by nsgadmin | Jun 13, 2014 | News and Updates
Business owners sometimes think of an IT disaster as they would any other. They figure the likelihood of an extended network failure is comparable to that of a lightning strike or shark attack.
Unfortunately, those are good metaphors for what can happen to a business without a proactive approach to business computer support. In addition to ongoing quality customer service, network support that is proactive versus reactive is crucial for keeping your IT systems operating optimally.
Why risk having your business knocked offline for an extended period of time? Imagine not having access to your systems and networks for a week or more. Our expert team at Network Services Group can attest – based on 25 years in the industry – that it’s just not worth the gamble.
- Research shows the average cost of downtime for small- to medium-sized businesses is $12,500 an hour.
- The average cost of downtime for larger enterprises is $212,100 an hour.
- The result: 80 percent of companies experiencing such a disaster without having an emergency plan go out of business within 18 months.
- Of businesses that lose data access for more than a week, 87 percent go out of business within a year.
Here are some benefits of proactive business computer support from professionals like NSG:
- Proactive system management integrates network monitoring software into a business network while developing a strategy for IT professionals to troubleshoot network and device issues.
- It allows business owners to maintain computers and networks at peak performance, with little effect on operations when issues do arise.
- NSG’s backup system keeps your data safe. Your server backs up hourly to a Network Attached Storage (NAS) in your office. Daily backups are copied redundantly on several servers at our data center.
- We also offer cloud-based server and exchange hosting, help desk support, and 24/7 emergency support.
NSG is founder of Network Data Services, a managed service provider to businesses throughout Arkansas. We deliver custom-tailored phone and data infrastructure solutions. Call us at 501-758-6058 or contact us here for all your IT needs.
by nsgadmin | May 23, 2014 | News and Updates
Modern business is more mobile than ever before. It’s commonplace for business owners and employees to take calls from clients on their laptops at the local coffee shop. Voicemail is read in email messages, and smartphones are linked to the company line.
All of this is done through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
VoIP office solutions have become very popular – and for good reason – although some business owners remain on the fence as to its reliability and quality. While glitches may have been common a decade ago, today’s VoIP products and services are leaps and bounds beyond traditional landline-based systems.
Especially with an IT partner like Network Services Group, it’s time to consider ditching your hardwired phone system. Here’s why:
- Hardware and software for VoIP has evolved. Service providers typically offer hardware that is internet protocol ready, a feature that greatly enhances voice quality. You can also connect your business phone to your smartphone, desktop, and laptop.
- VoIP for business can shave a substantial amount off your telecom budget. Prices have lowered significantly due to provider market saturation. NSG will compare and order the best solutions for you (for VoIP or traditional phone services), and often save you money by negotiating with carriers on your behalf.
- Productivity is very likely to increase due to new capabilities. For instance, VoIP systems can be configured to ring simultaneously on several devices. They can also be set to route incoming calls first to the business phone and then to a mobile device – so you can stay in touch in and out of the office. This feature renders a potential phone system failure practically obsolete.
- With a hosted or virtual pbx option, you don’t have to worry about dealing with the phone system. This option allows the vendor to troubleshoot issues, set up the system, and deal with any IT problems that may arise. A VoIP system offers advantages that greatly outweigh any disadvantages for your business.
NSG can help with any business phone system. Call us today at 501-758-6058, or contact us here for more information.
(Sources: score.org, pcworld.com, smallbusinessesdoitbetter.com, blog.voxox.com)
by nsgadmin | May 16, 2014 | News and Updates
With thousands of business clients counting on us every day to provide the best phone and data infrastructure tailored to their IT needs, it’s important for us to help customers understand our products and services.
As many rely on Microsoft enterprise solutions for their companies, Network Services Group stays well-informed of all of the latest features and updates. We want our customers to get the most from their Microsoft business network – period.
Here are just a few advantages of Windows 8 for businesses, including updated features in Windows 8.1. The update introduces new manageability, mobility, security, user experience, and networking capabilities.
Bring Your Own Device
- A new Workplace Join feature eliminates all-or-nothing domain access by allowing users to work on devices they choose while still accessing corporate resources. With this feature, IT can grant some access, but still enforce certain restrictions on devices.
