Technology – March 2024

In our increasingly tech-driven world, businesses are heavily relying on technology to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. However, the rapid pace of technological advancements can pose challenges for businesses striving to keep up. While technology offers great benefits, you have to know what you are doing to optimize them. Recognizing this, we engaged with local tech experts to share insights and expertise, aiming to help businesses to navigate the evolving tech landscape and harness its full potential for optimal performance.

If you have ever found yourself wondering how to keep up with technology, rest assured that you’re not alone. The rapid pace of technological evolution can be overwhelming, but there are numerous resources and experts available to help guide you through the process and ensure you stay well-informed and proficient in the ever-changing tech landscape. One such resource is Kim Hazelton, Solopreneur of Alpha Zed Business Services (systemssuperhero.com).

“There are so many tools out there to automate and help you manage your back-office processes! I love using an all-in-one platform that can handle your CRM, email marketing, online order pages, automations and more. I just worked with a business owner to set up an automated process that allows a client to provide their contact info and other important details, select a date, sign a contract and pay their deposit without the owner having to be involved at all. In addition to the automated onboarding, other parts of the client journey can be automated, as well. As a Certified Ontraport Expert, I get to stay in the know about all the upcoming additions and improvements that are being made to the tool,” shared Kim.

Their mission at Alpha Zed Business Services is crystal clear: to boost the confidence of those who grapple with technology, ensuring they adeptly handle business systems. This service is designed to liberate entrepreneurs, allowing them to share their expertise globally without the burden of managing intricate back-office systems. Guided by principles of hard work, integrity and quality, their focus is unwaveringly on supporting clients as they confidently grow their businesses. By seamlessly integrating technology into the business landscape, they are dedicated to bridging the gap, empowering individuals to navigate and leverage tech tools effectively for success.

With a growing desire to utilize technology is a growing worry about cybersecurity. As we embrace more online activities, our personal and sensitive information becomes a target for cybercriminals who use sophisticated methods like phishing and ransomware. The rise of remote work and Internet of Things (IoT) devices adds to the vulnerabilities, making it easier for cyber threats to spread globally. Governments are also tightening regulations on data protection, emphasizing the need for individuals and organizations to prioritize cybersecurity. The media’s coverage of high-profile cyber incidents and the push for cybersecurity education contribute to a broader understanding of the urgency to enhance digital defenses.

In response to these challenges, there’s a growing emphasis on strengthening cybersecurity measures in various sectors. Businesses and governments are investing in advanced technologies and promoting a culture of cyber awareness. Educational efforts, including integrating cybersecurity into curricula and professional training programs, aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed for secure online practices. As technology evolves, maintaining a collective commitment to cybersecurity is crucial, requiring continuous adaptation, collaboration and innovation to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure the security of digital systems.

Darren Lichty from Panology Tech Solutions elaborated on this concern, sharing, “Today’s business owner understands the critical importance of addressing cyber security in our always-connected world. They are asking the right questions about the risks to their business and how they are (or could be) protected. The increased availability of security solutions has given them the opportunity to safeguard their cash flow without draining it.”

Panology Tech Solutions recognizes the wide range of digital threats prevalent in today’s society and addresses them through a catalog of advanced cyber security features. By leveraging technology developed by experts in the field, Panology goes beyond traditional antivirus products to provide protection across multiple layers, all at a price point that also protects the business’s budget.

Security, much like a cake, works best when applied in layers. These layers offer protection for computers and devices (endpoints), email communications, the company’s network, critical data and the people within your organization. Panology has partnered with cyber security experts to provide managed security services for each of these layers. This focused approach ensures that clients receive the dedicated attention necessary for effective protection as their business continues to grow alongside technological advancements.

Collaborating with a Managed IT service provider also equips businesses to navigate the challenges of growth effectively through a comprehensive Managed IT solution aligned with their strategic IT plan. Ryan Wineteer, Sales Manager at Hamilton (hamiltonisbusiness.com), highlights that their clients experience the advantages of a unified IT system that is proactively designed to meet their evolving business needs.

“The best MSPs put a comprehensive stack of softwares and management practices in place to protect their clients’ network. Having monitoring, patching and backup is only half the battle because businesses are facing continuously evolving threats. What was sufficient even 18 months ago is not enough to keep the threats at bay today. When a new control or software is needed, we add it and it costs our customers nothing additional. This becomes especially crucial in today’s dynamic and ever-changing cyber landscape. Our primary commitment is implementing and managing the extensive safeguards needed to protect our clients’ businesses.”

The Managed IT solution offered by Hamilton serves as a crucial foundation for businesses, allowing them to concentrate on their core strengths and the growth of their operations. Ryan Wineteer emphasizes the significance of this approach, where businesses can thrive by focusing on what they do best while having a secure and well-managed IT infrastructure in place.

“Without such a foundation, businesses could potentially be vulnerable to risks, including the loss of important information that might have significant consequences, particularly if left unaddressed over an extended period.”

For technology solutions that enhance the fiber-optic experience for businesses, consider reaching out to ALLO. Their solutions are designed to cater to various aspects of business technology and cybersecurity.

One standout offering from ALLO Business is their Next-Gen Firewall. This comprehensive cybersecurity and enterprise security solution goes beyond traditional firewalls, operating 24/7 to protect businesses. The Next-Gen Firewall employs advanced features such as deep-packet inspection, intrusion prevention (IPS), advanced malware detection and application control. This approach ensures thorough security, as it can identify and address potential threats, including those hidden within application traffic. By offering robust protection, ALLO Business aims to safeguard organizations from potential breaches.

ALLO Business also provides Technology Solutions geared towards simplifying IT management. These solutions are proactive and planned, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity. The objective is to fully understand business goals and align technology and security to support these objectives effectively.

Another feature in ALLO Business’s arsenal is their Vice Solutions, which include a Cloud voice telephone system. This system promises features that contribute to customer and employee satisfaction, offering savings, scalability, secure connectivity and more.

Furthermore, ALLO Business introduces Microsoft Teams Voice as part of their communications solutions. By using Microsoft Teams as a phone system, businesses can consolidate communication tools into one space. This integration allows for a unified platform for calls, documents and calendars, enabling teams to engage, chat and collaborate efficiently from any location.

In addition to streamlining work spaces, a growing number of people are incorporating smart features into their homes – and Oak Electric is all for it. Smart switches are becoming really popular for making homes smarter. With these switches, you can control things like lights using your phone, which is super convenient. They also help save energy because you can set schedules for when things should be on or off, which can save you money on your energy bills over time. It’s like having a remote control for your home! These switches can connect with other smart devices in your house, like Alexa or Google Home, making everything work together seamlessly.

Having good internet in your home is also important. Data drops and Wi-Fi access points help make sure your devices can connect well everywhere in your house. With more and more gadgets in homes, like phones, smart TVs and security systems, having a strong internet connection is a must. Wi-Fi access points help spread the internet signal, making sure every part of your house has a good connection. This is especially important for things like streaming videos and playing online games without interruptions.

The cool thing is these technologies are getting better and cheaper, just like how cell phones and solar power did. Companies like Oak Electric are working with the latest solar products and teaming up with local power companies. This helps them stay updated on all the cool new things and bring them to people like us.

Ensure customer loyalty in a competitive marketplace by embracing technology designed to propel your business forward. Keeping your technology up-to-date and having the right team to manage its maintenance not only provides peace of mind, but also offers long-term savings. This proactive approach sets your business on a path for success and sustained customer satisfaction in the dynamic landscape of today’s market.