Business Solutions & Software Group Blog

We're just about to roll into a weekend, which to a lot of employees (and hopefully some business owners) means a little bit of relaxation and freedom from the day-to-day grind of business - not that it's all THAT bad, but it's nice to step away for a while, right?

We know what it's like running a business. Sometimes you simply can't unplug, step away, and be free. There's just too much to worry about, and not enough time in the day. Business owners often sacrifice that little bit of freedom the weekend brings (when you should be spending time with family, recharging your batteries, and preparing for yet another Monday). We have a few ways to help you free up more time.

LinkedIn is not only useful for the unemployed, but is also a great tool for business owners to connect with one-another. In general, social media can be a wonderful tool to grow your business. But Facebook might be a bit too social for some to take seriously, and Twitter is really only great for short announcements due to their tweet character limit. LinkedIn remains as one of the more purely work-related social media outlets. By utilizing LinkedIn as a business tool, you can jumpstart the way your company communicates both internally and externally.

Do you have trouble keeping track of your budget and expenses within your company? It's not your fault - prices change over time, and paperwork can be tedious to go through. By taking advantage of Microsoft Excel's basic mathematical formulas, you can simplify the way that keep track of your business's budget.

Once in a while, a server must play its part in the ultimate task - moving all of its data to another server. This includes moving all of the files and applications on one server to another unit in a process called server migration.

Do you have pets at home? You might find it painful to leave them behind when you head to the office. You might find yourself wishing that you could bring them to your workplace with you. Well, why not? We're hearing about more companies that have implemented a pet policy that lets them bring their furry friends to the office with them.

For years, we have been watching the growing trend of mobile computing. All of us knew that one day mobile technology would overtake PC desktops, and 2014 looks to be the year when the scales finally and decisively tip in favor of mobile tech.

Two weeks ago, the National Communications Administration managed to weaken a set of malware designed to steal banking and personal credentials from unsuspecting users. They warned the world that GameOver Zeus and Cryptolocker ransomware would be back with a vengeance, and that immediate action could prevent a whole lot of pain later.

The issue of net neutrality is a hot topic in the United States, but not many people actually know what it is and how it affects their day-to-day routine. This is certainly an important topic that shouldn't be ignored, as it might very well affect all end users.

Artificial intelligence might not be a thing yet, but according to the results of a recent Turing test, it might very well be on its way toward becoming reality. A Russian team has put together a computer program named Eugene Goostman that may (or may not) be the first program to pass a Turing test.

Do you know what to get Dad this Father's Day to show him that you appreciate all that he's done for you? If he's a business owner, we have the perfect gift for him!

That's right - Business Solutions & Software Group's managed IT services! We don't mean buy them outright for him, but by suggesting our services to him, you can give him the greatest gift of all: peace of mind and a whole lot more cash in his pocket. Here are four good reasons to outsource Dad's IT services.

Despite what many people think, Microsoft Word is far from a normal word processor. Microsoft has thrown all sorts of nifty new toys in there for its consumers to enjoy, such as a built-in citation machine for all of your research needs. When writing a white paper, you want to use specific examples and you want to give others credit when it is due. That's the only professional way to do it.

With the coming of spring, many people are taking the opportunity to get rid of all of the stuff they don't need anymore. As time goes on, you accumulate all sorts of junk that you probably don't even know you have. Sometimes it's a good idea to go through it all and see if you really need it - especially for your business's in-house IT department.

Smartphones that have been running Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 mobile operating system have been manufactured for over a year and a half, and in that time, Android has wrestled the title of "most popular mobile OS" away from Apple's iOS. Windows Phone 8 devices currently sit third, making up just over 3% of all the world's mobile phones. Despite its place in the market, the world's largest software company will release the first major update to their Windows 8 Phone platform in the upcoming months, and early users are saying they're really hitting the mark.

Look out, users of Windows; the Greek god of thunder is angry, and he's sent the Zeus family of malware out into the world. The one in question, GameOver Zeus, is particularly nasty. Thankfully, the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Justice managed to find a way to disrupt it, but that doesn't mean that GameOver Zeus is out of the game - in two weeks, the threat will return with a vengeance.

Today's home has all sorts of conveniences when it comes to security and wireless devices, such as mobile-controlled security systems, temperature gauges, and light switches. These devices can also be connected to the Internet for ease of access. You think it's safe behind passwords, firewalls, and security applications, but you're wrong. Anything that's connected is at risk - even baby monitors.

The latest technology can provide your business with increased productivity. However, not everyone sees it that way. George R. R. Martin, one of the most well-known authors of our time, would disagree. He prefers to work in the ancient realm of 1970s word processing.

