How Much Does Downtime Really Cost Your Business?

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Many SMB owners think IT downtime only costs them a few productive hours, but there’s a lot more at stake when your systems go down. Customer satisfaction and loss of brand integrity are just two of the key losses apart from the more evident costs such as lost productivity and a temporary dip in sales.

Here’s a few other ways downtime can hurt your business:

1. Customer Loss – Today’s buyer lacks patience !important; They are used to getting everything at the click of a mouse, at the tap of a finger. Suppose they are looking for the kind of products/services that you offer and your site doesn’t load or is unavailable—even if temporarily– you are likely to lose them to a competitor—permanently.

2. Damage to Brand Reputation – Customers are now using Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and blogs to vent their bad brand experiences. Imagine an irate customer who doesn’t know if their card was charged on your site, or not, due to a server error. If it’s your bad day, they could probably be using Facebook or Twitter to share their bad experience, and it could be viewed by hundreds of people, causing irreparable harm to your brand image.

3. Loss of Productivity – When your systems don’t work, this can have a direct impact on your employees’ productivity. Consider a research firm of 200 employees where they primarily rely on internet connectivity to access the knowledge base. If the server hosting the knowledge base is down, there’s a total loss of at least 1600 work hours for one day.

4. Overtime, Repair and Recovery, Compensatory costs – In the above case, imagine the overtime wages the business would have to incur if they were to make up for the work loss they faced owing to downtime. In addition, there’s always the cost of repair—the money the business would have to shell out to fix the issue that caused the downtime and get the server up and running again.

In some cases, businesses would have to incur additional costs to make customers happy. These could include giving away the product for free or at a discount, or using priority shipping to make up for a delayed order.

5. Possible Lawsuits – Businesses could also be at the receiving end of lawsuits. For example, a downtime that has an impact on production, delivery or finances of the customer could invite litigation.

6. Marketing Efforts Rendered Useless – Consider a pay-per-click advertisement that shows up for the right keywords on Google, or an extensive e-mail campaign that your business engages in. However, when the prospect clicks on the link, all they see is an error message – Isn’t that a waste of your marketing budget?

The bottom line—one natural disaster, one technical snag or just one power outage has the power to put you out of business – both virtually and in reality. It’s probably time to think about how you can mitigate the threat of a possible downtime and whether your MSP can act as an effective and efficient ally in this battle for you.

Has Your Website Been Optimized for Mobile Users?

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Did you know that this year there will be more mobile web surfers than stationary ones? That means more prospects are accessing your business website more through their smart phones, tablets or other mobile devices than with a laptop or PC. If you thought you had time to make the switch this year, you may want to reconsider in light of new research. A recent study revealed that around 40% of prospects move on to a competitor if they have a poor mobile experience. How prepared is your business for this change? Well, if you are just starting out, the following checklist will help…

1. Make sure your mobile site is different from your regular website – While you must stick to your branding standards, your mobile website should be simpler than your web version. The reason being is that complicated designs that load well and look good on computers are often distorted when accessed through a mobile device. Plus, mobile surfers don’t really have the time to sift through a lot of content. Bottom line: your website’s mobile friendly version should be short, simple and sweet…offering your viewers the most important and basic sections of your website.

2. Option to access the actual website – That said, do provide your viewers with the option to access your regular website through their mobile device, as some viewers will prefer to stick with what is familiar.

3. Sitemap – Whether it’s your actual website or the mobile version, make sure you have a sitemap in place. A sitemap just makes it easier for your viewers to navigate through the site.

4. Get rid of flash – Most mobile devices don’t support flash. Keep this in mind when optimizing your website for the mobile surfer. Simple images that load fast are your best bet.

5. Testing – Make sure you test your mobile website thoroughly on different operating systems, browsers and devices. What looks good on one device might be totally distorted on another.

