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Dropbox and Microsoft Partnership

Dropbox and Microsoft Partnership

Microsoft and Dropbox have announced a partnership today that will help it integrate Dropbox into Office. This partnership will benefit Dropbox users who use Office across multiple devices.  Microsoft Office productivity suite is to become the standard on how to edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files stored in Dropbox.  As for the iPad users, Office for iPad will benefit with an update coming that will allow Dropbox users to link their account directly to the Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

 

Dropbox users have been requesting additional features including integration with Microsoft Office productivity suite.  The confusing part is that Microsoft has its own service OneDrive.  Dropbox will appear alongside OneDrive in the Office for iPad apps therefore allowing users to managed data directly.

Dropbox is be adding options to its own mobile apps to push its users over to Microsoft Office to edit documents.  Microsoft’s Office for iPad require an Microsoft 365 subscription to edit documents. Microsoft will also be adding the ability to share Dropbox files from within its Office apps.

So how does Dropbox and Microsoft Partnership changes things?

Dropbox is planning to support Office online including editing of documents.  Documents will be managed through Office Online and the documents will be stored in Dropbox.  According to Dropbox, there are over 35 billion Office documents stored on Dropbox so there is a huge market.

Is Dropbox and Microsoft Partnership changing the market?

Competition is fierce and it is no surprise that Microsoft is facing more competition daily.  Dropbox will benefit from this partnership it is integrating instead of creating from scratch. Another value bonus for Microsoft is that Dropbox is committed to building a Windows Phone version of its app.

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

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Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 8 coming to an end!

Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Windows 8 will no longer be sold in a retail pack.  This is the first step of Microsoft moving forward with Windows 10 waiting in the wings.

This is nothing new as Microsoft already announced this date a while ago.  Sales for Windows 7 and Windows 8 are up as people are stilling slowly retiring Windows XP even thou it is a huge security risk.

Microsoft is still planning on launching Windows 10 in late 2015.  As of October 31st, Windows 8 as well as Windows 7 will no longer be available to consumers.  This change applies to stores and pre-loaded PCs and laptops however this will take some time as PC makers have large stocks of Windows 7 and 8.

Like others, Windows 7 has a lifecycle.

The lifecycle begins when a product is released and ends when it’s no longer supported. Here are some key dates in Microsoft’s lifecycle which will keep you informed on how to make proper decisions about when to upgrade.

End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance.  For more information go to Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Windows 7 Professional will remain, and those who wish to run it will be able to “downgrade” from Windows 8.1.  Windows 7 has been more successful that its successor Windows 8.  Interestingly, over 53% per cent of Windows users are using Windows 7 while Windows 8 only has 6% of the market.

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

 

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Why CFOs Embrace Managed IT Services

 

Many CFOs see IT as a cost center however they also understand that by investing into the latest technology that they will be able to cut your infrastructure costs whiling investing into innovation.

Over the past several years, many CFOs have been turning to Managed IT Services providers to help control costs while investing into their IT infrastructure.

So why are CFOs choosing Managed IT Services providers (MSPs) as long term partners?

CFOs always calculate the costs.  They run detailed comparisons of in-house IT costs vs. outsourced IT costs. The run comparisons based on inflation and anticipated growth.  CFO have objectives to meet so they always look at the entire financial picture.

CFOs always evaluate risk. They will look at if outsourcing works for business goals and what are the risks.  Good news is that Managed IT Services providers (MSPs) carry liability insurance therefore there is a layer of protection and peace of mind.  Other key issues on why CFOs choose long-term IT consultants include that the company is meeting compliance and addressing security risks therefore avoiding potential penalties.

CFOs measure success. Managed IT Services providers (MSPs) uses metrics to evaluate the impact they have had on the business and how they will handle future business goals.

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

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When Should You Fire Your IT Support Services

 

The definition of IT support services has expanded over the last 10 years.  From simple tech support issues, IT support services has expanded to include strategic IT direction and planning that align with business goals.

As a leading Managed IT Services company, we have seen many companies relying on outdated knowledge when it comes to their IT support services.  From our experience, many companies are now showing many legacy issues as their current IT support is taking a status quo stance or simply using outdated technical knowledge to direct the companies IT infrastructure.

We have complied a list of what warning signs when evaluating your current IT support services.

  1. Your IT support services is reactive.

Reactive maintenance is one of the biggest indicators of the wrong approach.  Reactive patching does not solve issues, it technically applies a band aid solution.  Your IT support should proactively be working towards maintaining new software, workstations and servers rather than constantly fixing issues.

Proactive IT management is always a better than simply breaking things when they break.

