to run the resource-hogging application. As long as your server is fast enough, employees can connect, run the application, and go back to other programs on their local computer.

Aside from using server resources more efficiently, containers are also exempt from operating system limitations. If a container is stored on a Windows-based server, there’s nothing stopping a Mac computer from working with the application stored inside the container.

Are virtual desktops or containers better for my business?

The biggest factor when choosing between these two technologies is the nature of your work. If employees are regularly switching between half a dozen applications, it’s probably smarter to go with virtual desktops since they are more flexible and open-ended. If most of your challenges are centered around one or two programs, containers are likely the smarter choice.

Every business is different, and we’ll be the first ones to admit there are cases when it makes more sense to invest in high-end employee desktops, or create a virtual desktop for that one obnoxious application. Whatever the right answer is for you, we promise to give it to you straight!

Give us a call today to hear our two cents on how you could be saving money with virtualization.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Discover the VoIP suitable for you

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a telephony solution that allows users to make calls through any internet-enabled desk phone (hardphone) or software device (softphone). The type of business you run will determine which option is most suitable for you.

The post Discover the VoIP suitable for you appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

01 Mar, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in VoIP category
Discover the VoIP suitable for you

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a telephony solution that allows users to make calls through any internet-enabled desk phone (hardphone) or software device (softphone). The type of business you run will determine which option is most suitable for you.

What’s a hardphone?

A hardphone is a desk phone that is connected to your business’s IP network, just like a normal phone. There's no learning curve associated with VoIP hardphones, and they allow your staff to call anyone worldwide at a more affordable price. The more advanced hardphones have built-in video displays and touch screens to accommodate video calls, eliminating the need of having separate equipment for video conferencing.

What’s a softphone?

A softphone is any electronic device that uses a software program that allows users to turn their PCs, laptops, and tablets into high-tech phones to make and receive local and international calls. Softphones let you dial a number on your computer or mobile device and speak through its embedded speakers and microphone, or through a headset with microphone, so you can make and take calls wherever you are.

Which type is ideal for you?

There are some things to consider when you’re choosing between hardphones and softphones:

  • Are your employees always moving around?
  • Do they require 24/7 connectivity?
  • Does your company rely on having top-notch customer service?
  • What’s your IT budget?

Your answers to these questions will determine the type of equipment you need. If your employees are mostly in the office, hardphones may be better, especially since you probably already have them and they will be available for use with VoIP.

But if your company requires a mobile workforce, adopting a softphone solution may be better. Softphones feature call routing which allows calls to be diverted to one or several specified internet-enabled devices, ensuring your clients have 24/7 access to your employees. Other features like transcribed voicemail messages also enable you to receive messages promptly, no matter whether you’re in a meeting or on the road.

Costs

Hardphones and softphones each have their advantages, so which one you choose may come down to your IT budget.

For SMBs that have a limited IT budget, purchasing new hardphones for all their employees can be expensive, especially if you require hundreds of them. Softphones may be better if you're on a tight budget. You just need to download an application and buy some headsets.

If your budget permits you to spend more on telephony infrastructure, then a VoIP solution would be a great way to improve your users' productivity and save money on your monthly phone bills.

Our experts are available 24/7/365 to advise you on any questions you may have pertaining to VoIP, and especially about whether hardphones or softphones are best for you. If you’re interested in upgrading your telephony infrastructure, give us a call today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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