If you follow DynaSis on Facebook, LinkedIn, or elsewhere, you are aware that we have been discussing Digital Disruption for some time now. If not, here is a 30-second overview: digital disruption on a global scale happens with developments like the advent of computers and/or the Internet. On an industry-wide scale, Digital Disruption comes from events such as Uber’s effect on the taxi industry or Netflix’s effect on video rentals. Since neither you nor I are likely to re-invent the Internet, nor create the next Uber, we are far more interested in how positive Digital Disruption (aka Digital Transformation) can affect our own businesses.

Inertia is a powerful force. It’s the reason why we can’t push a boulder uphill, or why you fall when you jump out of a car (your feet stop when they hit the pavement, but your body keeps going.) And it is emotional inertia that keeps us from making changes in our business when we know we really should. This is what keeps us from embracing Digital Transformation: using technology to transform our business, propelling us past our competition. The alternative is waiting for our competition to propel past us.

The first step in overcoming inertia and bringing digital transformation into your business is as easy as migrating from the Microsoft Office version you are currently using, to Microsoft Office 365. This is not merely upgrading to a newer version of Office. This is providing your employees with the ability to become more productive, to collaborate with colleagues, to function as powerful and effective teams, all while greatly increasing your network security.

But here is where inertia often sets in. You are using a version of Office that’s only three or four years old. It’s working fine. Everyone uses it; everyone is skilled in it; everyone is comfortable. Why change? Good question, so here are some answers:

1: Your people have left the building…they are working from home, in airports, clients’ offices, on the beach, etc. Microsoft Office 365 lets them work with anytime, anywhere access to all their files. It works on desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

2: Up to five devices per user: desktops (home and office), laptops, tablets and smartphones.

3: Data loss prevention. Office 365 backs up data in its world-wide network of secure facilities, and you know that with Microsoft’s financial strength behind it, it will always be there.

4: New applications, like Delve. Delve acts like your personal secretary. It finds hard to find documents, does research, keeps track of your projects, and so much more. (There are many more new apps.)

5: Migration is easy and since Microsoft Office 365 updates itself, migration is a one-time thing, and never need be repeated as new versions come out.

Right now, it’s also especially cost effective as we at DynaSis have just introduced our Cloud Accelerator Program with great Microsoft Office 365 migration incentives. You owe it to your business to LEARN MORE.

With 25 years of experience providing Atlanta’s small to mid-sized business community with IT support, DynaSis continues to lead the way in IT security and managed support. Learn more at www.DynaSis.com or call us at 678-373-0716.

Technology is a powerful force in virtually every company today. In fact, we like to say, “Every Business is a Technology Business.” Can you imagine running your company without a computer? Without email? Without a website? (Actually, you would be amazed at how many small businesses (very small businesses) still don’t have websites. We are not web-designers, but…somebody wake these people up!)

Technology makes us more productive, more accurate, more responsive to market changes and customer needs, but it can also increase risk. Getting the most out of technology, while still keeping your business safe and secure, is a true balancing act, not meant for the faint of heart. What can go wrong? Computers can crash, data can disappear or be stolen/encrypted, networks can shut down, etc.

Assuming the people who work for your company are honest, hard-working and like to be productive while accomplishing great things for your business, any of these situations can be deeply troubling, especially if they are reoccurring. But many small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) don’t want to address this problem pro-actively. In other words, they wait until something goes wrong, then they react…they call what are known in the industry as “break and fix” IT services. Something breaks, they come and fix. The more things break, the more money they make. By the way, sooner or later, things do break.

As a company grows, they often hire an in-house IT guy. We think that’s great. But there is still a problem in that technology is so complex these days that no single in-house IT person can possibly have all the expertise needed, nor can he keep up with the changes that occur on a daily basis. So let’s look at an IT solution that works whether you have been calling the break and fix people, or have an IT person (or even your own team.)

For those companies that do not have an in-house person, a fully staffed managed IT service provider is probably the answer. Unfortunately, too many business owners assume this is costly and never even look into it. Sad. The reality is that using this type of service, on a fixed monthly fee basis, usually costs the same, or even less, than what they have been doing. By properly maintaining the client’s equipment, there are fewer break-downs, fewer service calls, and longer equipment life-spans. Think of it this way: Since the IT Service provider is obligated to fix computers, servers, networks, etc., doesn’t it make sense that it is in their best interest to make sure that everything is always functioning at peak performance? It does.

For those companies that have one or more in-house IT people, they find that by using managed IT support, their in-house people are freed up to work on higher level projects, while the IT service can repair equipment, handled help-desk issues, and constantly monitor, manage and maintain the company’s IT infrastructure. Not only that, the right provider will have a full staff of certified technicians and management personnel that can handle almost any problem, as well as be available for technology consultations to plan for the future.

So as for the holiday present, think about how happy your sales people will be knowing that their online sales tools are always available, think about how happy your customer service people will be knowing that they can take care of your customers, think about how happy your accountant will be knowing that IT problems will not impact your bottom line, and think about how happy you and your IT people will be knowing that your IT network is running quietly and smoothly in the background, there when anyone and everyone needs it. That should help you sleep at night, and can you ask for a better present than that?

