Happy Holidays from iM1!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Just in time for the Holidays: TeachParentsTech.org
Google launches TeachParentsTech.org where kids can send their parents a personalized Tech Support Care Package. There are 50+ videos covering everything from “how to copy and paste” to “how to attach a file to an email”. Videos are divided into 5 categories, including The Basics, World Wide Web, Communication, Media, and Finding Information. Wrap up your video with a custom email and off it goes! Mom and Dad will receive your message and a link to the video(s) you selected. While TeachParentsTech.org may not answer all your parents questions, it will at least shave some time off your tech support duties.
Happy Holidays from iM1!
Happy Holidays from iM1!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
iM1 launches new website for Healthcare Real Estate Services in Brighton, MI
iM1 launches a new website for Healthcare Real Estate Services in Brighton, MI. Healthcare Real Estate Services was founded to provide healthcare professionals with the options, analysis, recommendations and solutions to all of their real estate requirements. Visit the new Healthcare Real Estate Services website at www.healthcarerealestatesvcs.com.
Learn more about iM1 at www.iM1.com.
Learn more about iM1 at www.iM1.com.
Friday, December 3, 2010
How Important is Your Data?
In the wake of Katrina, a number of businesses called to order phone lines for new offices. The move was the result of severe flooding in the offices that they had before Hurricane Katrina struck the New Orleans area. Flooding and the resulting water damage is something every business should think about (and determine if they have insurance coverage for).
The shock came a week later when these same business owners – doctors, lawyers, accountants – had to cancel phone line orders because they could not open their offices. Client files, invoicing, scheduling were all destroyed. How important is your data?
Effectively this meant that they had No Business. They had to piece everything together from scratch.
These were paper files. No backups. No electronic copies. Even the computer files were not backed up.
We live in a Digital Age. Your photos, music, video, notes, messages, reminders, schedule is all digital. On your phone – which when you lose it or it breaks – all your stuff is gone. On your laptop or computer, when that hard drive fails or a virus cripples your machine, all digital information, memories, data are gone.
The Cloud is all about high availability of your data. Access your data wherever you are, on whatever device is Internet connected.
Data storage and back-up are cloud offerings for peace of mind. Not only should you back up all your computer files regularly, you should back them up to a remote site. Having a removable hard drive as backup is smart. Keeping that removable hard drive at your office overnight is not, since flood or fire will damage the original data and the backup copy.
In addition, sync your smartphones regularly, if for no other reason than the contact list. How often have you seen a status update from a friend asking for phone numbers because she lost her phone or it dies?
Amazingly, in the aftermath of both 9/11 and Katrina, many businesses do not perform any business continuity or disaster recovery planning at all. The prevailing thought is that it won’t happen to me. Honestly, in this digital age, your data is the primary asset of your business. Protect it.
Learn more about iM1 at www.iM1.com.
The shock came a week later when these same business owners – doctors, lawyers, accountants – had to cancel phone line orders because they could not open their offices. Client files, invoicing, scheduling were all destroyed. How important is your data?
Effectively this meant that they had No Business. They had to piece everything together from scratch.
These were paper files. No backups. No electronic copies. Even the computer files were not backed up.
We live in a Digital Age. Your photos, music, video, notes, messages, reminders, schedule is all digital. On your phone – which when you lose it or it breaks – all your stuff is gone. On your laptop or computer, when that hard drive fails or a virus cripples your machine, all digital information, memories, data are gone.
The Cloud is all about high availability of your data. Access your data wherever you are, on whatever device is Internet connected.
Data storage and back-up are cloud offerings for peace of mind. Not only should you back up all your computer files regularly, you should back them up to a remote site. Having a removable hard drive as backup is smart. Keeping that removable hard drive at your office overnight is not, since flood or fire will damage the original data and the backup copy.
In addition, sync your smartphones regularly, if for no other reason than the contact list. How often have you seen a status update from a friend asking for phone numbers because she lost her phone or it dies?
Amazingly, in the aftermath of both 9/11 and Katrina, many businesses do not perform any business continuity or disaster recovery planning at all. The prevailing thought is that it won’t happen to me. Honestly, in this digital age, your data is the primary asset of your business. Protect it.
Learn more about iM1 at www.iM1.com.
Friday, November 19, 2010
iM1 launches new website for Security Electric in Fort Myers, FL
Brighton, MI based iM1 launches a new website for Security Electric in Fort Myers, FL. Security Electric is a full-service Electrical Contractor (Florida State License #EC0001746) specializing in Commercial, Residential, and Solar Energy Systems. Visit the new Security Electric website at www.securityelectric.com.
Learn more about iM1 at www.iM1.com.
Learn more about iM1 at www.iM1.com.
