1. Flexible working hours from anywhere and from any device

Office 365 migration permits your employees to access the company files away from the office without having to set up the VPNs, and it saves time and hassle. If you move to the cloud your employees can work from any place if they have access to an internet connection. It is terrific for progressive companies permitting their employees flexible working hours for better productivity. Because your files are centrally located in a data center owned by Microsoft there is a single data source available. If you make any changes to a document from home your colleagues in the office will get to see them. The days of emailing the new versions of data by using excel documents are gone.

2. Business data is secure

There are several security features associated with MS Office 365 that will make sure that the business remains secure in the Cloud. The applications of Office 365 can be accessed via TLS/SSL encryption. This ensures that if the files and communications are intercepted with malicious intent by someone, he will not be able to read them. MS continuously monitors their systems by performing regular security audits and they are constantly on the lookout for suspicious activities. They have a strong incident response protocol in operation. Other security benefits with Office 365 migration include,

· Updated antivirus signatures.

· Email protection from anti-virus software and anti-spam and malware filtering.

· Computing security measures trusted by MS.

3. Instantaneous upgrades and access available to the new features

As mentioned earlier MS is committed to making sure that your business is secure with the Cloud. Instantaneous updates are provided for all Office 365 solutions. You may avoid the need to go through the continuous cycle of having to update the business software manually. Be assured that the network is not susceptible to people looking to exploit older versions. You will also have access to the new features whenever they are launched permitting your employees the use of newer technologies for improving their productivity.

4. Greater mailbox storage

All businesses have a mailbox storage capability. No matter what the nature of the email is, the message remains in the inbox even in case it is spam and can be easily deleted. This may result in issues for the in-house servers and they can have their storage filled with old files that are not required for the present functionality of their business. If you can perform Office 365 migration it provides your employees the opportunity to maintain their files and emails safely within the cloud. Office 365 has a massive storage capability. It is also possible to automate the whole back-up process so that there is no need to spend time on it for manual working.

Many options become available with the Office 365 migration. You can also find the MS Office 365 partners providing advice on the situation you are facing. If you live in Clearwater, FL area you can get in touch with IB Systems USA for further advice about Office 365 migration.

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Specifically, we’re talking about an act dictating everything regarding how the website should look and function, not to mention that those who visit the website need clear and exact information. Also, it’s important to offer additional website security features, so visitors won’t be at risk of having their information exposed.

Therefore, the idea is simple: in order to remain HIPAA compliant, a website needs to follow specific requirements.

Install an SSL Certificate

Probably one of the most important steps you should take in the HIPAA compliance process is to have an SSL certificate for your website.

Technically speaking, this will show visitors that the website is fully secure and no data passing through it, like usernames, passwords, and any other sensitive information is encrypted and unreadable by and third parties. Simple as that. Oh, and it will turn the “http” in your address into “https”.

Remove clients information

There are situations where clients may require to have their information permanently removed from your website. And you need to be able to do this at any time.

Yes, you can keep and maintain the information after the visitor provides it, but in case of them leaving for another service provider, everything, including backed-up information, must be erased.

Encrypt everything

It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about information entered and submitted into your website or files, stored both locally and using a cloud service. Everything must be encrypted, no matter how many backups you’re using, in order to have a HIPAA compliant website.

Medical records need special attention, as once inputted and submitted to your site, you need to make sure they are protected since you are operating with very sensitive information.

Backup all the data

It is essential to back up all your clients’ information. Also, any kind of data collected by your website needs to be backed up as well, no matter if you’re relying on local backups or a safe and secure cloud solution.

Sign privacy agreements with employees

Most likely, the information stored on the website will be accessed by your employees, as part of their daily activities. However, to maintain the HIPAA compliant status, they must be authorized to do so.

It is your responsibility to inform employees about the need for signing a privacy agreement before giving them any levels of clearance or access to the information you store.

…as well as with business associates

There’s a high chance that you already have multiple business associates and work with third-party vendors. If they need to access the information stored on your website, they first need to sign a HIPAA Business Associate agreement.