  1. Your IT support services outdated

Outdated. Simple. Your IT support services has not kept up with the most recent technology.  Can your IT support services remotely support your corporate users?  No?  Using the latest technology, your IT support services can handle all employees around the world.  Your IT support services should not be restricted by geographic boundaries therefore increasing employee productivity.

  1. Your IT support services is slow to respond

Remember, due to technology, your IT support services should respond quickly to all IT support issues.  If your current IT support services is taking hours or days to respond, they are unfortunately not taking a proactive approach to your IT infrastructure.  Remember, downtime and slow response cost your company money.  Have you have sent several emails or waiting for your IT support services to return your calls?  If you have answered “Yes”, it is time to re-evaluate your current IT support services.

  1. Your IT support services offers bad customer service

Does your current IT support services have a revolving door with frequent staff changes or they give you the impression that you are bothering them or they sound annoyed when calling? Yes well you might have the wrong IT support services team?   Working with the right IT support services team is a business partnership.  They should have the same goal as you, business uptime!  A modern and good IT support services team is constantly striving to increase the knowledge of staff members and always upgrading your systems in a proactive manner.

  1. Your IT support services team fails on multiple levels

Simple rule in IT support services is that you should have everything backed up on your servers however many companies have a local backup systems however it is not functional.  They also have no offsite backups therefore there is no disaster recovery to their business.

Another simple rule is business class firewall with security services and corporate anti-virus.  If your network is getting hit by viruses, malware, spyware and all the other goodies, this is a clear example that your current IT support services is failing to protect your network.

 

We are just scratching the surface as we can go on as there are many warning signs of poor IT support services.  If there truly is a concern or one of these points made you think, you should definitely seek a second opinion and always keep in mind if your business needs are being met.

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

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Outsourcing Increasing Business Competitiveness

The IT outsourcing market is growing and companies are benefiting.  Companies are facing ever changing regulatory laws and many other factors with the business environment.

IT consulting firms are expanding their services including Managed IT Services and IT Support Services in order the address the increase shift from business-to-business industry.  The majority of the IT outsourcing contracts signed are related to addressing legacy systems and increasing compliance.

Technology is leveling the playing field for all businesses.  Now business owner have two options:

  1. Embrace outsourcing business functions including IT and grow your business
  2. Let competitors embrace outsourcing and outgrow your business.

So which outsourcing side are you on?

Here are some common reason why business have a misperception about outsourcing certain functions.

  • Outsourcing is less risky than hiring people.

By outsourcing IT, you have now reduced your risk and lower your overall operating expenses.  Now you are working with Managed IT Services providers (MSP) that have specific talents on staff instead of hiring a generalist full-time.  You also get access to a full team of enterprise class talent for the same price as an internal generalist.

  • Access to high quality talent.

Business spend too much time trying to find the right talent.  This is especially true for major markets including Toronto.  The cost of high quality talent in these markets can be pricey.  Some businesses consider offshoring their IT for a lower cost however there are two issues.

The first is your will accessing talent outside of the country so they may not have industry specific talent or geographic experience.  The second is that your data will be outside the country and fall under the law of where it is stored do once your data is stored outside Canada, Canadian law is no longer relevant.

Outsourcing IT covers many areas including Managed IT Services and IT Support Services no matter what size or business you are part of and the reality now is how to expand the budgets and stay competitive.

So how will you capitalize on this outsourcing opportunity?

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

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Canadian Armed Forces, Thank you from 365 iT SOLUTIONS!

The entire team at 365 iT SOLUTIONS would like to thank all members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

We are thankful to the Canadian Armed Forces for their selfless defence of our country and their tireless efforts to uphold the values of peace and democracy upon which this great nation was founded.

You service Canada proudly in many capacities at home and throughout the world, and we thank you.

The Canadian Armed Forces consists of sea, land, and air elements referred to as the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force. Personnel may belong to either the Regular Force or the Reserve Force.  Under the National Defence Act, the Canadian Armed Forces are an entity separate and distinct from the Department of National Defence which also exists as the civilian support system for the Forces.

How can you support Canadian Armed Forces members?

Please visit Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) and discover how you can support them.

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PowerPoint security flaw put Windows at risk

 

Microsoft has released a temporary fix for a new zero-day flaw via PowerPoint that affects nearly all versions of Windows.

The most recent flaw affects all Windows releases except Windows Server 2003.  This exploit can happen if a user opens a malicious Office file containing an OLE (object linking and embedding) object.  A hacker would gain the same rights as the user and could put other programs on to the infected computer.

The fix which is called OLE packager shim workaround by Microsoft is for 32- and 64-bit versions of PowerPoint 2007, 2010 and 2013.