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Many Flavors of Conferencing
There are difference types of conferencing tools for your business: Audio, web and video conferencing. The main reason to use conferencing is communications, but today we are seeing conferencing used as a sales tool and for collaboration of a location diverse team.
Audio conferencing is a conversation bridge for two or more people to talk. Some bridges can handle up to 1000 callers. With many callers you have options to make it lecture mode only, so only one person is talking. Or it can be wide open when everyone can ask questions (and talk).
Web conferencing is a great way to collaborate, since most platforms allow you to share documents for all participants to see. Many web conferencing platforms even allow desktop sharing. In other words, you can demo something on your computer for all the participants to see and experience. Web conferencing platforms incorporate audio as well – either through a separate voice bridge or via a VoIP application that sends the audio portion of the meeting through the software or web browser. There are usually added features such as chat for questions from the audience.
The next level in conferencing is video. Vendors selling video mention that video conferencing can replace in-person meetings; reduce travel costs; and are a green alternative for energy conservation and carbon footprint reducing. Video requires suitable and reliable bandwidth – about 1MB up and down to carry 1 stream – in order to send and receive a quality experience.
The premium service is called Tele-presence, since participants are sitting in a conference room specially designed to offer a face-to-face experience that closely resembles an in-person meeting.
Overall, conferencing in all its flavors is an added way to communicate with customers, prospects, employees, partners and groups.
Visit www.iM1.com for more information.
Audio conferencing is a conversation bridge for two or more people to talk. Some bridges can handle up to 1000 callers. With many callers you have options to make it lecture mode only, so only one person is talking. Or it can be wide open when everyone can ask questions (and talk).
Web conferencing is a great way to collaborate, since most platforms allow you to share documents for all participants to see. Many web conferencing platforms even allow desktop sharing. In other words, you can demo something on your computer for all the participants to see and experience. Web conferencing platforms incorporate audio as well – either through a separate voice bridge or via a VoIP application that sends the audio portion of the meeting through the software or web browser. There are usually added features such as chat for questions from the audience.
The next level in conferencing is video. Vendors selling video mention that video conferencing can replace in-person meetings; reduce travel costs; and are a green alternative for energy conservation and carbon footprint reducing. Video requires suitable and reliable bandwidth – about 1MB up and down to carry 1 stream – in order to send and receive a quality experience.
The premium service is called Tele-presence, since participants are sitting in a conference room specially designed to offer a face-to-face experience that closely resembles an in-person meeting.
Overall, conferencing in all its flavors is an added way to communicate with customers, prospects, employees, partners and groups.
Visit www.iM1.com for more information.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Password Security Review
Passwords are the first line of computer security. Most computer users make a series of mistakes. They use personal information like birthdays or phone numbers for their password. They write it down on paper that is not secured (like right under the mouse pad).
One other issue is that passwords are used for more than one site. It isn't wise to have your bank password the same as your email password or your password to a frequently visited website. "Attackers can use low-security Web sites such as news outlets to figure out passwords associated with certain e-mail addresses, and then use those passwords to access accounts at higher-security sites such as e-commerce vendors." Users can't help re-using passwords or making them easy to guess because most users have too many online accounts to manage simply or securely.
The key to password security is complexity. Capitalize some letters; add punctuation marks or symbols; and insert numbers. Some thing like this: ?lACpAs56IKMs". Fourteen characters is the ideal length, but AMEX, for example, has restrictions that disallow that type of strong password. Combat this by changing the password often (every other month).
Visit www.iM1.com for more information.
One other issue is that passwords are used for more than one site. It isn't wise to have your bank password the same as your email password or your password to a frequently visited website. "Attackers can use low-security Web sites such as news outlets to figure out passwords associated with certain e-mail addresses, and then use those passwords to access accounts at higher-security sites such as e-commerce vendors." Users can't help re-using passwords or making them easy to guess because most users have too many online accounts to manage simply or securely.
The key to password security is complexity. Capitalize some letters; add punctuation marks or symbols; and insert numbers. Some thing like this: ?lACpAs56IKMs". Fourteen characters is the ideal length, but AMEX, for example, has restrictions that disallow that type of strong password. Combat this by changing the password often (every other month).
Visit www.iM1.com for more information.
Monday, October 11, 2010
What is The Cloud?
The business news is awash with buzz about The Cloud. What exactly is The Cloud? The Cloud is really a server or a cluster of servers in a data center connected to the Internet. It has been called many things like Managed Hosted Server, Mainframe, and Hosted Applications.
Probably one of the most familiar ways to think about The Cloud is to think about email. Email is the first hosted application that you have probably experienced. The email software exists on a computer in a data center to provide you access to your email wherever you login: your home computer, your workstation or your cell phone. Hence, your email is in The Cloud.
Saying The Cloud gives the impression that your application or data will be available whenever you need it and from wherever you want to access it (like your home computer, cell phone or workstation). As long as the device has Internet access it is connected to the Cloud.
