3 Ways to Protect Your Business from Ransomware

Is your business data safe from massive cyber attacks?  Have you taken any precautionary steps to address this problem? If not, it is time to think about it seriously. Why? Well, a major security threat known as WannaCry ransomware affected organizations worldwide in May 2017. It targeted PCs operating on the Windows OS. The attack targeted approximately 200,000 businesses in 150 countries globally. If it happened to them, it can happen to you as well. Even if you are a small business in Florida, you must learn your lesson from this and opt for IT consulting services in Tampa. While your IT service providers beef up your digital security, you should remember the following three ways to protect your organization from ransomware attacks in the future:

1. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links

Be careful while clicking on links or downloading files that look suspicious. These will not only infect your PC but also the network you use. We recommend that you delete unsolicited emails right away.

2. Update Your OS

If you are using Windows, update the OS when prompted. Recently, in March 2017, Microsoft rolled out a security patch to protect PCs from the malicious WannaCry virus. So, if your systems aren’t updated, your data may be at risk. The solution is activating the ‘auto-update’ option if your OS allows it. If not, remember to allow Windows OS updates to ensure that you are using a safe and updated system.

3. Back Up Your Business Data

Make sure that you save all your organization files, information, and documents on another system or drive. This way, you will not run the risk of losing all your enterprise data. Opt for an external hard drive that is not connected to the web. Moreover, always use antivirus application for systems that require an active internet connection.

Get in touch with an IT consulting firm in Tampa to learn about the right prevention method and detection approach to protect your data from ransomware attacks. A reliable service provider will evaluate your organization’s current IT landscape and vulnerabilities to threats, and map out a solution to keep your business data secure.

How Can Small Businesses in Tampa Get The Most Out Of Managed Service Providers?

Tampa is part of Florida’s growing tech corridor, and lots of companies in this region rely on managed IT services to handle domains like help desks and routine maintenance in a cost-effective way. But business owners should look beyond freeing up internal IT staff; they also need to build strong partnerships with the managed service providers (MSPs) to maximize their benefits.

Do Not Try to Cut Corners

Various organizations depend on MSPs to handle their IT elements as required. However, oversupply has led to commoditization in the bottom stack offerings and prompted CIOs to hunt for bargains. Unfortunately, this practice does more harm than good. Always pick MSPs with a proven track record, and check existing customer testimonials to ascertain the same.  Be wary of MSPs that provide a generic SLA (service level agreement). Your goal should be to find an MSP that identifies your business requirements and decides on a course of action to achieve your goals. Their SLA should reflect the customization your business is looking for.

Treat MSPs as Partners, Not Substitutes

Small businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on external providers to meet their IT needs. However, they can never truly replace internal IT – this is something that business owners need to understand. After all, the goal is to free up the internal IT staff to assign them to more strategic projects; not do away with the internal team. So, hiring an MSP should not threaten the existing IT arrangement within the organization.

Managed IT services have always appealed to small businesses in Tampa and other places that offer a favourable climate for business growth. Although the primary appeal of MSPs is the cost-cutting that they offer, organizations should consider the other important aspects like security, efficiency, and revenue.

Managed IT Services Made Easy For Small Businesses

Big corporations have dedicated IT departments. Small and niche businesses can't afford such largesse. However, to run and manage their operations internationally, even the enterprises of limited workforce need their IT teams to work 24X7. Thanks to the managed IT services, smaller organizations, even from lower tier cities like Tampa can now boast of seamless operation of international caliber.

How MSPs Help SMBs

Managed service providers (MSP) work as extended arms for the enterprise. It can take the heavy load of non-core modules of business off the mainframe, letting the core teams concentrate on their work. MSPs for IT services take care of the computing operations; they set up their dedicated teams to monitor the system and troubleshoot, maintain the back ups, upgrading the security, and applying patches whenever necessary. If a small, or a niche operation falls short on any such IT related issues, they can expect to face substantial setbacks on their business output. They will be gambling away their hard-earned reputation and trust if they do not have dedicated MSPs at their disposal.