Microsoft stated that attacks could take place in many ways but here are two possible examples.  It can happen via email with the attacker sending a malicious file or a second example can happen by luring a person to a compromised website containing “specially crafted content.”

The User Account Control feature in Windows will display a consent prompt during an attack depending on the privileges of the user before the malicious file is run.

Earlier this month, on Patch Tuesday, Microsoft released eight security bulletins, which fixed three zero-day vulnerabilities at the same time, a rare occurrence.

So how do you fix this PowerPoint issue?

You can use Microsoft’s fix-it option for now until Microsoft releases an official patch which will affect personal computers and business systems.  Check out Microsoft’s security advisory regarding on this vulnerability in Microsoft OLE could allow remote code execution.  This is Microsoft’s technical bulletin addressing the full details of the PowerPoint security flaw.  All details on how to fix it are located here also. Click here to view.

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

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Managed IT Services helping with Complex IT

 

Technology is expanding at a rapid rate and moving in all directions however companies are being left behind.

Businesses are becoming more competitive and lean thanks to technology.  Many businesses are turning to Managed IT Services providers (MSPs) to handle these new complex IT networks however some businesses do not want to use Managed IT Services providers (MSPs) as they are afraid to give up control.  This fear is actually limiting these companies including competitiveness, productivity and growth.

As IT complexity increases within organizations, many businesses want full control of their servers and the rest of the network.  What businesses fail to realize is that complete control requires a lot of time, effort and money that could be spent in other areas including growing the business.   Today’s successful companies turn to Managed IT Services providers (MSP) to alleviate the responsibility of the network and allow them to run their business.

So why do some businesses refuse to hand off control to Managed IT Services providers (MSPs)?

Companies need to change their mindset when it comes to their business and IT infrastructure.   When it comes to internal IT departments, they are focusing on the daily tech support and IT infrastructure maintenance instead of working on projects to make the company more competitive.  These departments should be focusing on what is good for business and how to use technology to make it more competitive and increase productivity.  For companies without IT departments, the DIY (Do It Yourself) model does not make sense as you are use your precious time to handle your IT instead of running your business including growth.

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

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What are the best tools to remove malware?

 

It is not new news or shocking but as threats continue to grow.  How do you protect yourself from all these threats including malware?  We have published great articles including “How to Strengthen and Secure Your Passwords” however in this article we will address how to remove malware and what are the best tools to it.

Malware is defined as a short for malicious software used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information and/or gain access.  End result, your information is at risk!

Now if you are using a Managed IT Services provider (MSP) such as 365 iT SOLUTIONS, you do not have to worry as our IT Support Services has you covered as we use industry leading comprehensive remote monitoring and management system (RMM) which includes centrally controlled corporate anti-virus and malware.

So what are the best anti-malware tools?

If you do not have tech support services, we have put together a list of the best tools to protect and clean malware from your systems.

In a recent test, they tested over 22 products against over 600 live threats including drive-by downloads, malicious URLs, infected email attachments and some other threats.  So how did everyone rate?

100%   –           Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security but show five false positives results.

99.5% –           Qihoo 360 Internet Security and no false positives results

99.5%  –           Panda Cloud Free Antivirus but show six false positives results.

99.3%  –           Kaspersky and no false positives.

99.2%  –           Avira and no false positives results.

99.2%  –           BitDefender and no false positives results.

98.7%  –           ESET came next with 98.7 percent and one false positive.

So if you are choosing an internet security suite to protect your system and data, you must remember that there is no perfect product out there however a good internet security suite followed by some good safe online usage rules and you will be protected.

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

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Microsoft releases critical patches including Sandworm fix

 

Microsoft has released critical patches including an important fix for the sandworm gang.

The recent Microsoft release includes three critical and five important patches will that address 24 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures in Windows operating system, Office suite, .NET Framework, .ASP.NET and Internet Explorer.

Microsoft as well as IT consultants recommend that you apply all of these updates immediately in order to protect your systems.  For large scale IT environments, it is recommended that your have your IT Tech Support department or Managed IT Services provider (MSP) focus on the Critical updates first.

One of the patches addresses an issue that will allow remote code execution on all shipping versions of Windows including the Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2012.

The fix for the flaw being exploited by the Sandworm gang is MS14-060. This vulnerability has been actively targeted in the wild and may lead to malicious programs being executed on victim machines. Using the setting to ‘Always Prompt’ helps mitigate the impact of this vulnerability.

How do you apply the Microsoft patches?

Microsoft recommends that you apply the update immediately using the Microsoft Update service.   The updates are also available via the download links in the Affected Software table later in this bulletin.

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com