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It’s Official Now – There Really Are More IT Support Problems with Older Laptops.
Posted in: Blog, Small Business Mobile Technology by Andrew Moon on July 26, 2011 | No Comments
There is a company called SquareTrade that provides warranties for electronic products, PCs laptops, mobile phones, etc.
They are, in fact, the largest independent provider of warranties so they have enough data for a valid analysis.
They have analyzed failure rates on 30,000 laptops and notebooks. Here are the main findings:
- One fifth (20.4%) of laptops have hardware failures during the first 3 years. SquareTrade doesn’t publish data beyond 3 years, but one would assume that the failure rate increases still further.
- Failure accelerates markedly with age. Less than 5% fail in the first year, but this rises by an additional 8% in each subsequent year.
- Netbooks are 20% more unreliable than laptops.
- High end laptops are more reliable than cheaper alternatives – 18.1% versus 25.1%.
- Surprisingly HP was the most unreliable of the manufacturers with a hardware malfunction rate of over one quarter in the first 3 years.
- Apple and Dell are about average
- Asus is the best with a failure rate of only 15.6%.
If you would like to read the full report click on this link:
http://www.squaretrade.com/htm/pdf/SquareTrade_laptop_reliability_1109.pdf
50% of iPhones Don’t Currently Get Backed Up
Posted in: Backup & Disaster Recovery, Blog, Cloud Computing, MAC Tips, Network Logix News, Small Business Mobile Technology by Administrator on July 19, 2011 | No Comments
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we in the geek world aren’t like normal people. We spend our lives connected, and backing up our data is just one of those things we do as a matter of course. Until iOS 5 arrives in the coming months, the only way to back up an iOS iDevice is to plug it into iTunes and let it sync. But does anyone actually do it?
According to a little birdie, only 50% of the customers who take iDevices into Apple Stores for repair have their apps, settings, contacts and the like, backed up.
That’s right – around half of iPhones, iPads and iPod touches don’t find themselves plugged into iTunes after that initial set up – a set up that won’t even need to be done after iOS 5 lands…
“A little birdie says that about 50 percent of Apple Store customers who need to get their iPhones swapped have never plugged them into iTunes after the initial activation and sync. This is a big reason, according to this birdie, for why Apple Store Geniuses are excited about iCloud.”
The comment about iCloud makes sense. The current barrier to entry when it comes to backing up iOS devices is the cable and computer. Theoretically, and apparently this is happening, devices need never actually be connected to a computer other than to do iOS software updates.App installations and updates can all be handled on-device, and music can also be purchased from the iTunes app. People just don’t need to connect to the desktop iTunes.
But there is one thing they need, and that’s power.
The way iOS 5′s backups will work changes the game completely. Now, when a device is plugged into a power outlet and the screen is locked then a backup will be performed. This happens once a day, usually at night when there is less chance of a user interrupting the process. With the default setting being ‘ON’ there really is no reason for users to not back up their data.
Apple, once again protecting its users from themselves.
5 Cell Phone “Urban Legend” Myths Debunked
Posted in: Blog, Small Business Mobile Technology by Administrator on May 24, 2011 | No Comments
There have been a number of e-mails circling the Internet talking about hidden tricks and features of the average cell phone. Below are a few of those myths and the actual truths according to Snopes.com.
Myth #1: The emergency number worldwide for mobile phones is 112. This number can be dialed even when the keypad it locked.
Truth: Calling 112 on your cell phone will connect you with local emergency services in some parts of the world—primarily Europe—even if you are outside of your service area, and some phones will allow you to dial 112 even if you lack a SIM card or if the keypad is locked.
Myth #2: If you have a remote keyless entry system for your car and lock your keys in the car, you can call someone with a spare key and get them to transmit the “unlock” signal via your cell phone. Simply get them to press the unlock button on the spare key into their cell phone while you hold your cell phone close to the door. It will open instantly.
Truth: Cars with remote keyless entry systems cannot be unlocked by relaying a key fob transmitter signal via a cellular telephone.
Myth #3: Pressing *3370# on your cell phone will unlock hidden battery power on your phone.
