7 Tips for Keeping Cool in the Office

If your office doesn't have air conditioning, here are our top seven tips for staying cool at work during the heatwave:

1. Drink two to three litres of water a day. Warm drinks actually help your body to cool down more quickly, but avoid beverages with caffeine in as these can dehydrate you - we suggest mint tea.

2.  Run ice-cold water over your wrists for five seconds every few hours - it helps to cool the blood.

3. Spray your face regularly with a water mist.

4. Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothes, preferably linen or cotton.

4. Eat little and often, avoid high protein foods, which increase metabolic heat, and try spicy foods that contain capsaicin (like chilli peppers) and stimulate sweat production.

5. Turn off any electrical objects not in use.

6. Keep curtains and blinds closed and windows open.

7. And lastly, avoid strenuous exercise.

Windows 10 Anniversary Update

The latest update to Microsoft's operating system became available from yesterday.

New features include a new Windows Ink feature, a dedicated hub designed for devices like the Surface Pro 4, and other 2-in-1s with styluses, which will work with your fingers for doodling and inking on screenshots, and a number of UI improvements to the Start menu, notification centre, taskbar and overall dark theme.

It's made tweaks to the digital assistant Cortana too, allowing it to work on the lock screen and answer queries, and Microsoft's Edge browser is getting new extensions like LastPass, 1Password, AdBlock, and EverNote.

Here's how to download and start using the updated software: http://bit.ly/2aSh07a

#WednesdayWisdom

"I think it's fair to say that computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user."
- Bill Gates.

Indeed, computing and communications are the cornerstones of your business. And now thanks to 360ict, you can keep them reliable and effective with hassle-free, managed IT support and services to suit your needs wherever you are in Kent and London, so that you can get on with running your company.

Call us today and speak to one of our London based team on 020 8663 4000.

Helping Businesses in Bromley

If you own a small to medium-sized company in the London Borough of Bromley and need help with your IT infrastructure then 360ict can help.

We can support your IT department to suit your needs, whether that's hosting your services in the cloud, or proactively monitoring and maintaining your software to implement digital security, backup recovery and hardware requirements.

From a complete end-to-end service provision to a modular approach,we can offer all of the additional resources and support your needs whatever your budget.

For more information visit our site: http://bit.ly/28Rajlw

Cloud & DevOps World - Day 2

If you're not there already - you should be following ‪#‎CloudDevOps‬ on Twitter.

Cloud & DevOps World brings together the industry’s leading technologists and innovators to discuss the future of Cloud Computing. As well as talks, there are also demos and technical clinics.

Last year Forbes estimated that the Cloud infrastructure market could be worth upwards of $43 billion, demonstrating colossal growth over the next three years.

Cloud Computing is now a way of life for business - if you want to know how it can drive new opportunities for your organization, get in touch with one of the team on 0208 663 4000.

Helping Tomorrow's Workforce Today

Last week MPs warned urgent action is needed to deal with the UK's digital skills crisis or it risks damaging the country's productivity and competitiveness.

It is believed that 12.6 million adults lack basic digital skills, while 5.8 million have never used the internet at all, and with 90% of jobs requiring digital skills to some degree it’s a worrying statistic.

360ict believes that there is no place for digital exclusion in the world that we live in today and are extremely proactive as a company in helping to ensure tomorrow's workforce is leaving school or university with the digital skills that employers need.

“We have an active approach to work experience and apprenticeships here at 360ict, and have in fact recently offered one placement for the summer,” says Director Roy Charles, who a few years ago was summoned by David Blunkett to chair the South London Learning and Skills Council as a direct result of the press coverage they were getting on their unique apprenticeship scheme.

He was also part of the London Employer Coalition (LEC) – a group of business leaders from the capital’s main employment sectors who use their expertise and influence to address employment and skills issues within the city.

If you would like to find out more about the opportunities available at 360ict then get in contact 020 8663 4000.

Hot off the Press!

Samsung Electronics has snapped up Joyent to give it access to its own cloud platform to support it in the areas of mobile, IoT and cloud-based software and services.

US-based Joyent was one of a handful of veteran standalone companies with expertise in cloud computing and competed with giants like Google, Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services.

You can use cloud hosting services to provide a seamless connection to remote data centre services for your business. Or if it’s time for a more extensive upgrade to support your company’s IT create the next generation in the cloud instead of relying on local infrastructure to do it.

Cloud hosting means you don’t need to buy any extra hardware or software, or hire any extra in-house IT staff, to get enterprise-quality IT systems working for your business. Did you know that 360ict can host and manage your IT infrastructure? All you have to do is choose the elements of hosted cloud services you need.