People often confuse between an MSP with traditional outsourcing. However, the latter involves the employer firm surrendering the total control over their IT assets; this never happens with the MSP model.  The enterprise decides on sharing the asset details and providing access to the MSPs. They always have the full control of the every aspect of the managed services. The subscription model by which MSPs work offers better control over expenses.

Technological evolution is changing the canvas of IT enabled services, considerably. Once the monopoly of big enterprises, managed IT services are now embraced by SMBs in the emerging business destinations like Tampa as well as traditional IT hubs like Silicon Valley. The small businesses can keep their IT infrastructure up-to-date with MSP. The concern over data theft and security also has made several businesses to seek the help of MSPs. It is always to be safe than sorry. The managed IT services can keep the businesses safe from every windfall.

3 Reasons to Update Your Business Website

Tampa-based web development firms are working in a fast-paced industry where every customer is targeted via multiple digital touch points. They believe in developing clean web page layouts and implementing the latest trends in design and coding for client satisfaction. Without website updates and innovation, you will fail to attract traffic and your business goal. So, if you have a website developed before 2011, it is time that you consider revamping the site with the latest design and content. What is the need for an update? Well, here are three reasons to give your website a fresh look:

1. Coding 

Have you checked whether your business website complies with the current web guidelines? Is your source code still valid? You need to focus more on your site’s usability and ease of navigation to rank better in Google’s search results. When it comes to web rules or standards, they keep changing each year for websites. And if you had last designed your site some six to seven years ago, chances are, the layout and code have now become obsolete leading to slow page load time and poor performance.

2. Attractive and Consistent Design

When visitors land on your home page, they must get a look and feel of your brand. If the web pages have a professional and appealing look together with informative content, users will perceive you as an authority in your field. Make sure that your website highlights your product or service offerings with a harmonious and consistent design.

3. Quality Photos

Include quality photos that have a positive impact on your visitors. A professional website is one that incorporates photographed images. Consider integrating visuals that blend with your business goal. Use only high-resolution images.

Collaborate with a web development company in Tampa if you want an upgraded site with advanced design, tools, and clean codes. A professional team will update your site with relevant information and quality images. Your dated website may look fine to you, but the page components you fail to notice may need a developer’s attention.

Why Is Data Management Important For Your Small Business?

According to statistics released by CISCO, the global Internet traffic will hit the 3.3 zettabytes per year mark by 2021. This might seem like a staggering number, but it makes sense considering how much data companies are storing right now. Because of this reason, the need for effective data management has become all the more important. Now, small business owners should focus on their data strategies as much as any of the larger IT companies in Florida, Silicon Valley, and other places. Why? Because effective collection and management of data can add significant value, especially when you leverage that data for profits. Businesses, irrespective of operations or specialization, will have data that experienced business managers or owners can recognize and use for their own benefit. This data is collected by companies on a daily, even hourly basis. And efficient storage and utilization of this information are possible only through data management.

Correct Data Management Means More Savings

Though small businesses collect data that is basic and minimal, managing it properly can improve the bottom line drastically. Proper data management helps companies process large data volumes, allowing them to create illustrated tables, produce statistics, and summarize data in a cost-efficient and timely manner.

Incorrect Data Management Affects a Business Negatively

Data mismanagement can have severe consequences for small businesses. For starters, lost or corrupt data can affect existing customer bases, and make it harder for companies to get new clients. Moreover, keeping track of the cash flow can become complicated and slow down overall productivity.

Stable Data Management Is Important

Every company knows how important it is to keep their own as well as the clients’ data safe and secure. For this reason, many companies prefer to back up their data to the cloud. The question is, should small business rely on outside data management companies? Well, they should, if necessary! For example, if your small business is growing rapidly and you’re struggling to keep up, or you lack proper data management capabilities, you have no choice but to opt for professional assistance. Why? Because the alternative would be a lot worse.Plus, proper storage and management of company data will provide more opportunities for researching and analyzing the collected data. Also, it will help identify potential areas for profit-making, expansion, and overall growth.