- With Work Folders, employees now can keep local copies of work on their devices and for access from other devices, with automatic sync to your data center. Your IT professionals can enforce Dynamic Access Control policies on the Work Folder Sync Share.
Mobility
- Microsoft has added support for a broader range of its virtual private network (VPN) clients, including Windows and Windows RT devices. In addition, apps now can automatically prompt VPN connections.
- Broadband tethering is enhanced. By turning your Windows 8.1 mobile broadband-enabled PC or tablet into a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, you can allow other devices to connect for internet access.
Security
- More control over corporate information is achieved by marking it as corporate, encrypting, and then wiping it when the corporation-user relationship ends.
- Malware resistance is enhanced with Windows Defender, the free antivirus software in Windows 8. It now includes network behavior monitoring, which is designed to detect and stop the implementation of known and unknown malware.
For more on Microsoft enterprise solutions specific to your industry, click here.
Whatever your IT needs, our award-winning team can help you successfully build, deploy, and operate your most critical applications. Call us today at 501-758-6058, or contact us here.
by nsgadmin | Apr 24, 2014 | News and Updates
If you have the slightest inkling that it may be time to upgrade your business IT services, you’re probably right. Technology is evolving more rapidly than ever before, and it is crucial for companies to maintain the tools necessary for employees to work at peak performance.
The most important factor when planning an upgrade is determining what you need technology to do for your business. Then you can choose the solutions to help reach your goals. And Network Data Services, with its top-notch IT consulting services, is committed to making sure you meet and exceed those goals.
Regardless of how many options there are, some things remain constant.
- Hardware – Although sometimes we can integrate solutions into your IT plan that don’t require new hardware or limited hardware, this is an essential part of an effective technology plan. Desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, printers – the list goes on and on – provide the proper tools to save time and work more efficiently. Hardware should be easy to use and rugged enough to withstand your working environment.
- Software – The growth in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products online has given small businesses access to powerful software at lower prices. From hosted email to accounting software delivered over the Internet, SaaS is flexible and growing, and can be a good companion to traditional software. When selecting software, consider ongoing fees and upgrades, read reviews, and talk to other business owners.
- Marketing – The use of IT in marketing is bigger than ever before, particularly among social media outlets. Businesses can email newsletters, take advantage of mobile marketing, and maintain websites that provide a global reach. It is important to set your marketing goals, and find the appropriate technology to support them.
- Upgrading – When IT begins to negatively affect productivity, it’s time. Consider an upgrade cycle, perhaps every two to four years, due to ever-improving software and tools. Technology should allow you to use the best solutions for the job.
Call us today at 501-758-6058 to discuss a custom solution for your business, or contact us here.
by nsgadmin | Apr 16, 2014 | News and Updates
As Little Rock’s leading provider of computer network solutions, Network Data Services is dedicated to staying ahead of the latest technology trends. Because our team has extensive knowledge of current approaches to networking services, we can guarantee our clients the best IT experience possible for their businesses.
This year’s Interop conference recently was held in Las Vegas. It is an exclusive networking event for professionals to examine the industry and the direction IT is heading in the future.
There was much discussion concerning many issues. But we’ve narrowed it down to three topics that seemed to create a common theme, in terms of what consumers can expect in 2014.
- A mobile workforce is no longer an idea – it’s a reality. Your company’s IT team should be focused on embracing this mobility. One mistake to avoid, however, is dictating the technology workers can use. Instead, experts suggest offering employees choices in technology approved for work.
- The cloud is rapidly emerging as the dominant model for delivering services. The movement was spurred by the Software as a service (SaaS) market, which allows companies to use applications and software through a web browser. Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is predicted as the next major cloud adoption, allowing businesses to outsource their compute processing and storage needs. Platform as a service (PaaS) is a method of building and running applications in the cloud.
- Industry experts say data centers will continue to be necessary, but there is an enormous demand for distributing processing on a global basis. In a cloud-based environment, the network must be able to evolve and handle the load from a world of connected devices. One technology for accomplishing this, which was spoken of at great length, is through a relatively new networking model called software-defined networking (SDN). More companies are developing SDN products, but it remains a fragmented market.
We provide computer network solutions that are best suited to your business, offering custom solutions for all your IT needs. Call us at 501-791-7902, or click here for more information.
(Sources: networkworld.com, itbusinessedge.com, abiresearch.com, computer.org, baselinemag.com)