To find out what cloud hosted services can do for your business call one of our team on 0208 663 4000 or check out our website: http://bit.ly/1XrrAp4

Big changes on the way for Apple

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicked off today and will run until the 17 June. If you weren’t able to make it out to San Francisco, Apple are live streaming daily sessions on their website here http://www.apple.com/apple-events/june-2016/

From slight tweaks to major overhauls, you can expect to hear some wide-ranging announcements. Rumour has it that Siri is to launch on Mac and that there are big changes happening to Apple Music, too.

See what others are saying by following the hashtags ‪#‎WWDC2016‬; ‪#‎applewwdc2016‬; ‪#‎AppleWWDC‬

Broadband Speeds Are Slower Than Advertised: Are you Paying for a "Fast Speed"?

Image credit: Besutilities Blog

A group of 50MPs have said that the way broadband speeds are advertised is misleading and should be changed. 

It's hard to miss internet providers' broadband adverts that showcase super fast speeds at a low costs, however only 10% of customers can obtain the fastest advertised speed. The British Infrastructure Group want greater powers to enable consumers and businesses to hold providers to account. 

The Advertising Standards Authority, who deal with all advertising complains, are aware of the concerns and would consider taking further action they said in a recent statement. 

The British Infrastructure Group said in a statement: "Our position on broadband speed claims in ads is based on extensive work undertaken in recent years, including a full public consultation on new guidance."

The group was set up by former Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps, who said consumers had "very few rights and protections" they can turn to if they are poorly treated by their internet service provider.

"Consumers must be given the power to hold their internet service provider to account when they let them down or outright mislead them into signing a contract that makes promises that bear no resemblance to the later reality. Consumers also need the power to leave contracts if they are found to have been misled."

It was found that other industries are forced to compensate customers for errors, including airlines and banks, and there's no reason why internet providers should be exempt. 

The group highlighted that there was no minimum level of compensation if customers received a poor service. Ofcom has asked fixed-line internet service providers to sign up to a voluntary code of practice, which requires them to provide consumers with more information and advice on maximum broadband speeds - but the key work is voluntary. It will be interesting to see if the British Infrastructure Group can turn that into a mandatory sign-up.

Are you are business own who feels that you're not getting the best broadband deal? Get in touch with 360ict to enjoy reliable, effective email and internet connectivity with secure cloud server rental available to give you 24-hour access and uptime.

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website. 

No iPhone is Safe from the FBI

Image credit: Macitynet.it

The US government has successfully accessed data stored on the San Bernardino gunman's iPhone, thus ending a six week-long clash between Apple and the FBI. Apple were refusing to unlock the device, citing privacy issues, however the FBI enlisted a third-party company to do the job for them. But the question remains, could a law enforcement agency have forced Apple to unlock the device?

This definitely won't be the first or the last Apple device that the FBI will want to crack, in fact it has been reported that there are a dozen other cases where the law enforcement agency want access to an individual's personal device. Does this now mean that the FBI can access any iPhone with a passcode? 

Originally, the court order filed by the FBI had instructed Apple to come up a new version of it's operating system that would have prevented the iPhone from deleting its data or imposing long lock out periods if too many incorrect passcodes were entered. It's important to note that the latest court filings do not say that someone else has now done this, but merely that a third-party company had helped the FBI to retrieve some data stored on the device. 

The firm who reportedly helped the FBI with the case is called Cellebrite and they had previously discussed bypassing the passcode lock rather than trying to figure out the number. However, by doing this it would yield a limited amount of handset data and even if it works once, Apple upgrade their software regularly, so it might not work again if security fixes have been made. 

Theresa May is also intending to bring in a new surveillance law that will make tech firms hand over information if the law enforcement requests it through "equipment interference warrants". 

While it is always going to be possible that someone could hack into your phone, it doesn't mean that you should make it easy for them. Update the iOS software as soon as Apple releases it and use encryption-enabled apps to digitally scramble data. 

Feeling a little unsure of your company's security? Get in touch with 360ict today for more information on how to keep your business secure. 

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website. 

Andy Grove, an Intel Legend

Last week Andy Grove, for CEO and chairman of Intel, died at the age of 79. Grove leaves a legacy that will continue to shape the world's technology and will inspire innovators for generations to come. Today's blog post is a tribute to the man who gave so much to the world in the form of technology. 

