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Best Video Conferencing Software For Small Businesses

Small businesses have a lot to gain from using video conferencing software. Not only can it help you save on travel costs, but it can also help you improve communication and collaboration within your team.

There are a lot of different video conferencing software options out there, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your business. To help you make the best decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best video conferencing software for small businesses.

1. Zoom

Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing software options on the market. It’s known for its ease of use and its wide range of features. Some of the features that make Zoom a great choice for small businesses include:

– The ability to host unlimited meetings

– Screen sharing and recording capabilities

– HD video and audio quality

Zoom also offers a free plan that’s perfect for small businesses. This plan includes 40 minutes of meeting time per month and up to 100 participants.

2. Skype

Skype is another well-known video conferencing software option. It’s a great choice for small businesses because it offers a variety of features, including:

– Screen sharing

– The ability to make calls to landlines and mobile phones

– Video call recording

Skype also has a free plan that’s perfect for small businesses. This plan includes 60 minutes of calling per month and up to 10 participants.

3. Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a great video conferencing software option for small businesses that use G Suite. Some of the features that make Hangouts a great choice for small businesses include:

– The ability to host video calls with up to 25 participants

– Screen sharing

– HD video and audio quality

Hangouts also offers a free plan for small businesses. This plan includes unlimited video calls and up to 150 participants.

4. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting is another popular video conferencing software option. It’s a great choice for small businesses because it offers a variety of features, including:

– The ability to host an unlimited number of meetings

– Screen sharing

– HD video and audio quality

GoToMeeting also offers a free plan for small businesses. This plan includes 40 minutes of meeting time per month and up to 5 participants.

5. Cisco Webex Meetings

Cisco Webex Meetings is a great choice for small businesses that need enterprise-grade features. Some of the features that make Webex a great choice for small businesses include:

– The ability to host an unlimited number of meetings

– Screen sharing

– HD video and audio quality

Webex also offers a free plan for small businesses. This plan includes 40 minutes of meeting time per month and up to 5 participants.

Video conferencing software is a great way for small businesses to save on travel costs and improve communication and collaboration. There are a lot of different video conferencing software options out there, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your business. To help you make the best decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best video conferencing software for small businesses.

 

File Sharing Tips For A Rapidly Growing Mobile Workforce

If you work in an office, chances are you’re familiar with the concept of file sharing. After all, it’s pretty much impossible to get any work done these days without being able to share documents and other files with your colleagues.

But what about when you’re not in the office? When you’re out of the office, file sharing becomes a lot more difficult – and a lot more important. So here are some file sharing tips to keep you on track:

1. Keep your files backed up

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. And when they do, it’s important to have a backup plan in place. That way, if your phone is lost or stolen, you won’t lose any important data.

2. Use a secure file sharing service

There are a lot of file sharing services out there, but not all of them are created equal. When choosing a service, be sure to pick one that offers security features like encryption and password protection.

3. Don’t share sensitive information

Some things are just better left unsaid. When sharing files, be sure to avoid any sensitive information that could put you or your company at risk.

4. Know who you’re sharing with

Before you hit “send,” be sure you know and trust the person you’re sending the file to. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and don’t share it.

5. Keep your antivirus software up to date

This one should go without saying, but it’s important to make sure your antivirus software is always up to date. That way, you can be sure any files you download are safe.

6. Be careful what you click on

It’s easy to accidentally click on a malicious link, so be careful what you click on when you’re online. If you’re not sure whether a link is safe, err on the side of caution and don’t click it.

7. Use strong passwords

When creating passwords for your accounts, be sure to use strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess. That way, even if someone does get their hands on your password, they won’t be able to access your account.

8. Keep your software up to date

Just like your antivirus software, it’s important to keep all of your other software up to date as well. That way, you can be sure you’re always using the most secure version.

9. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi

When you’re using public Wi-Fi, be sure to take some extra security precautions. Avoid accessing any sensitive information, and only connect to networks you trust.

By following these tips, you can be sure you’re sharing files safely and securely. So go ahead and start sharing!

Break-Fix Vs. Managed Services Providers: What’s The Difference?

The terms “break-fix” and “managed services” are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two.

Break-fix refers to the traditional model of IT support, where a company only contacts their IT provider when something goes wrong. The provider then comes in and fixes the problem, with no proactive maintenance or monitoring.