You could also develop a mobile application instead of a website, but most SMBs find that option too expensive and complicated. So, for now, put the 5 tips mentioned above into use and get your mobile-friendly website into action…

Five Ways Your Business Can Improve Its Search Engine Rankings

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In an age where most business happens online, not showing up in Google search results can really hurt you. While there’s no real shortcut to showing up consistently on web searches, there are a few quick fixes to get your site to show up on your potential customer’s search results…

1. HTML tags – Important HTML tags include the title tag, meta description and meta keywords. Make sure each page of your website has appropriate HTML tags. The title tag of each page should be unique and relevant to that particular page.

2. Alternative text images – Ensure that most of the images on your website have alternative text tags. Alt tags are basically descriptions for images. By adding relevant alternative tags to images, you are allowing search engines to recognize them, which will improve the likelihood of your page showing up in search results.

3. File hierarchy – How simple is your HTML file hierarchy? Check to see if your website’s pages are logically situated and avoid too many unnecessary folders. For example: ‘NFL=>Teams=>PittsburghSteelers’ is a better folder structure than ‘NFL=>Teams=>NFCEast=>PittsburghSteelers’, because here ‘NFCEast’ is redundant and only serves to push the Steelers page deeper down the order. This complexity makes your site less likely to show up on search results for people searching for Steelers websites.

4. Sitemap – A sitemap acts as a navigational guide for your visitors as well as search engines. Does your website have one? If not, then it’s time to put up a site map on your website.

5. Content quality – Read your website content to determine its quality. Is your content written for search engines or actual visitors? Is it stuffed with keywords? Does it truly add value to your audience, or is simply there to fill up the page? Answer these questions and make sure it has value for your audience. Value for your audience translates to better search engine rankings.

Five Things You Should Do Right Now to Preserve Your Network and Systems

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1. Backup Files Every Day – As catastrophic as data loss is, the number of businesses that still are not backing up their network is unbelievable. According to the Symantec Small to Medium Size Businesses (SMB) data, only 23% of SMBs are backing up their data on a daily basis and fewer than 50% are backing up data weekly. Any number of events can result in data loss, so the importance of frequently backing up your network cannot be overstated.

2. Ensure Backup Procedures Are Checked Regularly – Many times business owners think that they have a backup system in place only to find out after it’s too late that it hasn’t been working properly. It may seem like your files are being backed up daily, however, the backup could have become corrupt or it is not backing up huge chunks of critical data. Check your backup procedures regularly to ensure they are working properly in order to be sure that ALL of your data can be recovered. In the age of BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Devices) it is also important to frequently backup data on your employee’s personal laptops, iPads or Blackberrys, so make sure you have a procedure in place to check those backups as well.

3. Make Sure Updated Virus Protection and Firewalls Are Always Enabled – Far too many companies either have no virus protection, expired virus software licenses, or disabled virus programs that aren’t running at all. This makes their business technology vulnerable to virus attacks from emails, spam, data downloads, and unreputable websites. Further, because of inadequate firewall protection about 40% of small to medium businesses will have their network accessed by a hacker. Chances are, when these businesses are attacked they will be entirely unaware it is happening. In order to protect your valuable data and assets, ensure your virus protection is adequate, up-to-date and functioning properly and that your firewall is intact. Finally, don’t forget to update security patches and change passwords when an employee leaves in order to deter hacking attempts.

4. Monitor Server Drives – Dangerously full server drives can bring their own set of problems – ranging from program and server crashes to sluggish email delivery. Proactive monitoring and maintenance of your server can spare your business a lot of problems down the road.

5. Regularly Check Critical Built-In Logs – Very few problems with technology emerge suddenly. These problems typically progress over time and evolve into more serious problems. Frequently review your critical built-in log files to help identify the problem before it has gotten out of control and wreaks havoc on your business infrastructure.

Data Loss Can Cause You to Shut Down

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Small and medium sized businesses today are relying more than ever on IT systems to efficiently run their business, support customers and optimize productivity. These systems house sensitive digital data ranging from employee and customer information, to internal emails, documents and financial records, sales orders and transaction histories. This is in addition to applications and programs critical to daily business functions and customer service.