Grove was born in Budapest, Hungry, where he survived Nazi occupation and Soviet repression before immigrating the United States. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley before starting his career at Fairchild Semiconductor Research Laboratory in California. His mentor at the laboratory left to start a new venture called Intel, and Grove was the first hire. 

Grove spearheaded Intel's transition from memory chips to microprocessors, a move that changed the computing world and one that paved the way for the personal computing era, resulting in the company becoming a global technology giant. 

Grove also changed the way technology companies engaged with public officials, after recognising the importance of government policy. He battled for smart, forward-thinking legislative and regulatory polices that promoted technology in Washington DC, helping government leaders to understand the importance of technology innovation. 

More recently Grove battled for more resources to be given to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and fought for stronger enforcement of software anti-piracy laws. 

It's impossible to overstate the importance and significance of Grove's work; he bridged the divide between Washington and Silicon Valley and hopefully, technology makers can continue to build on his success. 

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000. 

Lets Get The Future Generation Programming With The BBC's Micro:Bit

Image Credit: Ad Network Solutions

A tiny computer, Raspberry Pi microcomputer style, is finally being delivered to schools in the UK, 6 months later than originally planned. The aptly named micro:bit, which has been created by the BBC, intends to inspire “a new generation to get creative with coding, programming and digital technology.”

It may seem a little odd that the BBC is delving into the world of computer hardware, but it's not for the first time: in the 1980s the broadcaster created the BBC Micro.

 The BBC had planned to give one million micro:bits to 11-year-old school kids last September, ready for the start of term, however they were finally released today. The reason for the delay? Well, we've all heard the phrase too many cooks spoil the broth, and the BBC had too many partners co-creating the hardware. 

The micro:bit board includes a bank of LEDs, an accelerometer to detect motion, Bluetooth connectivity, a pair of programmable buttons, a compass/magnetometer and a selection of input and output rings to link to other devices and sensors. The board is small enough that it can be incorporated into a wearable design and there will be a companion website where multiple code editors, tutorial and videos guides will be available for the kid. It aims to offer kids an alternative to mundane IT lessons that's enjoyable and will encourage the future generation to dapple in computer programming. 

The hardware specifications and much of the software for micro:bit will be open-sourced, and the device will be made available to buy. Money generated from any sales will be used to “further encourage as many people as possible to join the coding revolution”, said the BBC.

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000. 

Get Doodling To Keep Your Phone Secure

Image credit: Wired

We all know that keeping our devices secure is essential in today's climate, with computer hacking and phone cracking starting to become the norm. 

However, a team at Rutgers University have developed the first ever "free-for gestures passwords", which lets people draw their passwords instead of using number combinations. This form of password security has a far greater number of combinations and variations compared to traditional passwords, making it harder to crack.  

Not only are doodle passwords more secure, they're faster than traditional passwords and easier to remember. 

91 people took part in the study where 347 text passwords and 345 gesture passwords, completing over 2,000 logins during the research were created. The team found that the participants spent 22% less time logging in and 42% less time creative passwords, and that overall they actually preferred the doodle passwords. 

Currently, the passwords will only work on touchscreen phones, but there's plans to extend the service to touchscreen computers and doors. 

We've been writing a lot about security recently, but it's really that important. If you're running a business, a TalkTalk style hacking is every CEO's worst nightmare. For more information on how to keep your company secure read our Top 6 Tips post.

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000. 

In or Out. What do British Businesses Think?

Image Credit: The Guardian

David Cameron is back from his "battle in Brussels" and his reward for his efforts were some considerable reforms on the UK's EU membership agreement including:

• Child benefit - Child benefit payments to migrant workers to be recalculated.
• Migrant welfare payments - The UK can decide to limit in-work benefits for EU migrants during their first four years in the UK.
• Eurozone - Britain can keep the pound while being in Europe, and its business trade with the bloc, without fear of discrimination. Any British money spent on bailing out eurozone nations will be reimbursed.
• Protection for the City of London - Safeguards for Britain's large financial services industry to prevent eurozone regulations being imposed on it.
• Sovereignty - The UK will not be part of an "ever closer union" with other EU member states.
• 'Red card' for national parliaments - It will be easier for governments to band together to block unwanted legislation.
• Competitiveness - The settlement calls on all EU institutions and member states to "make all efforts to fully implement and strengthen the internal market" and to cut red tape.
• Some limits on free movement - Denying automatic free movement rights to nationals of a country outside the EU who marry an EU national. There are also new powers to exclude people believed to be a security risk.

But what do UK businesses think about these reforms?

