As we continue to face the coronavirus pandemic, everyone’s safety remains a top priority. Therefore, washing our hands regularly, keeping a safe distance from one another and wearing masks is extremely important since the primary way COVID-19 spreads is through respiratory droplets in the air. However, the jury is still out in terms of if droplets land on objects or surfaces, how long (if at all) are those areas cause for concern of catching the virus. Therefore, as a safety precaution, it’s generally a good idea to keep your workspace and technology clean and disinfected—and to clean it daily. Here are the methods and products we recommend using so that your workspace is safe, but also so that you don’t damage your tech in the disinfecting process. Continue Reading
tech tip
2020 Technology Trends to Watch For
When it comes to computer technology, it’s important for business owners to stay on top of the trends—ahead even. Not only to make sure they’ve updated their software and replaced equipment with the latest releases, but to keep an eye on the bigger technology evolutions ahead to avoid being left behind. As we begin a new decade, here are some upcoming trends to keep an eye on.
Artificial Intelligence
In many cases, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can mimic human thinking, performing tasks more efficiently and quickly than humans. Therefore, more and more businesses are turning to AI to help with engaging customers, boosting productivity and promoting conversions. However, multiple challenges remain with this technology, such as data security, facial recognition errors and over-personalization.
While AI may seem cost prohibitive to smaller organizations, AI as a Service (AlaaS) is growing in popularity and will make big data analytics accessible to companies of all sizes.
All-In-One Package
It’s always hard for businesses to accept technology change, so by just adding an app here or one new program there, work continues with little disruption. However, with this kind of diversity, it opens businesses up to cybersecurity issues and less-streamlined work. That’s where the package comes in. It’s predicted that businesses will turn to a package offer, where all of a company’s technology and programs are integrated together, creating a more simple, easy to use system, all concerns and issues addressed by the package source.
Automation
Though this is not a new trend, the pressure continues for business owners to implement more automation into their daily tasks. The use of automation can help save businesses time and money, helping with accounting, marketing, customer service and data management tasks. Many business apps are offering increased automation options that are being driven by the AI trend we just touched on.
Increase Computing Speed (5G)
In addition to daily tasks, the need for speed continues to be on high demand for businesses in terms of computing speed as well. With the arrival of 5G in 2019, this faster, higher performance technology offers the ability to be wire free. With it also comes the evolutions of the Internet of Things, driverless vehicles, and cloud computing all the while lowering maintenance costs and energy consumption. How quickly this evolution will happen is the question mark.
Cybersecurity
Cyber breaches are a common occurrence in recent years and because of that, many businesses consider it to be a low-priority matter. But with the arrival of 5G and other new technology, it means the risk is higher and protecting your data should be even more important.
While we’re working faster, we’re more likely to slip up. As it stands, 90% of security breaches are inadvertent, unintentional, and caused by human error. We need to shift focus from our cybersecurity applications, and turn it to our people. To address this, Great Lakes Computer has introduced a comprehensive program designed to assess your exposure to risk on the Dark Web, test your staff for phishing vulnerability, and train to become a Human Firewall. Learn more by clicking below.
Tech Tips to Reduce Energy Waste at the Office
Reducing energy waste in your office does not have to equate to a sacrifice in personal comfort or quality of workmanship. With the availability of cloud computing, many new options for minimizing energy consumption have opened up that will simultaneously increase the level of freedom enjoyed by team members. Minor changes translate into significant savings such as these tips…
Tech Tips and Beyond to Reduce Energy Waste in the Office
Implementing the following changes will trim up your electric bill in short order:
-
- Opt for cloud computing and managed print solutions. By eliminating the need to power a large server room, you’ll enjoy reduced energy usage within your office. Managed print services identify instances where unwanted pages are printed; streamlining your print needs reduces energy expenses while simultaneously extending the life of your equipment.
- Use the “hibernate” feature on all PCs and turn off printers, microwaves, etc. before leaving the office. Electrical devices continue to draw power even when they are not in use; if your office is going to be empty for a few days (or even overnight), make sure to switch everything to “off” or “hibernate”.
- Give employees the option to work from home. Particularly in offices utilizing complete cloud solutions, staff members can connect with one another over the internet from any location, eliminating the need for a larger office space (which requires more energy to heat and cool) and additional facilities employees require on site.
- Keep the office a few degrees cooler in winter and a bit warmer in summer. Ask employees to dress accordingly, as small changes in the thermostat translate into big energy savings. Cloud computing solutions help implement these changes as they eliminate the need to keep a server room relatively cold to protect equipment from overheating.
- Hire a professional to conduct an energy audit. You may be surprised how much energy is lost through leaky windows or cracks in the building; older appliances also have the tendency to be an energy drain in your office. After your audit, create a budget to upgrade windows, appliances, etc.; upfront costs will be returned to you over time through lower utility bills.
- Consider adding skylights and/or solar panels to your roof. Skylights allow free, natural lighting to enter your workspace, boosting the moral of team members and reducing, if not eliminating, the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours. Solar panels are low maintenance additions that can be tied into your electrical system and added slowly over time to lower the energy costs within your office. Tax credits may be available to offset these initial investments.
Reducing energy waste in your office will do more than just increase your bottom line. Cloud computing options, in addition to being green for the planet and great for reducing utility expenses, tend to increase the mobility of your team members and facilitate greater communication while enhancing network security. Great Lakes Computer can help your organization implement a hybrid or complete cloud solution and/or managed print services to meet your needs. When coupled with the additional tech tips mentioned above, energy savings within your office will be impressive.