Having your applications sitting in The Cloud means that they are hosted by a company that is running computer infrastructure connected to the Internet creating an environment of high availability to your data and applications. The Cloud also means that someone else is managing that infrastructure for you. This kind of leverage means that you don't have to have skilled technicians to keep the gear running and the applications patched and available.
Software-as-a-Service (SAAS) is a cloud application. Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo Mail are all SAAS examples. Salesforce.com is another example. Electronic medical records is a new example of SAAS.
Another way to look at the Cloud is like the power grid. The electricity that you access from any outlet is delivered via a system of wires, plants, transformers and other gear so that you can have high availability of electricity at any outlet you choose. The Cloud works in a similar fashion.
Visit www.iM1.com for more information.
Probably one of the most familiar ways to think about The Cloud is to think about email. Email is the first hosted application that you have probably experienced. The email software exists on a computer in a data center to provide you access to your email wherever you login: your home computer, your workstation or your cell phone. Hence, your email is in The Cloud.
Saying The Cloud gives the impression that your application or data will be available whenever you need it and from wherever you want to access it (like your home computer, cell phone or workstation). As long as the device has Internet access it is connected to the Cloud.
Having your applications sitting in The Cloud means that they are hosted by a company that is running computer infrastructure connected to the Internet creating an environment of high availability to your data and applications. The Cloud also means that someone else is managing that infrastructure for you. This kind of leverage means that you don't have to have skilled technicians to keep the gear running and the applications patched and available.
Software-as-a-Service (SAAS) is a cloud application. Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo Mail are all SAAS examples. Salesforce.com is another example. Electronic medical records is a new example of SAAS.
Another way to look at the Cloud is like the power grid. The electricity that you access from any outlet is delivered via a system of wires, plants, transformers and other gear so that you can have high availability of electricity at any outlet you choose. The Cloud works in a similar fashion.
Visit www.iM1.com for more information.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Is VoIP Right For Your Business?
Companies today are running lean, while trying to grow revenue and enhance productivity of the leaner staff. "Do more with less" is the new business motto. In many cases, business owners are looking to leverage technology to replace staff. In some cases, they are finding ways that technology can reduce costs. Voice over IP (VoIP) has been one way that companies have been able to do both: cut costs and gain productivity.
What is Voice over Internet Protocol?
Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that allows your voice call to be carried over your Internet broadband connection. The voice call is packetized and utilizes your Internet connection. Companies that provide VoIP service can replace your traditional telephone service with this next-generation system for communications. These calls still connect to the old phone system (PSTN) and cellular phone systems as before. VoIP Providers even provide for you to keep your phone number (in many cases) and for enhanced 9-1-1 calls.
Voice over Internet Protocol is often referred to as Digital Voice service.
What Is Needed to Utilize Voice over Internet Protocol Services?
One requirement is to have a broadband Internet connection, since the calls will be delivered via this communications channel. The speed of the Internet connection will depend upon the number of simultaneous calls that will be made.
Another requirement for Voice over Internet Protocol set up is a special adapter that can be used with an existing phone. Commonly referred to as an ATA, this box connects to your Internet Connection and to your phone. This ATA becomes like your phone jack.
In many cases, the ATA can be replaced with an IP handset like a Polycom phone or a Cisco IP phone. These phones can be configured by your VoIP provider to replace your traditional phone.
There are other possible set-ups such as an IAD (Integrated Access Device) for offices and a computer program called a softphone that allows calls to be placed through a computer via a microphone (or headset).
What Are the Primary Benefits of Implementing VoIP Services?
Two main benefits exist when implementing Voice over Internet Protocol services into the workplace: increased productivity and less expensive telecommunication costs.
Typically, implementing VoIP in a business environment means that phone bills will be reduced. Less expensive telecommunication costs are one of the monetary benefits that result from migrating to VoIP calling services. Since many VoIP providers offer less expensive rates for local, long distance, and international calling, the company can save on its telecommunication costs.
Increased productivity can result from the many features available from VoIP providers. Features such as voicemail-to-email, find-me/follow-me, and various call forwarding options, allow for calls to be answered wherever you happen to be. Or at the least to be able to pick up your voicemail messages on the go (either via a laptop or a smartphone). Never miss an important call. Stop playing phone tag.
The mobility of VoIP is another of the great aspects of this type of voice communications system. VoIP can be taken and used anywhere that has high-speed Internet access. Work can be done from any place with a broadband connection. The portability of VoIP eases the transition of a temporary office set up that simply must take place. No interruption to service or productivity results due to the transfer of the work location thanks to the abilities of Voice over Internet Protocol Services.
Voice over Internet Protocol Services is inexpensive to implement into a businesses telecommunication infrastructure. It leads to enhanced productivity and cost reduction.
Visit www.iM1.com for more information.