While corporate-level data losses and insider theft are well publicized, many smaller businesses have also become casualties of data loss and theft. Following a significant data loss, it is estimated that a small-to-medium sized business can lose up to 25% in daily revenue by the end of the first week. Projected lost daily revenue increases to 40% one month into a major data loss.

According to The National Archives & Records Administration in Washington, 93% of companies that have experienced data loss, coupled with prolonged downtime for ten or more days, have filed for bankruptcy within twelve months of the incident while 50% wasted no time and filed for bankruptcy immediately. Finally, 43% of companies with no data recovery and business continuity plan actually go out of business following a major data loss.

Still, a survey conducted by Symantec SMB revealed that fewer than half of SMBs surveyed backup their data each week. Only 23% of those surveyed said they backup data every day and have a business continuity plan in place.

Businesses play on a much bigger playing field than they did two decades ago. Any disruptive technological event – even the smallest of incidents – can have an amplified impact on day-to-day business and profitability. Being proactive with data recovery solutions, and having emergency response procedures in place prior to a disruption or data disaster, is the only way to minimize downtime and soften the impact of such events.

Can You Really Afford Not to Have a Backup Plan?

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According to Symantec SMB, 50% of SMBs admit to having no backup and disaster recovery plan in place. 41% of those surveyed confessed that they had never even given much thought to implementing a disaster recovery or business continuity plan. If you are one of them, then you really need to think about whether you can afford the status quo. Answering these questions will help you decide.

1. How often is employee productivity and customer accessibility or service stalled each day from a downed network or system?

2. How much downtime can your business truly afford and what kind of backup or recovery solutions are in effect when systems are unavailable?

3. What level of IT support can be accessed? Can it be accessed quickly enough to minimize damage? Are you confident that your business can either be back online or be able to access lost data with minimal disruption, no matter what?

4. Is your most critical data frequently backed up? Is the data on the personal laptops, iPads or Blackberrys of employees backed up? Are all backups stored in a location off-site and quickly accessible in the event of theft, fire or flooding? Are you using any custom installed software and is the supplier still in business should this software need to be re-installed or updated? Are account details, licensing agreements, and security settings somewhere on record, and is it duplicated off-site?

5. Are your systems truly protected from theft, hackers, and viruses? Are passwords to sensitive data changed whenever employees leave the company or business unit?

6. When was the last time you tested backup processes to ensure they are working properly? How quick were your back ups?

Answering these questions will help you understand if you are needlessly bleeding money every day by subjecting your business to the high hourly rates, service charges, trip fees and wait times of on-call IT support. If you are an SMB, you don’t have to fear technology failure. A trusted MSP can help you resolve these challenges in a more effective and efficient manner.

How Technology Is Changing How Athletes Perform

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Athletes are a business, and just like any business, performance and competition edge are top priorities for the health of the business. The modern athlete is a carefully crafted machine with the best technology at its disposal to improve the game and to gain a competitive edge over the competition. Training, preparation, health and hydration are all important factors for athlete performance, but technology brings an entirely different approach to the table.

 

CAD software

Computer-aided software is used to design sports equipment. The software system uses data and virtual environment simulation to design equipment that is lighter but more efficient and faster.

 

Prototype simulation

Science and engineering is used to create the ideal sports equipment design. Based on the data collection and performance expectations, a prototype is created. Prototypes are armed with technology that permits engineers and scientists to observe and evaluate the overall performance and efficiency of the prototype. Software permits designers to make small changes to improve the function and performance of the specific prototype. Once the prototype is perfected, it is produced and put into the hands of athletes.

 

Turf transformation

Technology has improved the very fields on which competitions are held. DOW Chemical Company created a specialized polyethylene resin acritical turf for field hockey. The turf is designed to minimize athlete injuries, improve speed on the field, maximize better ball control, and to provide stronger grip for athletes’ shoes. The goal of the turf is to improve the performance on the field and the overall experience for athletes and viewers.

 

Sensors

Some fighters are equipped with sensors on their bodies. The sensors collect data about kick execution, punch accuracy, and the impact of a move against a component. The sensors assist with training and judging competitions, as accuracy are important for scoring and injury prevention.