This will keep your visitors’ information safe and, of course, maintain the website’s compliance with the HIPAA rules and regulations.

Of course, the list could go on, as there are multiple regulations a website should follow to remain. However, the ones presented above are clearly among the most important and the first you should consider following.

With over 20 years of experience, we, at IB Systems, approach any project with the determination to provide excellent results. Schedule a call today and our team will present you complete website development solutions, according to the HIPAA ruleset.

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Windows, as we all know, was developed by a software giant, while Linux was made by a couple of programming enthusiasts from all over the world, initially in their spare time. However, we all know what happened and both names became iconic, while the rivalry was growing with each day.

But now it seems closer to an end.

Microsoft decided that it’s time to treat its operating system nemesis differently. After offering support for Linux on Azure, it also started releasing software for Google’s Android, as well as Linux, not to mention using its rival OS to power its cloud service.

Now, thanks to the new Windows Subsystem for Linux, one of the most recent features, Linux fans can run apps in Windows. Yes, you got that right!

To be more specific, WSL can translate commands created for the Linux Kernel – otherwise known as one of the main parts of the operating system, responsible with talking to hardware – into commands made for Windows’ very own kernel. And that’s not everything, as Microsoft wants to integrate Linux kernel directly into WSL, thus launching a new variant of the software, as a preview, initially, this June.

Of course, there’s one thing we need to make clear: there’s no way the company founder by Bill Gates is replacing the Windows kernel, as the idea is different. Specifically, the Linux kernel is supposed to work as a virtual machine, one of the common ways of using an operating system within another operating system. And this means that if you want to use the Linux kernel you need to install WSL.

Sure, this is one weird idea, but for programmers, it makes perfect sense, especially for those involved in web development.

Linux is by far one of the most widely-used OS for running web servers, but when it comes to corporations, Windows is the leader. Considering this, facilitating Linux code to run on Windows is excellent news for any dev who needs a Windows machine to write code supposed to run on a Linux server.

This decision doesn’t come as a surprise, as Microsoft talked a lot about openness at this year’s Build developer conference, as they are trying to position themselves as leaders from this point of view, especially when compared to other tech giants, like Google or Apple.

Looking forward to trying this solution within your company but just don’t have the time? The experienced team at IB Systems is here to help. With a background of over 20 years, a period during which they worked with both Windows and Linux, our developers are willing to take any challenge, as web dev on virtual machines has no secrets at all!

The post End Of An Era – The Linux Kernel Comes To The Heart Of Windows appeared first on IB Systems USA.

Lately, a lot of organizations are talking about the possibility of making a big step in terms of software an upgrade to Microsoft Office 365, the latest version of the giant’s editing pack. However, a lot of people are scared of change and just the idea of switching from what they have been using for years to something new scares them. But it this case, change can be incredibly good!

The new and improved Office 365 comes with a ton of great features, so we believe that anybody who’s still holding back should be aware of them, in order to stop missing out and press that “upgrade” button already.

Without much further ado, these are five of the most important reasons why you should step up your Office game!

Having everything in one place

Just imagine: a text editor, a spreadsheet manager, a presentation wizard, as well as an email client, alongside a lot of extras, like cloud storage, and many more, under one big umbrella. This is exactly what you’re getting when making the switch to Microsoft Office 365, resulting in seamless user experience.

But this is not everything, as all apps were designed to allow real-time collaboration, which is pretty much the biggest advantage of the upgrade. At least for us!

It’s ready to use in a few minutes

Moving on, we definitely shouldn’t forget about installing the latest Office version locally or even running an online version of any or all the available apps. To achieve this, you need the Active Directory credentials and voila!, you can access your email, contacts, calendar, or if needed, create or edit new documents online.

Microsoft Office 365 has a quick installation process, as everything you need to do is head over to Office.com, look for “Install Office Apps” and select your version. In our case, 365. In a matter of seconds, you will get instant access to everything the package contains. Seriously, it’s that easy.

Automatic updates

Forget about the old-fashioned way of updating Office, when you had to install the latest version on each machine in your organization or push it out using management tools like Group Policy, for example.

