Providing cloud computing and hosted virtual desktop services

Posts Tagged ‘cloud computing’

Data Back Up Tips and Tricks

Thursday, October 3rd, 2013

You’ll probably be surprised to know that all drives are doomed to eventually fail. If the importance of data backup still has not sunk in, the popularity of hosted desktop services should be a hint. These services provide data back up and disaster recovery solutions to protect businesses from losing their privileged data.

Following a few simple, preventive measures can keep your data safe in unforeseen situations.

Plan your data backup system
Planning a feasible and appropriate mode of backing up all your files and programs is very important. Offsite backup options or online backup options are ideal depending on the level of security your data needs.

Test your system and understand its strengths and weaknesses; you don’t want to realise them in the most awkward and inconvenient of times. Neither do you want to find out at the worst possible moment that it does not work.

Also have in place a reliable data recovery system with versioning or full system recovery options.

Appropriate backup solutions
Different files have different backup needs. So do you. If you have files that are modified by the hour, you will have to find a daily backup schedule. You can use incremental backups for files where you know you don’t need the previous versions.

Alternatively, you will have to opt for one that offers a versioning option if you want to store files in their various stages of modification.

Consider the safety features of your backup

A backup device that has to be constantly plugged into your system runs the same risk of crashing or losing your files as your computer. Besides, if you constantly store large media files, there’s only so much an individual device can hold.

While this system might work for an individual, it’s really not a good idea for an organisation that needs common access for data and files. In such cases, hosted desktops are a much better choice where you also have other advantages like increasing your storage space as per your needs.

Online and CD backup
Online backups and virtual backups are good but extremely slow. They do remain on the server until you delete them. If you prefer to transfer videos and photos to a CD format, use a blu-ray CD as they have a higher capacity unlike CDs and DVDs.

About 60% of all businesses that lose their data wind up closing shop within six months. You can protect your business from becoming a part of these statistics by simply opting for effective data backup.

How Virtual Desktops Are Changing the Way Businesses Operate

Thursday, July 25th, 2013

Technology has revolutionised the business world in a big way. With every business using some level of automation, technology is present at all stages, from simple accounting packages to complicated CRM and enterprise application systems.

Information and communication technology (ICT)

ICT has opened up multiple channels of communication and information assimilation for businesses. It has also made communication flexible and faster, thereby leading to better organisation and greater convenient. Easy access to information allows businesses to stay in tune with the current trends in technology to grow their business.

ICT has simplified contact with colleagues and clients in different parts of the world. It has strengthened collaborative work since people can work at different times depending on their lifestyle. ICT allows you to organise, process and store information easily and conveniently.

Virtual collaboration and storage

Thanks to technology, teams are no longer restricted to working in the same room or office. Presence of technologies such as virtual desktop and cloud computing have erased geographic boundaries. Files can now be uploaded into the cloud and accessed by authorised personnel from anywhere in the world. Sharing information has become so much easier.

Mobility

The emergence of mobile devices such as phones, tabs and laptops has been of tremendous benefit to the business sector. Optimisation of mobile systems and wireless network is termed as enterprise mobility management (EMM). It helps increase productivity of the business.

For example, virtual desktops can be shared among team members over mobile devices, leading to stronger collaboration in the company. These technologies have enhanced the quality of output and customer care.

Security

Advanced multi-level security channels, anti-virus and anti-malware systems, password protection, voice recognition, retina scan, fingerprinting and several other technologies ensure security of your data. Additionally, technology has also brought out hi-tech locking systems and anti-alarm systems to prevent security breach in the physical storage areas.

Marketing

Technology has created a platform of equal opportunity in marketing for businesses of all sizes. Organic Internet marketing is very cost effective. Practices such as SEO, social bookmarking, social media marketing, article submissions, blogging and all such practices give a lot of scope to tap potential market.

Cost saving

Technology requires initial investment. But once done, it saves costs in the long run. For instance, emergence of Business Process Outsourcing and Knowledge Process Outsourcing allows businesses to outsource the job rather setting up the infrastructure in their office premises. Virtual desktops are also an example of outsourcing.

Technology has reduced dependency on workforce up to a great extent. So, businesses can reduce their spending on workforce as well as the related costs.

