Benefits of Data Backup for Small Businesses

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Data Backup

If you’re a small business, you’re operating on a thin margin against larger companies. Delays and losses in information are especially costly as you try to establish a trustworthy, notable brand, and having a network crash is even worse if you’re the CEO, the sales manager, and the reigning IT expert. Bringing in a third-party service that can store and manage your data backup for you is one of the best ways you can both protect and grow your business. Here’s how:

Cloud storage can grow with your business.

Increasing your client base is one of the primary goals of any small business, and one of the best ways to do that is to have secure, bug-free data files for your customers’ records and contact information. Local storage is a risky way to run your business, and there’s a finite amount of space you can secure. Use a storage system that scales with your business instead.

Cloud storage keeps your business mobile.

Renting an office building might not be part of your business plan; if you, your employees, and your partners are all on the go, then secure, cloud-based storage means everyone can work from anywhere without the risk of someone stealing or tampering with your data.

Fixed costs save you money in the long term.

When you’re making forecasts and setting milestones for your business’s growth, having variable costs and trying to anticipate unexpected hardware failures can make your finances uncertain. Organize your books at a low fixed cost so you can focus on revenue instead of expenses.

One of the most important assets any small business has is the unique accumulation of clients and client information. Keeping your data safe and able to grow with Bluwater Technologies data backup plans is the best way to keep that asset safe. Get started here.

Minimize Cloud Migration Failure

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Minimize Cloud Migration Failure

The process of moving a small to medium-sized business to the cloud is unique for every organization.  However, there are some time-tested principles companies can embrace in order to minimize cloud migration failure and resolve issues as quickly as possible.  Companies who are flexible enough to bend or expect the unexpected typically are more successful in their migration to the cloud than those who have an inflexible “win/lose” outlook.

Resist the Desire to Micro-Manage

Those responsible for your technology solutions should have already been scrutinized for their expertise.  Trust the hiring decision you made in the first place and let them manage the project.  There is nothing wrong with a final meeting to review the process, but your technology provider should not need much more than a sign-off signature from you.

Be Proactive

Your tech team should have a comprehensive, organized plan to address potential problems before they happen.  They are experts at brainstorming for “what if” scenarios and how to address them should they occur, and that is why you hired them.

Adaptation is Key, not Blame

Some companies focus on finding someone to blame when something invariably goes wrong in the plan. Rather than focusing on finding solutions.  Don’t be that company.  Instead, focus on creating the kind of environment where value is placed on creative problem resolution rather than pointing fingers.  Users want access to their technology resources as quickly as possible, not gossip about who made a mistake.

Want to learn more about how to ensure a successful cloud migration process?  Contact us.

Top 5 Reasons to Try Office 365

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Originally launched October 2, 2015, Office 365 is Microsoft’s line of subscription-based Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, and Access. If you’re still on the fence about signing up, keep reading to learn the top 5 reasons why you should try it.

Try Office 365

#1) Powered by the Cloud

Unlike the traditional “desktop” version, Office 365 is powered by the cloud. This means you can access your account, as well as your associated documents and files, from any Internet-connected computer. And if you happen to lose your main computer, you can rest assured knowing that your files and documents are safely stored on the cloud.

#2) Collaboration

Office 365 features an app called Planner, which allows multiple individuals to collaborate on the same document. For instance, you and other members of your team can edit the same document, with changes happening in real-time (e.g. you don’t have to refresh the document).

#3) Subscription Cost

It’s also worth noting that many small businesses will save money by choosing Office 365. Being that it’s a subscription-based service, you’ll pay a small amount each month instead of one large payment.

For pricing details, check out the official Office 365 website here.

#4) Room to Grow

Users of the desktop version of Microsoft Office often complain about the software’s inability to scale as their business grows. The new software solves this conundrum by allowing users to easily add new services, features, storage space, and more.

#5) Use on Mobile Devices

While Microsoft Office on Android and iOS supports basic editing and document creation free for personal use, you’ll need an Office 365 subscription to use the mobile app for business purposes. Furthermore, the subscription allows you to use the mobile app on screens larger than 10.1 inches.

To learn more about the software and how to get started, contact us today.

How Can Cloud Computing Help Your Business Thrive

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How Can Cloud Computing Help Your Business

How can cloud computing help your business?

In the workplace, flash drives are one of the best ways to store your data. Not only are they portable, but you can carry them with you wherever you go. There are some downsides, though. Due to their size, it’s very easy for them to get misplaced, and even stolen by others in the workplace. Fortunately, though, this is where cloud computing comes into play. One of the best ways to store your data, how can it help you and your business, especially when it comes to protecting your data? Here’s what’s important to take into consideration.

How Can Cloud Computing Help Your Business

One of the biggest advantages of cloud computing is that it makes your data virtual. By storing your information over the Internet instead of your computer’s hard drive, it’s protected from just about any disaster in the workplace.

  • Whether it’s a generic computer virus or even a hurricane, your info is still accessible from any device with Internet connection and is practically untouchable.
  • Another benefit of cloud computing is that you can access your data from anywhere. No longer are you limited to your cramped office space. You can even access your files directly from your smartphone.
  • Not only does cloud computing protect you from virtually any threat in the workplace, but by being able to access your data from anywhere, you’re taking the business with you wherever you go.

For more information how the cloud can help your business, feel free to contact us today at Bluwater Technologies. We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you in the best way possible.

Cloud Computing Services: How Much Should You Rely On The Cloud?

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Cloud Computing Services

With the use of cloud computing services on the rise, businesses face numerous, often complex choices about which services to rely on currently or plan for in the future.

A recent article from Tech.Co discusses three ways for businesses to manage their cloud computing decisions and make a successful transition to using different services.

One of the points they emphasize is that businesses have to figure out in advance how much they want to use the cloud, versus relying more on local storage and on-site solutions.

The answers aren’t always straightforward. It depends on a number of factors, including the following:

  • Your business’ current needs. Maybe what could really benefit your company now is relying more on different Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, for example. Some areas of your business, such as accounting or marketing, may be best served by a transition to the cloud. You also have to keep in mind what’s cost-effective for you and fits your budget.
  • The foundation you establish for future changes. Certain decisions you make now will allow you to adopt new computing solutions in the future. You will have already laid the groundwork for them.
  • The best way for you to make changes to your IT set-up. For example, some businesses may want to rely on a hybrid mix of cloud-based and on-site solutions. While others may want to move to the cloud for the most part. The rate at which businesses transition to different cloud services, and the way they prioritize which services to adopt, will depend on their particular needs.

If these decisions seem complex, fortunately, you don’t have to deal with them on your own. Please contact us for more information about how we can help you adopt the best cloud computing services for your company.