Dead and gone are these with Office 365, as all updates are downloaded and installed automatically. Just like it’s done on Windows. As a bonus, the system admin can set up all users through a standard or targeted release, depending on the internal policies!

Probably the best support available

Another thing we really like about the latest Office, even though we don’t like using it, but that’s another story, is their stellar support. Everything is managed within the Admin Center, the place where you can send all your requests, directly to Microsoft.

Additionally, users can be added and removed through the Admin Center, the same place where security settings are managed and user reports and stats are checked.

World-class security

Last – but not least – we should take a few moments and remind everybody that Office 365 is 100% safe and secure. After all, it’s backed by a tech giant, right?

Besides spam and malware filtering, the update comes with extra layers of security, preventing data loss, offering multi-factor authentication, as well as advanced protection against threats. Oh, and it’s hosted in the cloud, through Microsoft’s Azure, so the technical staff within your company should worry about any data center maintenance.

Sounds good, we know. If you’re looking forward to proceeding with the update but the lack of time or proper technical knowledge is an issue, the team at IB Systems is the one to call. With over 20 years of experience, they can put your team up to date, allowing them to enjoy the full range of Office 365 features in no time.

The post This Is Why Upgrading To Microsoft Office 365 Is A Must appeared first on IB Systems USA.

After making Office free for both main mobile operating platforms, Android and iOS, Microsoft announced a completely new open source framework: .NET Core.

Generally speaking .NET Core can be considered a modular, cross-platform, open-source framework for developers, integrating the latest web apps, but also microservices and console applications.

But still, what are the main advantages of using Microsoft’s new framework? Let’s find out together…

Development, testing, and deployment, in an instant

It’s not a secret that making the first steps in web development with ASP.NET is seriously time-consuming. Still, ever since the release of .NET Core – otherwise an open source solution – developers became aware of the fact that the new framework’s possibilities, but also the fact that it can be used with various text editors, including the likes of Sublime Text, Atom, or Visual Studio Code.

Another aspect that we really like is the “Save & Refresh” approach. Basically, this makes it very easy to see the code change effects, but without any deployment at all. Simply write your code, save the work and refresh your browser in order to see what you’ve done.

Finally, .NET Core includes a built-in memory database, which turned out to be an incredibly useful one, especially when it comes to unit testing, but also testing automation practices.

It’s friendly with other platforms

Moving on, Microsoft’s framework makes all the compatibility problems faced by developers forgotten. Considering that all .NET Core framework-based apps are all standalone, they already have the runtime setting. Technically, this means that they don’t depend on the operating system you’re using.

Basically, you can set up apps to run on, let’s say, Windows, in the same way, they run on MacOS or Linux. How cool is that?

And as a side note, the framework is compatible with several database engine platforms, from which we remind SQL Server, MySQL – of course -, My Car, Oracle, MS Access, and many more.

It has everything you need to create cloud apps

Another advantage of .NET Core that’s really worth mentioning is that it’s designed – not especially for this, but it does an excellent job at it – for building high-performance cloud apps.

The framework comes with all the tools you need, as well as the templates needed by developers in order to put together their cloud apps in no time.

So, are you going to give it a try?

IB Systems can assist you with using .NET Core, thanks to its team of skilled developers. Whether you’re after complete software solutions or consultancy, here you can find all the information you need about Microsoft’s framework, as well as many more programming languages, databases and platforms.

The post The Advantages Of Using Microsoft’s .NET Core appeared first on IB Systems USA.

A lot of time passed since then and Microsoft’s solution is still alive and kickin’! In fact, one of them, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, remains one of the best solutions for storing personal contact information, but also home inventory, financial records, and many others.

If you’re still sceptical about doing it yourself, let’s take a look at the superpowers Microsoft’s solution has and why it’s actually worth using it.

A totally streamlined installation

Keeping it short, the server can be installed with ease, using a setup wizard. The latter is able to auto-detect downloads and installs, but also all the prerequisite updates it needs. Therefore, the installation process is not complex at all, so anybody can do it. Simple as that.