According to the Financial Time bosses more than a third of the companies in the FTSE 100 have declared that Britain is better in the EU and that Brexit would lead to potential job losses and affect investment. Companies including Vodafone, easyJet, BT and Barclays believe an exit from the EU would be negative for the British economy.

Moody's, a key investors service, said: “A decision to leave the EU would be credit negative for the U.K. The economic costs of a decision to leave the EU would outweigh the economic benefits.”

On Monday London Mayor Boris Johnson, a high profile figure, said he'll campaign to quit the EU. Since then the pound dropped to its lowest level in almost 7 years against the dollar, the biggest decline since 2009. 

Are you a business owner? Do you think the UK is better in or out of the EU? Let us know your thoughts. 

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000. 

UK Digital Businesses Play Essential Role in Economy Growth

Image credit: Shropshire Business Today

A study conducted by Tech City UK has revealed that digital technology businesses are playing an essential role in the UK economy's growth. The innovation that this sector is generating is profound with businesses transforming the employment landscape, driving productivity and reimagining traditional industries.

The key findings to note from the report are:

1. Digital technology industries are a key contributor to the UK's economy, growing faster in turnover, GVA and productivity than the rest of the economy.
2. Digital technologies are influencing businesses beyond the technology industry.
3. The digital technology economy are creating well paid employment opportunities, three times faster that the rest of the economy, across the UK.
4. Digital technology businesses are supporting growth across UK cities.

In partnership with Nesta, Tech City UK analysed nationwide data to understand the impact of the digital economy on wider business trends. The report found that the areas with the highest cluster of digital technology companies were benefitting from better employment rates, turnover and average salaries. The report also noted that there has been a surge in digital technology communities with almost 180,000 individuals across the country taking part in Meetups. Networks and face-to-face contact have helped these tech hub areas grow nationally and now the sector has over 1300 active groups in the UK.

Prime minister David Cameron commented: “Britain’s world leading tech sector gives us a competitive edge that is not just transforming our daily lives but also our economy. Tech is transforming the way we do all kinds of business.”

Eileen Burbidge, Tech City UK chair  added: “The UK’s credentials as a home for digital excellence have been well established, and now Tech Nation 2016 provides a new level of insight into the impressive productivity of our digital economy – driving growth across all sectors and regions of the country.”

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000. 

Safe Harbour - What It Means For Tech Companies

Image credit: LinkedIn

What is Safe Harbour?

In 2000 an agreement called Safe Harbour came into force in the EU that prohibited citizens' personal data from being sent to places that don't have proper privacy protections. It was decided that American firms could self-certify that data being sent to their data centres would be properly protected, so that transfers to the US wouldn't be slowed down. 

What went wrong with Safe Harbour?

Everyone has heard of the whistleblower Edward Snowden, well in 2013 he leaked documents outlining the US security services' cyber-spying operations, which caused outrage throughout the world. Privacy campaigners have now been questioning what data sites like Facebook have been sharing with the NSA. However, up until recently there was no way of knowing as they were protected under the Safe Harbour agreement. But that's all about to change….Last October a court ruled that national data watchdogs need to review all transfers of data on an individual basis, but an agreement needed to be made with the US first.

What does this mean for tech companies?

Since October Europe and the US have been in negotiations regarding a new data transfer act and were meant to reach an agreement by January 31, however just when they looked like they were no closer to making a compromise, they formed the "EU-US Privacy Shield". Tech companies must be relieved as EU regulators were on the verge of enforcing a data transfer clampdown if an agreement hasn't been made soon. 

The new EU-US Privacy Shield, which will still allows the easy transfer of EU citizens' data, come with promises of better privacy protections from the US. Essentially, Europe is making the US abide by the same data protection standards found in the EU. Tech companies will also face regular compliance checks to ensure that they are still following the deal's rules.

Andrus Ansip, European commissioner for the digital single market said: “We have agreed with our US partners a new framework that will ensure the right checks and balances for our citizens.”

Vera Jourova, European commissioner for justice, said: “For the first time ever, the US has given the EU binding assurances that the access of public authorities for national security purposes will be subject to clear limitations, safeguards and oversight mechanisms.”

Are you still reluctant to share personal data? Let us know your thoughts! 

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website. 

A Fond Farewell to Microsoft's Internet Explorer Browser

Image credit: Gizmodo

Microsoft has ended all technical support and security updates for the older versions of its Internet Explorer browser. Currently 20% of web traffic takes place on versions 8, 9 and 10 of the browser, with only 55% of Internet Explorer users using the latest version. 