DynaSis has been providing IT support to the Atlanta small to mid-sized business community since 1992. The “DynaTeam” of 55 professionals, including 30+ highly trained engineers, provides live top level coverage 24 / 7 / 365. We can be reached at www.DynaSis.com or (678) 373-0716.

Millennial generation workers...give them the technology tools they need, and your rewards will follow.

With the millennial workforce growing literally by the day, employers need to keep up-to-date with how these people function and think. While you may be thinking, “Why should I adapt to them? They’re going to work for me?” the reality is that they are not alone. Not only are they going to become your workforce, and you want the best of the best, they represent the likes and dislike of the millennials who will also be come your clientele.

Unlike traditional workers, they don’t always believe that work needs to be accomplished during the standard 9 to 5 work day, nor necessarily within the confines of your office walls, nor does it have to be Monday through Friday.

“What difference does it make where or when I do the work, as long as I get the job done?” More and more, the answer is: it doesn’t…as long as there are proper channels of communication. Enter mobile computing and BYOD (bring your own device) that lets people work from anywhere at any time while staying in touch and having full access to whatever work files they may need.

Right now, more than 85% of millennials have smartphones, whether iPhones or Androids, and it has a major effect on how they communicate with co-workers and superiors. A recent study showed that 41% prefer communicating electronically rather than by speaking over the phone or face-to-face. In fact, 59% said that an important consideration in whether or not to accept a job was whether or not the employer was going to provide state-of-the-art technology. This is so even though many admitted using their own devices right alongside the technology the company supplied. (This writer is writing on his own MacBook right now, which is sitting alongside the perfectly fine computer provided to him. I use both)

If you want to stay ahead of the game, you have to adapt your IT policies accordingly. Modern workers expect modern communications built into a technology ecosystem that may include things like social networking, instant messaging, blogs, wikis, and video on demand. This isn’t for fun and games. These tools are what enable the millennial generation instant connectivity and engagement with co-workers, superiors and customers. Ultimately, they enable these workers to be happier and more productive in their jobs and relate in a more meaningful way to the customers of their own generation. These tools also elevate their creativity and employers who cater to these needs are finding that the real benefit ends up belonging to the company.

DynaSis is an Atlanta managed IT service provider, in business for almost 25 years. DynaSis works with small to mid-sized businesses employing cloud technology where appropriate, and more traditional services when required. We have also been on the forefront of cyber security as well as helping businesses become truly digitized, so they can be the beneficiaries of digital disruption, not the victims.

Manufacturing employee using cloud-based tablet on the floor of the plant

A recent article in Forbes Magazine highlighted how technology is impacting the manufacturing industry. Among the other points it raised, it noted that surveys had found that:

• 55% of manufacturers are using the cloud platforms and technologies to better manage their supply chains.
• 48% are using cloud platforms and technologies to more efficiently manage their new product introductions.
• 64% use the same tablets as consumers use on the plant floor to improve connectivity and communications.
• 40% are building “smart” products right now, or plan to do so within 5 years.

From the survey results, based on the responses of almost 200 manufacturing companies ranging from food and beverage to automotive, it is obvious that the age of “connected” manufacturing, and IT management is here. This connectivity gives them a here-to-fore unavailable agility that enables them to work better with both suppliers and customers. On one hand, this affects management of the supply chain, and on the other, both innovation of new products and quality of existing ones. Interestingly, although we hear so much about the contraction/consolidation of manufacturing in this country, 90% have reported that they have actually grown over the past five year. The Cloud has also allowed more than 10% of the respondents to become actively engaging in “re-shoring”, the reversal of off-shoring…in other words, bringing their manufacturing, in full or in part, back to the United States.

Almost 3/4s of the companies state that use of the “Cloud” is giving them superior insight into their overall businesses and a full 90% say that they now have better access to company data. They are also reporting better communication with suppliers and customers, as well as with transportation vendors. By the end of the coming year, four in ten expect to be using big data analytics, or be well along in the planning stages of doing so.

The majority has stated that use of the “Cloud” improves their ability to deal with fluctuating customer demands and the consequential fluctuating supply chain needs. This allows them to become more customer-centric, something required by the upswing in customer-driven commerce.

Over the next five years, approximately two out of three of these manufacturing companies are looking at cloud-based technologies to: 1) increase connectivity with their supply chains, 2) improve their quality assurance programs, and 3) build upon their communications capabilities between plant and enterprise.

All-in-all, it is safe to say that the age of “connected manufacturing” though IT management has arrived.

DynaSis is an Atlanta based managed IT service provider and has worked with a variety local manufacturers since its inception in 1992. DynaSis world-class data center provides safe, reliable and economical cloud computing service to its clients. www.DynaSis.com. 678.218.1769.