As for the individual components which can be installed, like Database Services, Analysis Services, or Integration Services, you can also install them, but separately. Finally, in terms of security, the patches are installed automatically, in order to reduce the costs of maintenance.

Increased security

Speaking about keeping your data safe, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 includes strong authentication features, as well as access protection, which are a few big pluses. Also, the password management features were also improved, in order to allow users to use stronger passwords and, of course, avoid changing them very often.

A feature worth mentioning is the fact that only authorized users can access the database, due to the integration of Policy-Based Management, able to decent any non-compliant security policy.

Performance at all costs

Microsoft built the latest version of their server solution with one thing in mind: making it as performant as possible. Therefore, it features transparent data compression, but also built-in encryption. Also, it comes with efficient access control, while offering an overall improved performance, when it comes to data collection. As a bonus, it integrates nicely with the Microsoft Office suite.

Even though Microsoft SQL Server 2008 is able to deal with ridiculously big databases, with sizes of up to 524 terabytes, thanks to its ability to compress data, the size of the final database can be reduced a lot!

Bonus features, no extra costs

When you’re installing SQL Server 2008, you’re getting a few really nice bonuses, like data management, disk partitioning, as well as data mining tools. And we’re not done, since Enterprise Reporting and Advanced Security are also included, without paying anything extra. Sounds pretty good, don’t you think?

Looking forward to implementing a database solution for your company? IB Systems’ team has the experience and knowledge for this, being specialized in deciphering Microsoft SQL Server’s secrets, starting with the version from 2000 and all the way to the most recent one.

The post Why Should I Use A Microsoft SQL Server? appeared first on IB Systems USA.

Nowadays, for most of them, email is pretty much the most important component service provided by IT. However, it was observed that there’s a trend among organizations to move to cloud-based email for the past period, and this is definitely a sign of progress, as there are major benefits associated with switching to this type of service.

If you’re part of a company that is still waiting for the perfect moment to make the switch to cloud email, we’ve put together a short list with a few of the most important benefits, in an attempt to convince you that the future is in the cloud.

It allows you to save money

Probably the most important feature of this service is that it’s a subscription service model, meaning that it provides significant cost savings for implementing, but also maintaining the environment.

After making the switch, you basically get rid of the large capital outlay you’ve been using and convert your email to a monthly (or annual) operational cost.

No uptime problems

Using cloud email you will notice a serious uptime improvement, which allows a more optimal email usage. Since most cloud-based email providers are relying on multiple redundant sites, but also because the data is kept in the cloud, the entire organization will enjoy better uptime, as well as disaster recovery response times.

It’s simple to administrate

Another advantage of this switch – probably among the ones you’ll first notice – is that it’s very easy to administrate your email system. You won’t need to worry about issues with version control, neither maintenance issues that can come up. Keeping it short, all your administrative needs will be simplified.

It comes with improved security

When using cloud email, all your corporate emails will be stored in an off-site, highly protected location. This means that they’re more secure than if they were when you were using on-premises email services.

A cloud-based email provider is able to allocate more resources to securing facilities than most other organization out there. Basically, if you make this switch, you’re also taking a step in the right direction of further securing the company’s data.

Everything can be accessed from anywhere

Probably one of the most important benefits of cloud services is the ability to access files from anywhere. With cloud email, your remote workers can check their email anytime, no matter their location, thus making them more productive.

There’s a current push for mobile/remote workforce, so this type of email is definitely a plus if you’re following this trend. Basically, everything you need is an internet connection and you’re ready to go. And your remote workers will definitely be happy with this.

Obviously, these are a few of the most important benefits of using cloud-based email solutions. We shouldn’t forget that there’s no need to hire dedicated IT staff to manage all servers, not to mention that you don’t need to purchase software either and everything is completely scalable.

If your company is also interested in making the switch to cloud services – email, particularly – but feel like you don’t have all the information you need, our recommendation is to ask a specialist.

Founded in 1995 by experienced system consultants, IB Systems, Inc. can help you with all the details you need about cloud email – from picking the best provider to implementing the solution in your work environment. Just get in touch and you will be amazed by their professionalism.