Around 340 million people still rely on older versions of the IE browser and customers are encouraged  "to upgrade and stay up-to-date on the latest browser for a faster, more secure browsing experience." The older browsers will now be more likely to be hit by hackers and cyber attacks, so it's worth updating to keep your devices secure. 

However, upgrading to the most recent version of Internet Explorer isn't catch-free, as many website and online services are designed to work with specific versions of the browser. 

NetMarketShare estimates that Internet Explorer accounts for 57% of the browser market, compared with 25% for Chrome, 12% for Firefox and 5% for Apple's Safari. Microsoft has been warning users of the upgrade for some time, but will user actually make the switch to the latest version of IE or will it draw them to rival browsers? 

What will you being doing? Let us know your thoughts. 

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website. 

Minister Outlines 5-Year Digital Plan for the UK

Image Credit: Digital Catapult Centre

Ed Vaizey has proposed many schemes to make the UK a "tech nation" including driverless buses and virtual reality teaching by Nobel laureates.

The Government's strategy for innovation in digital technology will take place over the next five years and all departments "across government" will be included. Speaking to the Times Ed Vaizey said:  "We want the UK to be synonymous with digital, a place where technology transforms day-to-day life.

"The potential impact is profound. It might mean that the best educators from around the world are made accessible to all - with virtual reality sets bringing Nobel laureates into the classroom. That we can build better houses, faster. That more power is given to to the patient, and the care we provide for our elderly and sick is improved and made more affordable.

"That we use driverless robotic buses in rural communities or help people to find parking places using GPS technology.

"When people want to start a digital business, trial new ways of working or invest in cutting-edge technology, we want them to choose the UK. This revolution is here to stay, and the UK as the 'Tech Nation' is the future we want to build."

Taking inspiration from London's Tech City, which is located in Shoreditch, the plan will seek to expand on it's success.

Self-driving cars have already been tested in the Greenwich, Milton Keynes and Coventry, but it remains to be seen when/if the tests will turn into workable options of the country's transport systems. 

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website. 

NHS Hospitals in England to get Free Wi-Fi

Healthy Secretary, Jeremy Hunts, announces free wi-fi will be provided in all NHS buildings in England in an attempt to improve services. 

Currently, hospitals either charge for wi-fi or have no access at all. With the wi-fi upgrade it means patients can use devices to go online to keep in touch with family and friends or watch TV while they wait. 

This announcement is just one part of the government’s plan to make the NHS “digital and paperless” by 2020.

Mr Hunt said: "Everyone using the NHS expects it to be a world leader in digital healthcare and free wi-fi is an essential part of making that a reality. It will give patients and staff the ability to access the services they need as well as freeing up clinical time and reducing overall costs."

The move is a recommendation from a government commissioned report on improving the use of online technology in the health service. The money for the service will be taken from a £1 billion technology fund. 

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website. 

All I Want for Christmas is…. Faster Broadband

Image credit: The Inquirer

Ofcom, the UK's communications watchdog, have released a Wi-Fi checker application that can help broadband customers keep their Wi-Fi running at high speeds at home and in the office. The app, which works by sampling wireless signals to see if data is flowing without interruption, provides tips to help people spot what's slowing down their internet. 

The Wi-Fi can be slowed down by anything: from lamps and kitchen equipment to baby monitors, you name it and it could affect it. However it may surprise you that the number one item that's slowing down everyones Wi-Fi this Christmas is fairy lights. BUT if your router is far enough away from the electronics and up high, your Wi-Fi may remain unhindered. 

Ofcom's report suggests that the Wi-Fi in nearly six million homes and offices are not running as fast as it could be. It also said that 27% of homes in the UK have broadband connections with download speeds of at least 30Mbps, however, rural areas are still lagging behind, with only every 4 in 10 having decent connection speeds. Ofcom said:

"Ofcom has identified challenges in improving coverage across the UK. Around 8 per cent of UK homes – around 2.4 million – are currently unable to receive broadband speeds of 10 Mbit/s or above.

This jumps to around half (48 per cent, or 1.5 million) in rural areas, where speeds are often affected by premises lying further from the network’s local street cabinet or local telephone exchange."

Small businesses are also struggling to gain high-speed broadband connections. Around 130,000 SMEs are persevering on download speeds of below 10Mbit/s, according to Ofcom.

Are you struggling with your broadband? Maybe it’s time to upgrade your company’s communication systems. Communication technologies can be complex, but broadband internet gives you high-value, low-cost options if the right package is successfully installed and maintained, get in touch with 360ict today for more information.

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website.