5 Reasons Small Businesses Should Move to the Cloud

  

5 Reasons Small Businesses Should Move to the Cloud

There's more to the cloud than just data storage (though it is great for that). Cloud computing is the way of the future. It's a practical, beneficial, and continually changing the way small businesses do business. Here are five reasons small business owners should consider moving to the cloud:

1. Lower Costs
Moving everyday business to the cloud can provide a small business with significant savings. Servers require quite a bit of capital- both up front and for overhead/maintenance. With the cloud, you can lower installation, maintenance, hardware, upgrade and support costs. According to Trend Micro, small and medium business cloud users spent 11% less on IT than non-cloud users. 

2. Do More with Less
Moving more of your business applications/hardware to the cloud means you can do more with less! Even organizations with limited resources can store critical data and leverage more computing power without purchasing additional software and hardware. Think of it like this- you get all the benefits of having multiple servers, with none of the hassle. 

3. Better Collaboration & Productivity
Employees can easily collaborate using cloud applications. Users can upload, edit and comment on documents using Office 365, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more. You can even create, collaborate, send and get approval for proposals/quotes using Proposify. Cloud computing really allows you to streamline your critical processes.

4. Increased Flexibility
One of the best benefits of cloud computing is being able to access work-related files and information from any device in any place, at any time. Because most cloud applications are browser-based, you can literally work from anywhere with an internet connection! Most even have mobile apps so you can work from a smart device. 

5. Greater Integration
Adopting cloud-based business solutions creates multiple opportunities for simplified integration. If you're using one cloud-based software, you can most likely integrate that application with many others due to the API (Application Programming Interface). For example,you may be able to integrate your CRM with your Email, Accounting, Project Management and Human Resources applications (and maybe more).

Hackers, malware and cyber threats.

 

 Nearly one million new cyber threats are released each day. Is your business at risk?


“2015 was the ‘Year of the Healthcare Hack’ -and it’s only going to get worse.” 
-Washington Post
 
Each day, businesses like yours are faced with a growing number of threats to your valuable patient and business data.

"...since 2009, nearly one-third of the U.S. population’s data has been compromised by breaches to healthcare organizations." -Washington Post

You may feel that your organization is secure from malware, viruses, hackers, malicious employees or even physical theft, but if you have never performed a professional Network Security Risk Assessment on your network environment, then you cannot be certain that your data is safe.

"In 2014, 10 million people were affected by healthcare data breaches. In February 2015, 80 million were affected by the Anthem Insurance breach." -New York Times

Healthcare business data is a huge target for hacking because social security numbers have a large resale value on the black markets. Also, healthcare security practices are often less sophisticated than other industries.

A Network Security Assessment, also known as a Security Audit, involves examining your assets such as servers and computers, as well as the practices, procedures, technical controls, personnel, and other resources to assure that you adhere to recognized best practices and IT Security Mandates.

What is a Security Assessment?

-External Penetration Test-
Simulated Hacker Attack from outside your business
 
-Internal Security Audit-
To discover the characteristics of your work environment, including:
-Physical- Infrastructure Analysis
-Logical- Information Analysis
-End-Point- Users & Computer Analysis

-Executive Summary Report-
Our findings are presented and, if necessary, a document for your Cyber Security Insurance Policy is created.

-Presentation of Recommendations-
We will identify & present the steps your company should to take towards security remediation.




For more information, or to schedule your Security Audit, call us at 419-539-6922!

Announcing BizTech B12

We are excited to announce that BizTech B12 has taken flight! 

BizTech B12 is a series of new initiatives centered around the Internet of Things (IoT), and will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months. IoT is the concept of connecting people to devices and information systems, across a wide range of platforms, to meet personal and business-related objectives. 

BizTech was founded to help you get more value from the business applications and technology needed for your operational success. Technology is ever-evolving, and you need a tech partner who will take you to the next level of energizing your people and processes. 

Like that energy drink we all know, BizTech B12 will give your business the energy and wings it needs to fly up into the clouds! 

Here are some of the new ways to use technology to meet personal and business objectives:

• Cloud Storage
• Cloud Data Backup
• Virtual Cloud Servers
• Cloud Premise Security
• Virtual Cloud Telephones
• Cloud Office Productivity Suites
• Cloud Email
• Web Conferencing
• Cloud HR Management
• Cloud Project Management
• Cloud Time Clock

As a user of personal tech devices, you are already using Cloud-based services to accomplish so much more than was possible just a few years ago. Bringing personal and business needs together, through the use of related technologies which are purpose-built to meet high standards for quality and security, empowers you to accomplish things unimagined.  

Your Current IT Situation
Let’s get things started with this 12 Question IT Survey. It will get you thinking of your business' IT Environment and issues that impact your productivity. It will also give us an idea of your IT systems, so that we can better serve your needs.
 
Your IT Services Partner
But what good is advanced technology without a partner to assess, design, deploy, and maintain what is critical to your daily lives and business operations? BizTech B12 also includes a number of new programs that will allow us to better serve you though our professional services, as well as reward you for your continued loyalty.

We've launched some new technologies to improve the ways you can get support from BizTech, and keep you informed every step of the way. Collectively, this new offering is called The BizTech Help Center and we are confident you'll see immediate and long-term benefits from our new services. We want to make it Easier To Do Business With BizTech. By that we mean streamlined communications, faster response time, and ultimately delivering solutions that exceed your expectations for each and every interaction your company has with BizTech.

You can click here to start requesting support today! Be sure to bookmark the BizTech Help Center. 

Next from BizTech B12 will be our list of 12 Best Practices. It should help you in your resolution to make the best use of technology to meet this year's business goals!

Tomorrow is our big announcement! BizTech B12

Join us at the Maumee Chamber of Commerce 

Business 2 Business Expo!

When: Tuesday November 10

 
Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM (Lunch 12PM-1PM)

Where:

The Pinnacle

1772 Indian Wood Circle

Maumee, OH

Cost: Varies for sponsorships or vendor tables

Speaker Deb Olejownik of DLC Core Consulting will present "Bouncing Back from Burnout" during the luncheon. Members and non-members can be vendors at this expo!

Click here -->More details

Contact Taylor at the Maumee Chamber of Commerce for more information or to register today! Call 419-893-5805 or email info@maumeechamber.com.