The post Cloud Email – A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on IB Systems USA.

Obviously, as technology keeps evolving, we’re looking forward to seeing some impressive digital transformation trends next year, but the question is: are we actually able to predict what the next year could bring us?

We tried to make a few predictions ourselves, based on what’s happening right now and what trends are being more and more present in our daily lives. Curious about what we thought? Stick with us for a few more minutes…

People will finally understand blockchain

2018 was all about cryptocurrencies, ICOs and this somehow new concept called blockchain. However, most people found all these ways too complicated, but we expect at least a few companies trying to build a plug-and-play version that anybody can understand.

Big names like IBM promised to unravel the potential of blockchain beyond cryptocurrency, while the financial industry is also looking at blockchain closely, so, most likely, developers will continue working at realizing its potential next year!

Augmented reality will gain more and more traction

Augmented reality has been around for a while and companies are already using it, whether it’s for presenting their services or advertising. And there are actually several use cases for this technology, so don’t be surprised if AR development will significantly ramp up in 2019.

And we kind of expect something amazing from a few brands next year, in terms of AR. We’re looking at you, Apple.

Chatbots will be everywhere

We’re absolutely convinced by this one. The technology powering chatbots reached new levels this year, but we’re expecting a complete revolution in 2019. Huge progress is constantly being made and experts believe that 40 percent of large businesses will adopt chatbots in the following 12 months.

More devices to be connected

That’s right, we’re talking about the Internet of Things. In 2019, we’re expecting to see it working alongside technologies like artificial intelligence, Machine Learning, and Edge. As the number of connected devices grows, it’s obvious that we need more space to process data. Cloud is a good solution, but the world needs something even better. And this “something” will surely appear!

5G networks will become something common

We’re already in that point where we can start seeing 5G everywhere, as companies like Qualcomm, Intel, Nokia, Samsung or Huawei are considering this technology, so these are exciting times for mobile users.

In 2018, fixed 5G built a foundation, but in 2019 we are going to see 5G finding its way on your mobile phones.

GDPR’s impact will be bigger

Despite the risks they’re exposing themselves to, 1/3 of companies are still not compliant with Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation. As a side note, around 1000 news sites in the United States can’t be accessed in Europe right now.

In 2019, informed customers will start caring much more about protecting their date, but also the companies who don’t do this.

Companies will hire for digital transformation

CEOs are expected to step up next year, as employees are craving to see digital transformation start at the very top of the company, without delegating the IT department to do this. Hiring people for this will become a priority, as they will be aware of the critical nature of building cultures that can change, but also learn to trust data more than ever before.

We, at IB Systems, as big technology fans, we’re looking forward to seeing these digital transformation trends gaining traction next year. In our mission to help companies expand their online presence, we’re always using the latest technologies, so no matter which trend will dominate 2019, we will surely exploit it to the max, in our clients’ advantage.

Picture Credit: pngtree.com

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Previously, they were basically forced to buy and maintain their own physical servers, but now, thanks to the concept of cloud computing, which consists in companies offering a part of their data centers’ processing power for a fee, small companies can now get started way more quickly and inexpensively.

Still, picking the best service of this type can be a real challenge, especially if it’s a relatively new concept for you. But this is what we’re here for!

Below you can find a short list with three of the best – at least for us – cloud computing services available on the market right now, including their main pros and cons.

Rackspace Cloud

Rackspace Cloud allows you to choose a provider and easily interact with it using their own platform. Until now, they have partnerships with major providers, such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services and VMware. We can talk about a major advantage here: the scalability of some of the biggest cloud providers of the moment, combined with the customer support of a small company.

Currently, you can choose from public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud, as well as multi-cloud. For us, the public cloud option seems to be the most reliable one, as it provides quick and easy access to all the IT resources you need, shrinking the cost of data center management. Still, private cloud can also be a great choice, with faster servers.

You can now sign up for free to Rackspace Cloud and give their services a try.

Google Cloud

When it comes to the big players in the cloud computing game, Google Cloud seems to be one of the best options, especially because it offers a 12-month free trial. Sure, the setup can be a bit tricky at first, but once you get through it, you will enjoy its benefits.

