Microsoft Teams has become a vital platform for many organizations. With the shift to virtual meetings and collaboration, the way we communicate internally and externally has changed drastically. It is more important than ever to make sure we are actively communicating and building relationships with those around us. Read more
Like many organizations today, we utilize Teams as an all-in-one platform for collaboration and communication. It enables us to communicate easily with videoconferencing, chat with individuals and teams, and collaborate on files and documents in ways that boost efficiency. With COVID-19 changing the way we connect with others; it has become even more crucial for employees to work on files or documents together online.
Are you looking to work collaboratively on a file with a team of people using Microsoft Teams? Do you want to be able to communicate with other collaborators while doing so? If so, we have the right steps for you. You should already have your Teams channel set up, then: Read more
Your organization is probably more dependent on video-conferencing right now than ever before. You may have chosen a product quickly asyou switched to a work-from-home (or partial wfh) environment. Now is the time to re-assess whether that software is really working for you and enabling the most productivity from you and your team.
You are not stuck with your first video conferencing solution decision!
Below, we have created a checklist to help you outline your video-conferencing needs. We can’t possibly go through the pros and cons of each available system, but we can help you make a good decision. Once you have filled out this checklist, feel free to reach out for a suggestion based on your requirements or use the links further below to conduct your own research. Read more
Poor or inconsistent Internet connectivity is one of the biggest struggles when working from home. At IT Direct, we have been hearing a lot about this particular struggle in recent weeks and would like to offer these five tips…
(If you would prefer video over written content, watch the video at the bottom of the article, where our CEO, Ari Santiago, talks about these tips during a recent webinar.)
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is one of the most aggressive government support packages for small and mid-sized business that we’ve ever seen. These funds, which are designed to enable companies to maintain their workforce and assist with rent, mortgage interest, or utilities during the Covid-19 crisis, may provide a cash cushion to support other business advantages as well.
We’ve summarized the ideas we collected to help more manufacturers continue on their path to Stage 4: Thrive. The 8 high-level business strategies include:
With all the extra video meetings and video message recording going on, I thought I’d take a minute to give everyone some quick tips to improve the experience. Here are 5 quick tips to get started. I hope you find these helpful, and if you have any other specific questions please ask so we can share the answers for everyone’s benefit. Read more
In our first digital transformation post, we talked about the basics of digital transformation…what it means, how you prepare for it and the importance of a strong and secure infrastructure. If you missed that article, click here to read it.
In this post, we’ll talk about how the role of IT in business has changed over time and how your business approach can change along with it.
The pyramid below describes the efficacy of your IT strategy as it improves and develops on the way to Digital Transformation. The goal is to move up the pyramid! The idea is to be continually thinking about how you use IT, the role of IT in business strategy, and where your IT is focused. Each tier of the pyramid is explained more fully below, along with the limitations and benefits of each stage as your business develops its IT strategy. Read more
Over the last week, we have seen an increasing number of email scams. The way these are constructed makes them impossible to fully prevent (even with all of our proactive monitoring and safeguards) and, as a result, it is critical that we all take note of these important reminders:
In summary – be careful, cautious, and smart to keep you and your computer network safe and secure.
Have a question about cyber security?
Looking for help assessing and improving your current network security? We are happy to help – give us a call (860.656.9110) or send in a request to talk by clicking here.
Remember the first time you used Microsoft Word to create a document? How about your first PowerPoint with a ton of clip art? Microsoft Office isn’t that simple anymore, but it also makes your life easier if you know how to use it. If you’re struggling your way through the powerful software, let a managed service provider (MSP) help. Here are three benefits of having Office 365 support:
How many times have you intended to complete your work during regular hours but time got away from you? When you start to crank the midnight oil, but something goes wrong, a quick call to a customer service line will end with you learning about their hours of operation.
You might have installed the latest version of PowerPoint before leaving work, but if it crashes every time you open it, you might not be prepared for your presentation the next day. Without the help of a professional, you could spend hours searching for solutions that don’t even work. With an MSP, hours can turn into minutes.
An MSP knows how valuable the Office Suite is to your success, and 24/7 software support is one of the many services they include.
The alternative to having an MSP available to provide Office 365 support include you or Microsoft’s help line. As mentioned above, if it’s after hours, then you’re all on your own. But even if something goes wrong during your working hours, it’s still cutting into your productivity.
A quick call to your MSP will get you in touch with a real person who can provide the fastest solutions possible.
If you’re still using Office applications like you did in the ‘90s, you might not know any better. But if an MSP sells you an Office 365 subscription, it’s their job to inform you of all the software’s benefits. Office 365 is no longer a couple of applications. It’s a powerhouse suite of tools to streamline your company’s workflow. From serving as your business’ inbox and calendar to cloud-based storage, Office 365 is a world of possibilities to explore. Let your MSP be your guide.
At IT Direct, we’ve studied every inch of Office 365 and can help you leverage the software to increase your business’ productivity.
Emperor Palpatine, the supreme ruler of the most powerful, tyrannical regime the galaxy has ever witnessed might seem a little brash, but he is nothing short of ambitious. Although Emperor Palpatine might lack in charisma, he is able to balance out his skills with candor. Palpatine’s directness led to his widespread appeal throughout the senate and granted him the ability to abolish the Imperial Senate. Emperor Palpatine has five business secrets that could help your business experience greater growth and success.
The power of the force is with you, if you choose the light or the dark side, give you whole heart to your business. In the words of Sheev Palpatine, “The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural.” Passion will keep you motivated as you go down the path of success and overall help you trust that you’re pursuing the right course of action.
One cannot conquer the force without practice. The sith’s hunger for conquest and control is learned through the teaching of legendary masters who have shaped the struggle between light and dark.
Trust those you choose to become partners with. Allow them to help you build a plan of action that encompasses wise time management, money, and resource management. Business partners are meant to solidify customer and employee loyalty through recognition, appreciation, and can work together towards achieving long term business growth.
Not everyone is trying to become a mastermind of an evil empire, but Palpatine clearly understands what it takes to achieve success. Visualize the end goals you wish to achieve as your business continues to make headway.
Be ambitious. Although Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine) used his position to manipulate galactic events to his own manipulative design, don’t use your role for evil. Take his execution and transform it in a positive light. You can become more competitive by studying the ongoing transitions that are happening within your market.
If you have any questions on how to be successful with your business growth or implement IT support services – Contact Us Today.
IT Direct: A CompassMSP Company