Managed services, on the other hand, is a proactive approach to IT support. In this model, the IT provider proactively monitors and maintains your systems to prevent problems from happening in the first place. They also provide regular reports to show you how your systems are performing and make recommendations for improvements.

WHAT’S A MANAGED SERVICES PROVIDER?

A Managed Services Provider (MSP) is a type of IT service provider that proactively manages an organization’s IT infrastructure and end user systems, typically on a 24/7 basis.

MSPs usually bill their services on a monthly or annual basis, and they often use some sort of remote monitoring and management (RMM) software to deliver their services.

The term “managed services” initially became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as a way for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to outsource their IT operations and focus on their core business.

Today, managed services is a rapidly growing industry that is expected to reach $296 billion by 2023.

There are many different types of managed services, but some of the most common include:

·         IT support and help desk services

·         Network monitoring and management

·         Security services

·         Cloud computing and storage

·         Data backup and disaster recovery

·         Application development and management

Managed services can be a great way for businesses to reduce their IT costs, improve their IT operations, and free up their internal resources to focus on more strategic initiatives.

WHAT’S A BREAK-FIX IT COMPANY?

A break-fix IT company is a type of business that provides IT support to customers on an as-needed basis. In other words, they only get paid when something breaks and needs to be fixed. This type of company typically works with small businesses who don’t have the budget for a full-time IT staff or department.

So, what’s the downside of working with a break-fix IT company? Well, first of all, you’re never really sure when they’ll be available to help you. If something breaks outside of normal business hours, you could be left stranded until they reopen. And second, since they only get paid when something goes wrong, they have a financial incentive to keep you in a state of perpetual IT crisis. In other words, they’re not really motivated to help you prevent problems from happening in the first place.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT IT SUPPORT MODEL FOR YOUR BUSINESS

The IT support model you choose for your business should be based on a number of factors, including the size of your business, the nature of your business, and your budget.

There are three basic IT support models: in-house, outsourced, and hybrid.

In-house IT support is best for businesses that are large enough to justify the cost of hiring and maintaining a full-time IT staff. It’s also a good choice for businesses with complex IT needs that require a high level of customization.

Outsourced IT support is a good option for small businesses that can’t afford to hire a full-time IT staff. It’s also a good choice for businesses with relatively simple IT needs.

Hybrid IT support is a mix of in-house and outsourced IT support. It’s a good option for businesses that have complex IT needs but can’t justify the cost of an in-house IT staff.

The level of support you need will depend on the size and complexity of your IT infrastructure, as well as the nature of your business. For example, a business that relies heavily on email and internet connectivity will need a higher level of support than a business that uses only a few basic applications.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should be able to choose the IT support model that’s right for your business.

What Is Encryption, And Why Do You Need It?

In its most basic form, encryption is a way of protecting information by transforming it into a code that can only be deciphered by authorized individuals. In the digital world, encryption is used to protect everything from email messages and credit card numbers to sensitive government files.

There are two main types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric encryption, also known as private key encryption, uses a single secret key to both encrypt and decrypt data. Asymmetric encryption, or public key cryptography, uses two different keys – a public key that anyone can use to encrypt data, and a private key that only the intended recipient can use to decrypt it.

There are many different algorithms that can be used for encryption, and the strength of an encryption system is largely dependent on the strength of the algorithm being used. The most common symmetric algorithms are DES (Data Encryption Standard), Triple DES, and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). The most common asymmetric algorithm is RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman).

Encryption is a critical tool for ensuring the security of online communications. Without encryption, all data transmitted over the internet would be vulnerable to interception and eavesdropping. By encrypting data, we can make it much more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access or tamper with it.

There are many different situations in which encryption can be used to protect data. For example, when you use a secure website (https://) to make a purchase online, the data that is transmitted between your computer and the server is encrypted. This helps to ensure that your personal information, such as your credit card number and home address, cannot be intercepted and stolen by hackers.

Encryption can also be used to protect the contents of email messages. When you send an email, the message is first converted into a code using an encryption algorithm. This encoded message can only be deciphered by someone who has the corresponding key. Even if a hacker were to intercept the encrypted email, they would not be able to read its contents without the key.

In summary, encryption is a vital tool for keeping data safe from unauthorized access or tampering. By encrypting data, we can help to ensure that only authorized individuals are able to view or modify it. Encryption is used in a variety of different situations, from securing website transactions to protecting email messages.

Do you have any questions about encryption? Send us a message on social media and let us know.