Besides, with the use of technology at various levels, expenditure on communication, postage, security and several avenues of businesses has reduced significantly.

The Benefits of Hosted Desktop Solutions

Friday, July 12th, 2013

Hosted desktops seem to be everywhere and for good reason. Hosted desktop services have eased up the pressure on businesses to have an exclusive IT team dedicated to manage their servers and ensure data security. The additional services that they offer is like icing on a cake as it takes a further load off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your core business and less on technical malfunctions.

Cut Costs and Increase Efficiency

Those are the magic words every corporate wants to hear and that’s exactly what hosted desktops can do for your business. Startup businesses are spared the hassle of setting up servers and investing in expensive and extensive hardware equipment.
For both startups and established businesses, hosted desktop services save you the trouble and expenses of maintenance or a crash in the system.

Flexible Operations

With more and more employees needing the flexibility of working from home or away from the office, hosted desktops can save your business by allowing you to do just that. You are free to access your desktop, mails and data from anywhere and at anytime.

Securing your Data and Offering Scalability

If your business needs an absolutely fail proof solution for data storage, hosted desktops are just the way to go. They have all the necessary antivirus software and firewalls in place to protect your data from any virus attacks.

You don’t have to worry about hackers taking advantage of your freedom to access your network from anywhere since all data transfers are encrypted. Further, you can simply upgrade your package and opt for more storage space as your business outgrows its existing space.

Data Recovery in the Event of an Emergency or a Disaster

Disaster recovery is a valuable option as it ensures the safety of your data and operations in the event of a calamity. Your business will not need much time to bounce back and resume operations if all the essentials are in place and accessible from a secure location.

Your internal servers are sure to lose some of your data if they crash. With hosted desktops, your data is regularly backed on enterprise hardware to insure against such losses.
Hosted desktop services are priced quite reasonably; moreover, it’s surely a small price to pay for securing a vital part of your business. Also, the simplicity of these services means less time spent on training new employees on exhausting procedures.

 

Could Your Business Benefit from Switching to Cloud Computing?

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

Moving over to a cloud server essentially means your business is hosted on the internet, rather than on an in-house server. Internal servers come with their own set of problems, and usually require an extensive IT department to keep things ticking over and to come to the rescue should any crises occur.

What does cloud computing for businesses look like? Well, the biggest element for businesses tends to be hosted desktops. That means that, instead of having to sit and work at a specific computer to get your work done, you can access it from anywhere, on any device – because everything you need is on the internet. Oh, and everything is handled by your cloud service provider – meaning less work for you.

So What Does Cloud Computing Mean for Your Business?

Save Money
Saving money is the reason most business owners switch to cloud hosting solutions. You don’t need to upgrade software or hardware nearly so often (if at all), and you’ll be able to reduce your IT department drastically – if not wipe it out altogether, depending on the size of your business.

Make Your Employees Happier
Everyone knows happy employees are the key to a successful business. Well, maybe not everyone knows. But the successful guys sure do. How can a cloud solution make your employees happier? By allowing them to work from home and on their own devices. Giving your employees more autonomy will show that you trust them and help boost their productivity levels too.

Work from Anywhere
The benefits of being able to work from anywhere extend beyond making your employees happier. If you travel a lot for your business or have a long commute time, a cloud solution could allow you to use that time productively. Kids are ill? Snow blocking the driveway? If you can’t make it into the office – no problem, just work from home.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Cloud Computing?
There are downsides, of course. Putting your business’ documents and data into the hands of an external agent means it could be less secure. You won’t have as much control over it, and allowing employees to work from their own devices is a path fraught with potential security hazards – but that doesn’t necessarily mean your business will be unsafe. In fact, it could be safer: if your in-house server fails and your IT guys can’t rescue it, what then? Shared internet servers can drastically reduce the risk of losing vital data.

Is Cloud Computing Right for Your Business?
Is making the move over to the cloud right for you and your business? Well, chances are you’re already using it to some degree. Do you use Gmail or another external webmail service, instead of an in-house email server? How about Google Docs, Dropbox, or another online storage solution? Those things are all hosted on cloud servers.

It’s also worth considering that cloud service providers… well, that’s what they do. Keeping on top of the latest security measures and making sure all hardware and software is up-to-date, is kinda their expertise. Chances are they know what they’re doing, and they do it well.



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