 

Microchipping

Bio-analytics uses microchips to monitor an athlete’s overall health during a game. A small device is worn by athletes and it tracks all movements. The small device delivers an abundance of information. The real-time data observes accelerations and decelerations, directions, movements and frequency of actions. The data permits teams to develop workout and training strategies based on the data collected. As a result, the athlete’s training targets the most affected areas during a competition. Doing so improves targeted training and performance, and it reduces injuries by accommodating training specifics around the athlete’s individual need.

 

Smart suits

Smart suits are different for each sport. Engineers have transformed track suits and swimsuits to make them more aerodynamic. Gymnasts use special suits to monitor alignment and movements. Mimi Cesar, for example, uses a vibrating suit that uses real-time data to monitor her floor routine. The sensors in the suit create an awareness of time and space, which helps the British gymnast determine where her body is and what she needs to do to execute the perfect move. The suit vibrates when she is out of alignment and when any part of her body is beyond its desired range of motion.

 

Men and women have adopted many different forms of technology to improve performance. Technology simplifies training and creates a new awareness of the athlete.

Five Ways Managed Services Can Improve Your Business

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Outsourcing your company’s IT service solutions is an effective way to cut costs and maximize efficiency. The term ‘outsourcing’ has earned a bad rap in the industry, but for business professionals, outsourcing offers a myriad of benefits. Small, mid-size and large businesses can all operate with the same resources as massive corporate operations, without the overhead. If you are ready to unburden your business from the weight of IT systems, discover the five ways managed services can improve the overall health of your business.

 

  1. Managed services are tailor-made for your business

Managed services professionals design a system that works for your company, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Managed services evaluate your current system, identify your goals, get to know your business as a whole, evaluate possible security concerns, and work with you to devise the most effective IT strategy for maximum operation, growth, and future developments. A panoply of managed services are at your disposal, but you pay for only what you need.

 

  1. Resources are refocused on business growth

In-house IT solutions are expensive. Large companies spend thousands, even millions, of dollars on housing, training, benefits, retirements, energy use, software and maintenance. SMBs don’t have that kind of revenue, but they don’t have the expertise to handle day-to-day IT services or emergencies. Managed services is an affordable, reliable, and dependable solution. Companies that utilize managed services can refocus company revenue on resources that permit growth, such as hiring, marketing, and customer relations.

 

  1. Efficiency improves

When your business’s services are up and running and working at top speed, employees can work at their full potential. Downtime and slow systems can cost your company and its employees more than sanity; downtime can cost you money as well. If you want your company to stay ahead of the competition, your business needs to be delivering the best product all the time, and a slow or down system can result in poor company morale and a damaged public image. When employees, partners and clients can all work together cohesively, collaboration and communication soar, resulting in a boost in revenue and public trust.

 

  1. Maintenance and protection are top priority

Don’t wait until it’s broken to fix it. Companies need an effective and comprehensive system for monitoring, maintenance, and protection. Being proactive prevents major disasters, identifies security threats and gaps, and takes steps to resolve issued before they turn into larger, expensive problems that cost companies a lot of money and consumer confidence. Managed services does it all behind the scenes, identifying needs and gaps and taking steps to improve the health of the company.

 

  1. Costs are predictable

As a business owner you know unexpected costs can really hit your budget in the sweet spot. Where IT services are concerned, unplanned IT hiccups, security intrusions and breakdowns can cost your company a fortune. Pay-as-it-breaks solutions cost considerably more than predictable monthly fees, which include monitoring, prevention, maintenance, and updating to prevent emergencies from occurring.

Motorcycles: The Intense Technology That Makes Them Work

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Motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular each year for many different reasons. Not only do they give you an intimate and adventurous driving experience, but they will save you a ton of money on gas, and not to mention that they are attractive and eye-catching. They are becoming a very popular alternative to cars. Motorcycles have evolved so much, including the way they operate.