Truth: This is a misunderstanding of an option available on some brands of cell phones, such as Nokia. However, this option is activated by pressing #4720#; pressing *3370# actually enables Enhanced Full Rate Codec, which provides better sound quality at the expense of a shorter battery life.
Myth #4: You can totally disable a stolen cell phone by giving your phone’s serial number to your service provider and reporting it stolen; they can disable the phone so that even if the thief replaces the SIM card, the phone is still useless. You can get your cell phone’s serial number to display on your phone by punching in *#06# on your phone keypad.
Truth: Entering the sequence *#06# may display a 15-digit identification code string, but this function only works with certain types of phones. Plus, reporting this number to your service provide to shut down the phone is extremely limited.
Myth #5: To avoid paying telephone directory charges associated with 411 info, dial (800)FREE-411.
Truth: Some companies like (800) FREE-411 do provide free directory assistance to cell phone customers. However, users should know that while the service is free, your cell phone service provide may still charge you for placing the call.
Can You Really Use the iPad in Business?
Posted in: Blog, Hot New Tech Products, Trends and Tools, Small Business Growth Strategies, Small Business Mobile Technology by Andrew Moon on March 8, 2011 | No Comments
In this article, we’ll give you some examples of businesses that are using the iPad to make their business more productive and more profitable.
Warehouse Operations: Tim Markley, President of Markley Enterprise outfitted each of the forklifts and the carts that workers push down aisles while they pull items off the shelves to fill orders. Previously, employees would carry lists (on paper) and once they completed an order they’d find a computer on the 20,000-square-foot warehouse floor to update the inventory database. That meant a lot of time spent walking around looking for a computer, then entering data -not filling orders. “In a warehouse, your travel time to pick orders is 50 percent of an employee’s time,” says Tim. He even conducted an experiment to see if the iPads were making a difference. He put pedometers on his employees and saw steps decrease by 30% with the iPad. Another benefit: Tim now e-mails orders to each iPad, eliminating the need for paper.
Delivery Services: Arhaus Furniture has put the iPad in the hands of its delivery men in 14 states. Arhaus expects to save $100,000 a year in time and paper savings for its invoicing, signature-capture and credit approval processes. Their deliverers will also be able to use the GoogleMaps app to ensure they’re delivering furniture to the correct location. “We looked at the traditional electronic invoice systems that were out there, and for big burly guys who deliver furniture, they were kind of tiny. The iPad was just right,” said John Roddy, Arhaus’ Senior Vice President of Logistics.
Car Sales: Mercedes-Benz has distributed iPads to forty dealerships throughout the country. Traditionally, car sales men trying to close a deal have had to drag customers off the showroom floor and back to the office to fill out loan applications and other paperwork. This will let dealers complete forms right next to the new cars – and, perhaps, minimize the chances that customers will get cold feet during the final moments of the vehicle-buying process.
Paperless Sales: C. Lee Smith, president and CEO of Sales Development Services sends his sales staff into the field with AdMall, a Web-based diagnostic tool that lets them survey clients about their local advertising needs and helps them create a business plan on the fly. “The beauty of the iPad is that you skip a step in the process – you don’t need paper, you don’t need to go back and key it in,” he said. “You can just tap and get the correct answers.” These are just a few examples. There are many more, including doctors, insurance agents, hotels, restaurants and even attorneys. One common thread becomes clear when talking to people who use the iPad, or a similar tablet, at work. Laptop computers are often too heavy and take too long to boot up, while iPhones and other mobile devices are too small. All these things sound great- right? Who wouldn’t like an easy to use device, that has always-on capabilities, super long battery life and has a large screen that you can touch? Before you jump up out of your chair and yell, “Sign me up!” there is one small caveat—the applications. If all your business needs is something to do email, presentations, look at PDF’s and documents, then you are set. However, if your business wants something that will improve or streamline your current operations, you have to see if there is an application already out there, or contract with a software development company who can write one for you. I don’t doubt that the iPad, and the other tablets that are available, can be very valuable tools for businesses. It all goes back to outlining what your expectations are and making sure that there are applications available to accomplish your goals. If you are considering adding iPads to your business, give us a call. We will help you walk through the planning stages, like making sure there are applications for your business needs.