While it’s true that data management is essential for IT companies in places like Florida and Silicon Valley due to the huge data volumes being handled by them, small businesses owe a lot of their success to effective data management. Cutting corners, in this case, can lead to serious problems for a business. So, if you feel you are ill-equipped to handle data management on your own, seek professional help to get the most out of your data, and experience numerous advantages.

3 Super Elements of a Winning Software Application

Although the importance of rolling out a bug-free application can’t be denied, there lies the uncertainty in integrating the right components for an enhanced user experience. And if you have a business based out of technology hubs such as Florida, you can partner with an IT solutions provider in Tampa to develop enterprise apps that unlock new possibilities.However, the need for application development differs from one company to the other. So,you need to include the right ingredients while designing successful software products. To make your job easy, we have picked three of the most essential components. Take a look:

1. Solid User Interface and Experience

An enterprise app with a robust design and simple user interface (UI) help your customers get their tasks done effortlessly. A poor UI, on the contrary, that is hard to use is off-putting for users. A delightful user experience is derived from clean coding, minimalist design, and seamless app navigation.

2. App Functionality

Successful software products have an inherent quality of making a user’s job simpler. A functional app is one that makes complex tasks easier, opens new opportunities, and solves a user’s problem. Else, no customer will take the trouble to download and install an overly complex app. Your applications should be intuitive. For example,if you are developing an app for cabs, you need to make it more perceptive. If a passenger books a cab daily from the same location, the application should prompt the user to save his or her favorite pickup point.

3. Seamless Connectivity

Though the internet connectivity has improved over the years, many cities and towns have lanes or alleys where data connection fails. It is one of the greatest challenges for users and developers alike. Therefore, you must design an app that lets people use it even without data coverage. Customers should be able to use the app offline as well.

It is not difficult to collaborate with a reputed IT solution provider in Tampa if you know how to choose one. Rope in a technology partner for whom app development is a core service, and not just a passion.

3 Ways Outsourcing Your Web Development Tasks is good for Your Business

When you’re a kid, parents and teachers expect you to give everything you do your 100 percent. Got a “B” in History? Study more, and you’ll get an “A” the next time. Finished fourth in the race? Train harder and you’ll perform better. In the same way, your business too requires constant attention and care to grow and earn more profits. But the process of expansion involves providing clients with better, more nuanced services that fulfill their requirements. And all these services may not be suited to your expertise. So, what can you do in this situation? The same thing your parents would do if you were lagging behind in your studies and required assistance – hire someone on the outside who can fill the gaps in your knowledge and help you achieve your educational goals. For kids, this “someone” is a private tutor; for businesses, it’s a web development company based in a tech hub like Tampa. Find out more about the benefits of outsourcing your web development activities below:

1. A Better Website

You’ve all heard how content is king, and the quality of content can make or break a website. The truth is, there’s more to your business than good content. Your website, for example, plays a big role in attracting more business. The trick is to be unique while highlighting the quality of the service you provide. When a potential client wants to know more, your website is the first place they will visit. Thus, it’s important for your site to create a great first impression. Outsourcing web development lets you hire a team of experts who understand what you need and deliver a website that plays up your strengths and creates a strong online presence.

2. Rapid Business Growth

Business owners often try to do everything themselves, which is a mistake. They only end up wasting time trying to figure out how web development works, and how they can create a website that stands out. Unless you have in-depth knowledge about the process, you are bound to fall short of user expectations. Instead, it is better to outsource highly technical jobs to an outside group, leaving your own employees free to work on core business tasks.

3. Cost-Effective Services

Running a business also means managing a limited budget. Though outsourcing your business might seem unnecessary in the beginning, it is cheaper compared to hiring your own in-house web development team. You have the option to outsource jobs as a monthly arrangement or on a per-project basis. This also helps you choose the right people to hire. For example, when you think another web development service can serve you better, nothing prevents you from switching to them.

Web development firms in Tampa and other major tech hubs provide the best web development services to companies across the US. They stay updated on the latest industry trends and help your business realize its full potential.