 

The Basics

Basically put, motorcycles are 2-wheel motorized vehicles that seat one or two riders. The basic layout of motorcycles has remained unchanged since they were first established many years ago. The main function and structure of a motorcycle is really quite simple when it is broken down. They have gasoline engines, which works just like a car by converting the reciprocating motion of pistons into rotary motion. Then the transmission sends this motion to the back wheel, and when the back wheel turns it sends the motorcycle forward. You steer a motorcycle by the handlebars and by leaning the motorcycle side to side. The handlebars turn the front wheel. It includes hand levers that that give you the ability to operate the clutch and the front brake, and two foot pedals that allow you to change gears and control the rear brake.

 

The Engine

Motorcycle engines are classified by one of three things, which are the number of cylinders they have, the number of strokes in their power cycles, or the capacity of their combustion chambers. The engine of a motorcycle basically works just like the engine of a car does. It has a cylinder block and head, pistons, and a valve train. The pistons move around inside the cylinder block, powered by eruptions of a fuel and air mixture that is triggered by a simple spark. The fuel and air mixture enters the combustion chamber through valves that open and close. The moving pistons turn a crankshaft that converts the energy into rotary motion from the pistons. The transmission transfers the force of the crankshaft to the rear wheel.

 

The Brakes

In order to stop a motorcycle you have to use two brakes. One of them is located on the front wheel and is controlled by the right hand, and the other one is located on the rear wheel and is controlled by the right foot. The front brakes are way more powerful and provide the most force, but both brakes should be used at the same time. The front brakes should be used every time the motorcycle is slowed down or stopped.

 

The Steering

When traveling at very low speeds, you simply just have to turn the handlebar in the direction you want to go, but when traveling fast you have to use counter-steering. Counter-steering is when you have to push the handlebars to the left to go right, and to the right to go left.

3 Ways a Virtual CIO Helps Your Business Succeed

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A successful and secure company needs to make investments in technology and infrastructure, but the price can soar. Your business’s infrastructure needs regular maintenance and monitoring, and the solution is typically an in-house team of IT experts, but there is a better, more efficient way to provide your company with critical IT support. A virtual CIO, Chief Information Officer, offers the best of IT without the hefty price tag. When you utilize a virtual CIO, your business will flourish.

 

3 Benefits of a Virtual CIO

A virtual CIO strategy is affordable and one of the most effective ways to access the expertise of a fully staffed IT team. Discover how a virtual CIO can transform your operations.

 

  1. Comprehensive technology analysis

As soon as your company decides to benefit from the extensive services offered by a virtual CIO, the team gets to work to review your network. The goal of the network analysis is to identify any risks to the security system, design a comprehensive defense system that is tailored specifically for your business, make recommendations about cost-saving changes to your current system, and diagnose and evaluate your company’s complete infrastructure. The process creates a roadmap for your business’s IT, which saves you money, offers peace of mind, and keeps you in business all the time.

 

  1. 24/7 security, updates, and data protection

Just because the day ends for you, it doesn’t end for your IT needs. A virtual CIO provides round-the-clock security monitoring and protection, and data backup. Virtual services deliver remote monitoring and access, so you and your business can work remotely and benefit from IT services from anywhere in the world. Virtual CIO is always updating, monitoring and identifying gaps and potential threats so that your business doesn’t experience a complete system failure, devastating data loss, or security intrusion. If something does happen, the virtual CIO will have ensured all of your data was safe, so recovery is swift and downtime is nonexistent. When your business is down, so are your profits, but a virtual CIO is a great addition to your company’s continuity plan to prevent such disasters. If disaster strikes, the virtual CIO will be ready to recover without interrupting daily operations.

 

  1. Efficient utilization of IT budget

Your business has to watch its profit and expenses, and many times, much of what you take in is consumed by the IT, which includes hardware, software, malware, monitoring, recovery and IT services. An in-house team and dedicated room for your infrastructure eats up what is left of your budget, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Virtual CIO services assist you with evaluating your complete IT budget and system, helping you identify overlap, unnecessary expenditures, and areas where remote services will save you money. You will have a better understanding of what you have, what you need, and ways you can save money and maximize services. Virtual CIO does not charge for individual services; it is a complete package with one rate.