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What are Virtual Containers?

Virtual containers have recently gained prominence with the open-source container platform, Docker. It promises to change the way IT operations are carried out, just like virtualization technology did a few years ago. Read on to know more about this revolutionary breakthrough and how it can help your business.

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28 Dec, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Uncategorized category
What are Virtual Containers?

Virtual containers have recently gained prominence with the open-source container platform, Docker. It promises to change the way IT operations are carried out, just like virtualization technology did a few years ago. Read on to know more about this revolutionary breakthrough and how it can help your business.

What are containers and why are they so popular?

Virtual containers are similar to shipping containers, which have made the transport of bulky goods much easier.

Prior to the introduction of containers, virtual workstations and servers granted users access to software and computing power across a local network or the internet. This is what has become known as “cloud computing,” as it created entire desktop experiences over the internet.

However, there was room for improvement, as virtual machines are known to take up a lot of system resources.This is because they run a virtual copy of an operating system alongside a virtual copy of all the hardware that the operating system needs to run. Such heavy load on one machine quickly takes up a lot of RAM and CPU cycles, slowing processes down.

Containers improve on the inefficiencies of cloud computing by promising developers that their software will run smoothly, regardless of the type of computer their end users are running.

How do they improve on virtual desktops?

Virtual desktops deliver thousands of applications to meet the needs of your business. These applications also use different languages, databases, and tools. To deploy, configure, manage and deliver these complex machines takes a lot of time and money.

Containers are essentially a better way to package these applications and their components. This technology helps organizations become more consistent and agile by extracting the host’s underlying operating system, meaning applications can be packaged with all their dependencies. This in turn, allows developers to choose the right environments and tools that best suit their projects.

As of now, only a few types of software create and deliver containers, with the most popular being Docker. Container technology had been around for a while before the introduction of Docker, but it was complex to implement and manage. With the popularity of virtualization services, software vendors gained resources to develop and offer simple, user-friendly container solutions.

Although containers have improved enterprise computing as a whole, virtual machines have not been made obsolete, and can still be used under certain circumstances. Regardless, both solutions -- containers and virtual machines -- can repurpose old hardware to utilize software hosted in the cloud. All you need to get started is an internet connection and an experienced IT professional by your side.

Want to maximize your business potential through virtualization and containers but don’t have an IT professional to consult? Call us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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5 types of VoIP services you should know about

Most business owners and individual users know that making calls via VoIP is cheaper and more feature-rich when compared with the old landline telephony system. Still, you might be unaware of the VoIP service options out there, not to mention how to determine the right one for your needs.

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27 Dec, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in VoIP category
5 types of VoIP services you should know about

Most business owners and individual users know that making calls via VoIP is cheaper and more feature-rich when compared with the old landline telephony system. Still, you might be unaware of the VoIP service options out there, not to mention how to determine the right one for your needs. So, read on to learn more.

VoIP comes in a variety of forms. Do you rarely leave your house and office, or are you usually on the move? If you’re a business owner, what’s the size of your company and what factors matter most to you? Let's take a look at some of the VoIP services available on the market to help you make a better decision when it comes to choosing your means of voice communication.

Residential VoIP Services

For this type of VoIP, you use an adapter to connect your landline phone set to a Wi-Fi modem to make and receive calls over the internet. Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll be billed each month for either unlimited services or for minutes you actually use.
Examples: VoIP.com, Lingo

Device-based VoIP Services

This involves purchasing a VoIP device from a service provider and plugging it into your existing phone set so that you can make free calls within the U.S. This means not having to pay a monthly bill, and you need no other devices besides your old landline telephone set.
Examples: MagicJack, Ooma

Software-based VoIP Services

This is the most common type of VoIP, and many of us use it on a daily basis. You either access a web-based application online, or install it as software on your computer. Then you use your computer's audio input and output device to talk and listen.
Examples: Skype

Mobile VoIP Services

Like the software-based VoIP services, mobile VoIP is also an application. However, it is installed on mobile phones instead of computers, thus enabling you to make and receive calls no matter where you are as long as you have a good internet connection.
Examples: Skype, WhatsApp, Google Hangout

Business VoIP Services

VoIP for business comes in two options: on-premises and cloud-based. Both provide much more cost-effective communication solutions than traditional landlines and have a variety of useful features for businesses. These include video and audio conferencing, screen-sharing, interactive voice response, automated attendants, call queues, and call reports, just to name a few. These features are scalable and you'll also get complete technical support.

For on-premise VoIP systems, businesses need to purchase all the equipment and house it in their office. This requires huge capital costs. Businesses also have to pay a monthly fee for SIP trunking or PRI circuit, as well as dedicate IT staff to maintain, repair, and upgrade the systems on a regular basis. The up side is you’ll have total control of your hardware.

With cloud-based VoIP systems, you outsource the phone system to your VoIP provider. This means there’s no need to purchase hardware or invest your resources into maintaining the systems since your provider will take care of everything for a fixed monthly fee. You can also add or remove users easily. The con is that you’re not in total control of the hardware and need to rely on your provider’s expertise to ensure system reliability and security.