What is Voice over Internet Protocol?
Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that allows your voice call to be carried over your Internet broadband connection. The voice call is packetized and utilizes your Internet connection. Companies that provide VoIP service can replace your traditional telephone service with this next-generation system for communications. These calls still connect to the old phone system (PSTN) and cellular phone systems as before. VoIP Providers even provide for you to keep your phone number (in many cases) and for enhanced 9-1-1 calls.
Voice over Internet Protocol is often referred to as Digital Voice service.
What Is Needed to Utilize Voice over Internet Protocol Services?
One requirement is to have a broadband Internet connection, since the calls will be delivered via this communications channel. The speed of the Internet connection will depend upon the number of simultaneous calls that will be made.
Another requirement for Voice over Internet Protocol set up is a special adapter that can be used with an existing phone. Commonly referred to as an ATA, this box connects to your Internet Connection and to your phone. This ATA becomes like your phone jack.
In many cases, the ATA can be replaced with an IP handset like a Polycom phone or a Cisco IP phone. These phones can be configured by your VoIP provider to replace your traditional phone.
There are other possible set-ups such as an IAD (Integrated Access Device) for offices and a computer program called a softphone that allows calls to be placed through a computer via a microphone (or headset).
What Are the Primary Benefits of Implementing VoIP Services?
Two main benefits exist when implementing Voice over Internet Protocol services into the workplace: increased productivity and less expensive telecommunication costs.
Typically, implementing VoIP in a business environment means that phone bills will be reduced. Less expensive telecommunication costs are one of the monetary benefits that result from migrating to VoIP calling services. Since many VoIP providers offer less expensive rates for local, long distance, and international calling, the company can save on its telecommunication costs.
Increased productivity can result from the many features available from VoIP providers. Features such as voicemail-to-email, find-me/follow-me, and various call forwarding options, allow for calls to be answered wherever you happen to be. Or at the least to be able to pick up your voicemail messages on the go (either via a laptop or a smartphone). Never miss an important call. Stop playing phone tag.
The mobility of VoIP is another of the great aspects of this type of voice communications system. VoIP can be taken and used anywhere that has high-speed Internet access. Work can be done from any place with a broadband connection. The portability of VoIP eases the transition of a temporary office set up that simply must take place. No interruption to service or productivity results due to the transfer of the work location thanks to the abilities of Voice over Internet Protocol Services.
Voice over Internet Protocol Services is inexpensive to implement into a businesses telecommunication infrastructure. It leads to enhanced productivity and cost reduction.
Visit www.iM1.com for more information.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Why Local Telecom Providers Are Better than the Giants
Telecommunications are right up there with computer systems when it comes to business essentials. More than simply a phone connection, telecom providers today offer internet connectivity as well as an array of options that, if combined properly, can enhance your market position and your customer relationships. Given the importance and the potential advantages that telecoms can offer to your business, it can seem logical to make your connections with one of the telecom giants-those companies that we see on billboards and television commercials. However, while many large telecommunications companies have the resources to provide great products, they tend to put their core operations in a few large cities to achieve efficiencies for themselves. Unless you are located in one of those large cities, they are not likely to have teams close to you. As a customer, you are not likely to receive personalized service, and you may see unwelcome glitches in service reliability. In evaluating telecom providers, be sure to consider local companies. Local telecom providers can offer three key advantages that are beyond a giant's grasp:
1. Real personalized service. Your business's account won't get passed from department to department, and you are likely to speak to the same person every time you need assistance. Your telecom representative will get to know you and your particular needs, which will pay off in countless ways.
2. More flexibility. Local providers are small, and small means agile. You will find much more "elbow room" with a local telecom in terms of designing a package with features tailored to your business.
3. Support for the local economy. Buying local keeps the money in the neighborhood and benefits the closer community.
How would your business be impacted if your telephone or internet service was down for 15 minutes? How about an hour? A day?
Whatever the size of your business, it is essential to have a telecom provider in your corner that provides consistently reliable service, a dedicated and personal customers service, and a robust range of offerings and packages that will grow with you.
Visit www.iM1.com for more information.
1. Real personalized service. Your business's account won't get passed from department to department, and you are likely to speak to the same person every time you need assistance. Your telecom representative will get to know you and your particular needs, which will pay off in countless ways.
2. More flexibility. Local providers are small, and small means agile. You will find much more "elbow room" with a local telecom in terms of designing a package with features tailored to your business.
3. Support for the local economy. Buying local keeps the money in the neighborhood and benefits the closer community.
How would your business be impacted if your telephone or internet service was down for 15 minutes? How about an hour? A day?
Whatever the size of your business, it is essential to have a telecom provider in your corner that provides consistently reliable service, a dedicated and personal customers service, and a robust range of offerings and packages that will grow with you.
Visit www.iM1.com for more information.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)