The platform itself allows users to create business solutions using Google’s modular web services and includes a multi-layered secure infrastructure, meaning that anything you build or store will be 100% safe.

Google Cloud includes a variety of tools as well, ensuring constant performance and management, like Compute Engine, App Engine, Container Engine, Cloud Storage and Big Query.

IBM Cloud

Tech giant IBM is, at least for us, the most complete cloud computing solution of the moment. IBM Cloud offers a wide range of services, covering both virtual and hardware-based servers, consisting in public, private and management networks.

The user has complete infrastructure control, as the ‘bare metal’ hardware servers provide sole access to the entire server, reducing the so-called ‘noisy neighbor’ effect, but also seriously improving performance. Also, it’s worth mentioning that the IBM cloud computing solution can be managed by a single system, controller through a web portal, API or even mobile apps.

By far, the best way to start with IBM Cloud is by picking the Lite tier, without a time limit and no credit card details. This includes 256MB of Cloud Foundry Memory and also offering the possibility to upgrade, after using the calculator to estimate future costs. Oh, and they also offer tailored packages, depending on your needs.

Still can’t decide which cloud computing solution is the best for your business? IB Systems can help you! With over 20 years of experience, we can provide assistance in choosing the solution, as well as implement it and moving your business into the cloud.

The post Top 3 Cloud Computing Services You Can Currently Rely On appeared first on IB Systems USA.

Nowadays, you just need to have an internet connection to take advantage of cloud networking and take your online business to the next level. For instance, you can exploit cloud computing for creating a backup of all your vital data to managing your CRM, ERP, and ERM modules. You or your business could benefit in the following ways by becoming a part of the cloud network.

Monitoring growth

Resources in the cloud are highly scalable or flexible which gives you the leeway to plan how best to use limited resources at your disposal. Cloud computing allows you to respond accordingly to your needs as and when they arise and spares you from the hassle of having to do guesswork which could prove to be risky. For example, if you need to team up with an outfit or individual for a specific project, you could use the partnership tools and techniques right away without having to plan in advance.

Enhanced collaboration

The biggest advantage of cloud computing is that the technology can be exploited by any device or gadget companionable with the net. This benefit facilitates improved collaboration and teamwork, especially for firms and companies who depend on employees based in far-flung and remote locations. Nearly 66% of micro, small, and medium enterprises can coordinate with their staff situated in distant locations through tasks lists and activity schedules.

For subscribing to cloud service, you do not need to download or install any software program. You simply log in to your web browser for accessing the services. You network with your colleagues via webcasts, video conferencing, and instant messaging. The benefit of sharing vital information with a larger number of stakeholders is that you are able to capitalize on potential business opportunities.

Failsafe data backup

Nobody knows better than you about the significance of your data archived in the hard disks of your computers. But what if your computer hardware malfunctions or is damaged due to some unforeseen disaster? You could end up losing whatever you had backed up without any chance of retrieval. Opting for cloud computing frees you up from the worry of having to lose your data as the same is backed up in a web-based location which can be accessed at anytime from anywhere you like. There are numerous service providers that provide data redundancy facility, enabling your database to be saved in different locations across multiple centers.

Monetary savings

When you sign up for cloud-based services, you enjoy another crucial benefit and that is upfront savings. You are spared from the need to maintain massive servers, upgrade your software apps, and renew their licenses, and so on. You also save money on electricity and using cooling equipment.

Optimum use of resources

Once you subscribe to cloud computing services, you are in a position to make the most of the services almost instantly. So you can devote the better part of your time, resources and efforts towards focusing on your business.

Better use of IT tools and human resources

Since the servers are located in the cloud, you do not have to depend heavily on aged hardware. The service providers of cloud employ dedicated and experienced staff implying that they can solve your issues quickly, thereby giving you an edge over your competitors who are yet to join the cloud.
Innovative Business Systems could collaborate with for providing cloud computing services. For details call 727-938-8891 or log in at www.ibsi-us.com

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