How to Stop Employees From Indulging In Excessive Personal Cell Phone Use At Work
Posted in: Blog, Small Business Management Strategies, Small Business Mobile Technology by Andrew Moon on March 1, 2011 | No Comments
Thanks to smart phone technology, it seems like everyone is “plugged in” to 24/7 web access, texting, and e-mail; not to mention phone conversations. In some cases, people have become so addicted to their phones that they’re texting constantly, even while driving, having dinner with their families or using the bathroom!
Clearly these devices can become a major distraction at work, causing major problems with productivity, especially if you want your staff to be focused on getting critical projects completed accurately and on time. But mandating a “no cell phone” policy may be too harsh. So where’s the balance? Here are a few tips:
- Implement a personal cell phone usage policy in writing. Taking a personal call from the daycare about a sick child may be acceptable, but spending 3 hours plus organizing a wedding is not. This should include certain etiquette rules, such as turning the ringer off during meetings or speaking softly to avoid disrupting others. If possible, get your employees involved in creating the policy; explain why you are doing it and that you want to make it fair and reasonable. Usually there are only a small percentage of employees who truly abuse the system, so you’ll find most employees will be on board with the policy and happy to provide input.
- Post this policy throughout the office as a reminder.
- Review this policy with each employee and have them sign it.
- Provide some flexibility for those in unusual circumstances, such as an employee with a sick child or with a recent death in the family.
- Enforce the policy so everyone knows you are serious about it. One of the best ways for management to do this is by walking around. Since personal cell phones are not connected to the company’s network, you really won’t know if anyone is violating the policy unless you physically walk around to check on them from time to time.
- Lead by example! Don’t expect your employees to stay off their cell phones if you are constantly texting and talking on yours.
Attention: Your cell phone policy can be included in your AUP (acceptable usage policy) that directs how employees may or may not use company resources (Internet, e-mail, etc.). For more help in creating these policies, contact our office.
How “Hosted Exchange” Can Solve All Your E-mail Problems While Saving You BIG $$$
Posted in: Cloud Computing, Hot New Tech Products, Trends and Tools, Network Logix News, Small Business Growth Strategies, Small Business Mobile Technology by Andrew Moon on February 1, 2011 | No Comments
If you are a small to medium sized business that has frequent e-mail problems, including servers going down, slow performance, too many spam e-mails and high IT support and software costs, read on.
Hosted Exchange is often a much cheaper and easier way of getting rid of all these issues at a much lower cost to your company. Here’s how it works: Instead of purchasing and maintaining your e-mail in-house, which can be costly and time consuming, your Exchange server is hosted (and maintained) in a high-performance, high-security hosting company “in the cloud” where you can access it securely from any device or PC.
Best of all, you don’t have to make any changes in HOW you access your e-mail – your messages will simply be delivered to your inbox, phone, or other device faster and with fewer issues, and it will always be synchronized and up-to-date!
Here are just a few of the advantages:
No more software, hardware or maintenance costs.
YOU don’t have to purchase the hardware and software, nor do you have to maintain the system. This is all included in a very low monthly fee.
High speed, “always on” e-mail. The hosted Exchange platforms that we provide to our clients are high-performance systems with multiple “fail over” backup servers, maintained and monitored like Fort Knox – something you normally wouldn’t be able to afford for your small business. However, when you’re hosted on this platform, you get all the benefits of a high-performance system without the costs. Your in-house network could go down and you’d STILL have access to your e-mail, contacts and calendar.
Automatic backups and archiving. What would you do if your in-house e-mail server failed and erased your messages? Or what if a disgruntled employee deleted all their e-mails? If you were hosting your Exchange, these would be non-issues since your e-mails would be backed up daily and secured.
Faster set up. Installing an Exchange server can take days. When you host Exchange, setting up a new user takes minutes.
Access your e-mail and calendar from anywhere. You don’t have to remote into your office PC; now you can securely access your e-mail from any device or PC.