Technology grows more mobile with each passing day, but the need for technical support remains the same. But, sometimes you just can't get on-site support while you are traveling. What, then, would you do if you had an urgent need for IT support, especially if your provider doesn't offer remote support?

Doge, the Internet meme of a grammatically-challenged Shiba Inu dog that prefers comic sans, is so popular that it has its own online currency called Dogecoin. The fact that Dogecoin exists may be news to you, but it's also news that Dogecoin is temporarily stopping its service after its database (the Doge Vault) was hacked.

Lately, there's been a string of computer security issues making the news, like the vulnerability found within Internet Explorer, the Heartbleed bug, and the host of issues associated with the recently-expired Windows XP. Is it possible that the security patches issued by Microsoft are making the problem worse for users of older systems like Windows XP?

The other day, we introduced you to "the most connected human on Earth", Chris Dancy, and his story. Dancy had lost his job due to corporate downsizing, which in turn led the former IT manager to use his knowledge for the study of quantitative technologies and systems as part of a "quantitative life existence." In this second installment of our interview, Chris is going to explain how you too can lead a similar lifestyle.

Most tech-savvy people in this world will agree that if technology can provide the benefits it promises, it is worth giving a shot. However, these same people might feel uneasy about using technology to monitor so much of their personal lives. For Chris, it's about the differentiation between the "augmented self" that is displayed over the Internet, and your real-world self. Ultimately, the user has to lay down the fine line between shareable and non shareable, and it's up to you to determine what information you broadcast online and what you keep to yourself.

However, a person needs to be careful not to be too involved with their "augmented life". Rather, they should focus on finding balance between their online presence and their own earthly existence. Chris believes that taking advantage of as much technology as possible can ensure a successful future. Wired Magazine explains, "Dancy doesn't think that all tracking is necessarily positive, but he's fatalistic about the future. Even if workers reject more Orwellian surveillance from employers — or companies determine these measures to be counterproductive — individual workers will likely use self-tracking to gain a competitive edge."

How To Make Quantitative Technology Your Own
You might feel ready to get involved with quantitative technology, but you should carefully consider the benefits of it before doing so. There are so many types of technology that can be used to segue into a data-driven existence, and it might seem a bit overwhelming if you don't know what to look for. Chris offered Business Solutions & Software Group some advice for the average tech user wishing to adopt this new lifestyle.

• "Start at home. Put a nest thermostat in your house. Understand how the thermostat uses weather and behavior to self adjust. Watch it change as the climate changes. Watch it learn." With a smartphone-connected thermostat, you'll be able to adjust the temperature of your home from anywhere, and gather information at the same time. It's the perfect first step toward integrating more technology into your life.
• "Then get a fitbit. Wear it all the time, but only look at the data every two weeks. Then use that data and compare it to your schedule, see if you can find patterns." The fitbit, for Chris, has come with health benefits. Chris stated in an interview with FOX Business that he lost 100 pounds thanks to his lifestyle allowing him to track his health habits!
• "Stay off the 'news hype' 'tech fetish' cycle. There will always be something new and cool to talk about with peers and friends. Learn who you are and what you do. Work in 2020 is about awareness of information and how people will live a data-driven lifestyle."

With so much technology at his disposal, Chris is bound to have some favorites. We asked him the question, "If you had to limit yourself to five, which five would you choose?" In response, Chris selected a few of his favorites. So, if you are looking to quantify your life with lots of useful technology, these are a must.

1. A fitness tracker (anything on the market, like the Fitbit Flex)
2. Wireless scale (anything on the market, like the Fitbit Aria)
3. Automatic (a car sensor)
4. Cube Sensor (an environmental sensor)
5. Evernote

Outfit Your Business Plan For the Quantitative Revolution!
If you want your company to succeed in the near future, contact Business Solutions & Software Group. We can provide you with all of the skills you need to put your business at the head of the pack. We asked Mr. Dancy what his thoughts were about what to look for in an IT company when seeking to expand your technological horizons. Chris suggests that businesses ask about three specific technical topics when looking for a knowledgeable IT provider- "What is your time frame for 'location aware', 'proximity-based', and 'wearable' technology integration? If they can't answer at least one, change IT providers today."

• Location Aware - Devices that use technologies like GPS to deliver specific information based on your location.
• Proximity-Based Technology - A wide variety of devices that connect over WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC (Near Field Communication) connections to deliver analytics and information.
• Wearable Technology Integration - Devices like smart watches, Google Glass, and fitness trackers, that makes Internet-connected technology even more mobile.

Business Solutions & Software Group knows all about the latest tech trends. Don't let the technology revolution leave your business in the dust. Call us at (954) 575-3992 today, and we'll help you transform your business into "the most connected business on Earth!"

Learn more about Chris Dancy by checking out his website: http://www.chrisdancy.com/