Eliminate the Server Room to Optimize Your Post-COVID-19 Business

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As we noted in a recent post, on-premises computer systems have seen a gradual decline since cloud computing gained popularity over a decade ago. And, with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis accelerating that trend, businesses that still have onsite servers should consider a decision to eliminate the server room now and post-COVID-19. For one, the work from home (WFH) pattern might continue for a long time. Many employers have announced the extension of WFH policies through the fall and into next year. Regardless of how COVID-19 plays out, businesses of all sizes can and should consider the best use of their…

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Do I Need a Traditional Office in the Post-COVID World?

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As nations and states outline plans for reopening, businesses need to decide what normal will look like in the post-pandemic world. Will millions of workers leave remote work behind, dig out their business attire and return to the office? Or does the traditional office become a relic of the past? For most organizations, the answer remains complicated. With tools such as Microsoft 365, remote workers can collaborate over distance more safely and productively than ever before. However, some jobs simply need dedicated office space, with team members close at hand. At the same time, COVID has provided a wake-up call….

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Is COVID-19 the Last Nail in the Coffin for On-premises Systems?

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On-premises computer systems (servers and desktop applications) have seen a gradual decline since cloud computing gained popularity over a decade ago. The current COVID-19 crisis will certainly accelerate that trend. Some say it may deal a fatal blow to on-premises systems altogether. As we have seen, COVID-19 shifted working patterns to primarily work from home (WFH). That pattern might continue for a long time. For example, many companies could find that their WFH employees don’t want to return to the office when the restrictions have passed. Once they’ve had a taste of bedroom-to-home-office commutes and increased closeness to family, they…

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4 Tips to Reduce Cloud Spending During COVID-19 and Beyond

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Even before COVID-19 sent the workforce home, businesses anticipated steadily increased spending on cloud infrastructure. Now, cloud services take on an even greater importance. In the coming months and years, organizations will continue to increase cloud usage. But severe budgetary constraints will put pressure on IT managers to reduce cloud spending. For example, in 2019, Gartner estimated that organizations would spend over $206 billion on public cloud services, particularly Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). But they inserted a caution. $14.1 billion of that spending would go to waste, due to idle resources and oversized infrastructure. As businesses struggle through the…

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How to Manage Remote Workers

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With a global customer base, eMazzanti Technologies positions engineers and project managers in various locations worldwide to support that reach. As a technology service provider, the company also designs remote connectivity solutions for clients who are looking to expand their remote workforce. Based on 10+ years of experience, here’s our take on how to manage remote workers. Job Functions that Fit Remote Work Certain job functions provide a more natural fit for remote workers. In general, we have had greater success with client facing positions (sales, network engineers and project managers) than with back office employees (administrative, bookkeeping, HR) working…

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Tips for Transitioning to Remote Work

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Over a period of three weeks, most of the workforce in the United States found themselves transitioning to remote work. Fortunately, the trend toward digital transformation means that many businesses had already begun to adopt cloud-based tools and policies. However, this abrupt switch to fully-remote work has sent both employees and IT departments scrambling. Moving an entire workforce home virtually overnight brings unique challenges. Individual employees need to set up home offices, often sharing Wi-Fi with family members. Teams need to develop collaboration strategies over distance. And security personnel must work to protect networks and data in a dramatically broadened…

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Collaborate with Exceptional Security and Privacy Using Microsoft 365 for Remote Work

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Three years ago, Microsoft launched Teams, a powerful component of Office 365 (now Microsoft 365), ushering in the next phase of cloud-based collaboration. Now, with the majority of employees working from home, the service and providers that support Microsoft 365 prove more essential than ever. Organizations around the world depend on Microsoft 365 for remote work. They tap into its robust and secure options for online meetings and collaboration. Feature-Rich Video Conferencing Online meetings help to bridge the gap created by social distancing, bringing team members into a virtual conference room. Because much of communication depends on nonverbal cues, video…

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Cloud-based Security Solutions Deliver Powerful, Scalable Protection for SMBs

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The average small to medium business (SMB) has most likely migrated at least some essential data and operations to the cloud. At the same time, SMBs face increasingly strict privacy regulations, as well as a growing number of cyber attacks. And with a mobile, often remote, workforce, the environment demands reliable, cloud-based security solutions. As the security landscape grows more complex, many SMBs find that they lack the in-house expertise needed to keep data safe. And as they move more sensitive information to the cloud, protecting that data requires proactive solutions. Businesses need the ability to predict data breaches rather…

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Working Remotely, What You Need to Know

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The COVID-19 crisis – Working remotely to help These are trying times. First, know that that your health and safety is the highest priority. Second, we’re all in this together so cooperation and our best efforts are required. We appreciate the leadership of local, state and federal government officials and the dedicated healthcare professionals on the front lines. With a united effort, we can overcome the challenges ahead and return to conditions of health and prosperity. That said, we want you to know that with the coronavirus outbreak impacting populations worldwide, it looks like we’re in this for the long…

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Remote Collaboration: Connecting Teams When Circumstances Force Work-at-Home

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From winter blizzards to international travel advisories and global health concerns, sometimes powers beyond our control force remote solutions. When team members cannot gather in person, technology comes to the rescue. Now, more than ever, solutions such as Microsoft Teams prove essential in maintaining productivity through remote collaboration. Coronavirus Provides Preparedness Motivation Current global fears about coronavirus (COVID-19) have set stock markets reeling and prompted widespread panic. In the office, an employee with a persistent cough prompts worry among coworkers. Parents find themselves unexpectedly working at home when schools or daycares close. And employees cancel work trips to high risk…

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