Want more detailed information about VoIP and how to choose the most suitable VoIP provider? Talk to our professionals today. They have extensive knowledge about this efficient, low-cost communication technology and can explain everything to you in plain English!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Do more with Microsoft Teams

The main difference between Microsoft Teams and its competitors like Slack or Convo can be summarized in one word: integration. Teams integrates with various Microsoft applications like Word, OneNote, Planner, and SharePoint, and if you’re already subscribed to Office 365, these tips and tricks will help you do more with Teams.

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26 Dec, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Office, Office 365 category
Do more with Microsoft Teams

The main difference between Microsoft Teams and its competitors like Slack or Convo can be summarized in one word: integration. Teams integrates with various Microsoft applications like Word, OneNote, Planner, and SharePoint, and if you’re already subscribed to Office 365, these tips and tricks will help you do more with Teams.

Use SharePoint to store and share files

You might already be using SharePoint to store files and collaborate with your teammates. But did you know that in every Teams channel, you can click the Files tab to share files from SharePoint with team members? You can also access SharePoint files that are already shared in the channel and use Office Online or Office Desktop to collaborate on those files, too.

Forward emails into a channel

You get countless emails every day, some of which might be lost in your inboxes. Fortunately, Microsoft makes it easy to forward any email message from Outlook to a channel in Teams so that messages show up in both places. Just click the ellipsis next to any channel name and select “Get email address”. This generates an email address for the channel which you can copy and use to forward files, documents, and messages.

Stick with a few groups

While you can create as many groups within your organization as you like, going overboard can result in a cluttered messaging interface that overwhelms team members. We recommend you create groups based on the number of projects and each members involved; you can always add more if necessary.

Set up audio conferencing

Teams lets you host voice meetings in groups or with just one team member. This is particularly useful when communicating with remote workers or clients, in which case you can give them guest access to your Teams channel. This ensures they’re able to communicate with you but not see history of other confidential information.

Test communication strategies

Just because some of the features in Teams overlap with Yammer and Skype for Business doesn’t mean they’re all redundant. Think of it as a chance to test different communication strategies to find out what works best for you. For instance, if most of your clients have a Skype ID, you can use Skype for client calls and Teams for internal calls.

Share conversations with new team members

Teams makes onboarding easy. Rather than forwarding numerous emails and documents to new employees, you can use Teams to share conversations from a thread or project with them. This enables everyone to catch up easily without having to deal with cumbersome documents.

Microsoft Teams and other Office solutions are equipped with plenty of useful features that can take some time to master. But by taking advantage of these tools, you’ll be able to save time and maximize efficiency, all without having to spend a dime. If you have any questions about Microsoft Office and how it can benefit your business, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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New feature for Windows 10 Insiders

Just weeks after the major Windows 10 Fall Creators update, Microsoft has released two new features for Windows 10 Insiders called Sets and Timeline. Although these features will likely change over the course of the development period, here’s everything we know about them so far.

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25 Dec, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Windows category
New feature for Windows 10 Insiders

Just weeks after the major Windows 10 Fall Creators update, Microsoft has released two new features for Windows 10 Insiders called Sets and Timeline. Although these features will likely change over the course of the development period, here’s everything we know about them so far.

Sets

Sets takes the tab features from web browsers and adds them to various Microsoft apps, including Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. This reduces how many windows you have to have open.

For example, if you are working on a Word document and you need to research a particular topic, you can create a new tab, open Edge, and start surfing. The new tab page also gives you quick access to local files and Office 365 applications provided you have a subscription. This saves you from having to manage multiple windows since all the apps and websites that are relevant to your work are in one place.

And when you press save, Sets bundles your apps and research into a single file, allowing you to revisit relevant material.

Timeline

Speaking of revisiting material, Timeline displays apps and files you were using at a particular time so you can easily resume past activities.

What’s more, this feature works across all Cortana-enabled devices, which means you can switch from your desktop to your phone and access the same files you were previously working on. Cortana even suggests activities you might want to resume as you switch between devices.

To try Timeline, access Task View by pressing the Task View icon in the taskbar or hitting the Windows logo key + TAB. From there, you’ll be able to see recently accessed apps and websites and reopen them. There’s also a “See all” option that lets you view everything you’ve done in a single day, organized by hour. If you’re looking for a specific app, you can always use the search bar.

Windows 10 Insiders

Unfortunately, Sets and Timeline are not yet available to the general public. But if you’re interested in trying out these features for yourself, you can sign up for the Windows 10 Insider program.

Not only will you get these features, but you’ll also be one of the first to receive the latest updates Microsoft has to offer. You even get the opportunity to give feedback about new features, which helps improve Microsoft’s apps and services.

Want to be the first to know what features Microsoft will release? Call us today! As an experienced managed services provider, we’re tuned in to the most recent tech developments, whether they come from Microsoft, Google, or other industry leaders.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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