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By the DynaSis Team

Despite mobility being one of the technology cornerstones for small and midsized businesses (SMBs), many organizations still are not making effective, long-term decisions for their firms. In May, we talked about the ongoing challenges of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to the workplace and the importance of having qualified IT support teams or managed IT services providers administer and manage this solution. However, numerous studies indicate that BYOD is not the only component of mobility where SMB owners and decision makers are having a hard time achieving optimal benefit.

Per data from research firm SMB Group, between 55 and 65 percent of SMB owners (depending on organizational size) agree or strongly agree that mobile solutions and services are “critical” to the business. Yet, the researchers also found that many SMB owners do not have a strategic perspective regarding mobile technologies. Following are a few examples:

• According to a Techaisle 2015 SMB Mobility Adoption and Trends survey: More than 80 percent of SMB employees require mobile access to company data, yet many owners remain overwhelmed by issues such as total cost of ownership (46 percent), compliance (44 percent) and integration with desktop, IT and communications infrastructure (37 percent).
• In an SMB Group survey of mobile application selection: For firms with 1 to 100 employees, “ease of use” and “low cost” are the top two criteria for adopting or allowing a mobile app in the workplace. Companies of 100 to 1000 selected ease of use and “integrates well with other applications” as the two top criteria. Neither selected such strategic drivers as “increases productivity and collaboration,” “ease of access and management” or “application security” as top application criteria.
• Per a study by RBC Capital Markets about mobile websites: 67 percent of SMBs do not have a mobile-optimized website, and similar studies show that even fewer use SMS or text messages to reach their partners or customers. The study noted that such low adoption rates could be hurting SMB sales—and even corporate reputation—given the uptake of mobile devices.

From these examples (and others), it’s apparent that SMBs lag behind larger competitors in the mobile arena. The development of the “mobile workplace” was supposed to help level the playing field for smaller companies. Yet, for organizational leaders who don’t have the time, expertise or sense of direction to take advantage of mobile opportunities, the reverse could be true.

What many SMBs need most is a cohesive mobile technology strategy, which is a key, not only to effective mobile adoption but also to mobile risk management. As with so many areas of the business, company leaders are often too wrapped up with daily operational issues to make time for strategic planning.

Having the assistance of an outside resource, such as a managed services provider or IT consulting firm, is often the best way to obtain both resource and expertise for objective planning and decision making. With a strategic plan in place, business leaders can make informed, long-term decisions that support both the organization and its personnel.

DynaSis has been providing managed IT support services to Metro Atlanta’s small to midsized businesses since 1992. We provide Availability – making sure your network is up and running; Mobility – allowing your employees world-wide access to your network; and Security – as an Internet security company, we resolve “issues” before they grow into problems. If you want to learn more, please visit www.DynaSis.com, or call us at 678.218.1769.

By the DynaSis Team

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With mobile devices presenting one of today’s biggest corporate threats (the biggest threat, according to one study), companies must make sure the mobile devices of their workforce are secure. Encouraging workers to follow mobile device policies and protocols, however, can be a real challenge.

This problem is endemic among Millennials—the up-and-coming, very large generation of workers. A report released in mid-2015 found that Millennials pose a greater threat to mobile security than any other age group. The findings indicated Millennials expect employers to handle mobile security and tend to engage in very risky behaviors, such as letting friends or associates use work phones.

With this generation just starting their careers, the problem is not going away any time soon. The secret, then, is to create a security program to which personnel will actually adhere. Part of this effort is having managed IT services that can administer and secure device-level access to corporate information. The second part involves education—reinforcement through meetings and training sessions that certain behaviors will not be tolerated. The third component is the development of policies that are sensible, clear and consistent.

Millennials in particular do not accept the advice of the older generation very well—even if the older individuals are their work superiors. They also rebel against “special treatment” situations. Following are a few tips that should help you get everyone, even Millennials, on board with your mobile device security programs and policies.

• Do not be creative or trendy—using titles like Acceptable Use Policy sends a clear message about the intent of the document.
• Keep the verbiage simple and avoid legalese. Although the policy document should not be chatty, it also should not be written above the heads of your employees.
• To eliminate grey areas, offer instructive examples of behaviors that are allowed and those that are embargoed.
• Provide instructions for workers to follow if they inadvertently violate policies. Millennials in particular like to solve their own problems. If they discover, for example, that they stored a corporate document in a personal partition, they may be able to fix that simple mistake themselves. But for issues they cannot or should not resolve themselves, give workers a resource for IT support and services.
• Most importantly, make it clear that workers will not be fired for admitting they made a mistake. If an employee loses a phone, for instance, he or she should fear reprisal only if the loss is not reported on a timely basis.

Lastly, draw a line in the sand and ensure everyone sticks to it. Intentionally subverting policies or “jailbreaking” phones (making changes prohibited by the manufacturer) to knowingly share sensitive data is tantamount to corporate espionage. Many less-innocent behaviors can still pose threats, but some firms choose to allow them.

Set your parameters and apply them consistently. If a junior sales person cannot hop onto an unsecured Wi-Fi network, for example, your CEO should not be allowed to do it, either.