Best investments of 2010
Posted in: Messages from the top, Network Logix News, Small Business Growth Strategies, Small Business Management Strategies, Small Business Mobile Technology, Technology Quick Tips by Andrew Moon on December 31, 2010 | No Comments
I’m often asked what are the best investments and tools for running a business. Like most of you, I’ve bounced from one piece of software and hardware through the years looking for that magical combination. (My wife would gladly attest to this fact. My basement is also a “friendly” reminder.) To be honest, managing a growing business is a complex combination of always being available, keeping track of all my ideas and interactions, and keeping everyone else on track. Oh, and one more thing: paying attention to all the social media outlets.
Here is what kept me focused and on task during 2010. How? The book Traction: Get A Grip on Your Business and my iPhone 4.
Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business ($16.95 on Amazon)
Problem: This applies to ALL business owners. We all have ADD. The nature of growing and managing a business is being pulled in a million different directions at the same time. If you’re lucky enough to complete one thing without being interrupted by another, it’s a slow day.
So, how do I do it? I learned from reading Traction, that our mind is only able to focus in 90-day cycles. (I always wondered why I seem to get bored w/things in a few months) This was a huge enlightenment for me. We now operate the company in a 90-day world. This doesn’t mean that we don’t have yearly and 3 year goals. (The world & technology change so rapidly that we feel that predicting more than 3 years is an absolute waste of time) Our quarterly “Rocks” are broken down and assigned so that we are able to focus on just these items. Our weekly “Meeting Pulse” allows us to stay on task with accomplishing our quarterly “Rocks”. You get the picture. Having this “Entrepreneurial Operating System” (EOS) has allowed me the ability to keep my ADD in check; for the most part. I would encourage you to get the book.
iPhone 4 ($300 up front, $1200/yr)
I can’t really say enough good things about the iPhone. I can almost run my entire business from my iPhone. I’m able to access all of the files on my work computer right from my iPhone. I can keep track of all my social media outlets too. It seems crazy, but the phone has become a camera, a training tool, a market research tool (video) and the list goes on and on.
I do not say this lightly – the iPhone has become more important to me than any other piece of technology that I own. (And I own a LOT)
Conclusion
The most important thing to getting things done is managing yourself and your time. I’m still working out the kinks myself. This is difficult on it’s own, but it’s made far worse when everyone else is after your time too. Technology is supposed to make life better. I believe, for the most part, that this is the case. If it solves a business problem, then that’s a good thing.
Reach for the Sky
Posted in: Network Logix News, Small Business Growth Strategies, Small Business Mobile Technology, Technology Quick Tips by Administrator on October 12, 2010 | No Comments
Last week, a friend posted on Facebook that she had brought her laptop home to do some work, but had forgotten to load the file she needed to work on.
Well that’s inconvenient…
Then Friday as I was arriving at the golf course my cellphone buzzed with a message from my youngest daughter. She had left her homework assignment on the printer and wanted to know if I could email it to her from home. Apparently, she didn’t know that I was at the golf course.
But, there was another part of her message that caught my eye. She had saved her file in her Dropbox folder. Quickly, I messaged her back. “Log into Dropbox and download your homework there at school.”
Dropbox and Google Docs, (which I’m using to draft this post) join with web-based email as the main staples in my computing arsenal. But these are not the only tools available that allow us to be mobile and untethered to the office or any one computer.
These are just a few of several computing options that can be found on the Internet, or as the terminology sometimes offers – the computing cloud. There are tools like Mint for managing personal finance, FreshBooks for tracking time and invoicing clients. Batchbook for contact management, and shoeboxed.com for managing your paperwork.
Many of these options are free. Some are very low cost. A few have different levels of service with different price points.
Several of these tools come with mobile applications. Imagine being able to do all of the above, in essence, manage your life from your smartphone.
As an added bonus, by default you have off-site storage and backup of your data. That security can go a long way toward providing peace of mind for any user.
For the single user, start-up entrepreneur, or budding small business, the mobility, ease of use, relative low cost and security of this software provides immeasurable benefit.
Of course, as your business continues to grow, and you add employees and begin to need more and more services and resources, we recommend you call us.
In the interim, why not reach for the sky and keep it in the clouds?