Google's Revolutionary 'OnHub' Router Fixes Bad Wi-Fi

There has been many high profile product launches this month from the likes of Apple and Amazon, so you might have missed Google’s launch of their brand new Wi-Fi router called ‘OnHub’. Google claim this brand new router will solve the most commonly occurring network issues in the home and small workplaces.

Google have worked really hard to make this router look aesthetically pleasing in order to solve a common efficiency problem. Google Group Product Manager Tron Wuellner, explained “many of us keep our router on the floor and out of sight, where it doesn’t work as well. We replaced unruly cords and blinking lights with antennas and subtle, useful lighting, so you’ll be happy placing OnHub out in the open, where your router performs its best.”

The router has a whole number of new features including 13 antennae and ‘smart software’ that allows OnHub to search for the best channel for the strongest connection when it is set up. The software runs in the background while the router is woking to continually adjust the channel. The OnHub is a clever little router as it also allows users to prioritise some devices to ensure that they have the fastest connection.

The OnHub offers users a new and innovative way to manage their router through the Google On smartphone application, which allows users to monitor bandwidth, run network checks, offer solutions to router problems and share the router’s password easily via text or email.

This state-of-the-art router is another device to add to Google’s ‘smart home’ range, with the company already promising continuous online updates and further OnHub devices from other hardware partners. 

The “easy router that cures bad Wi-Fi” (Mashable) has not launched in the UK yet, but expect it soon.

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.

6 Ways To Keep Your Company's Data Secure

Image via UK Security Jobs

Over the last few years the media has regularly reported on high-profile data breaches, with cheating site Ashley Madison - where the personal details of around 32 million members were leaked - being the latest company in the limelight. The loss of data has had a major impact on big corporations from financial to breach of trust. However, it’s not just the big companies that get targeted, SMEs are too. In the US last year a staggering $3.5 million losses were recorded from an average data breach. 

This week protection specialist Bit9 + Carbon Black released a survey showing that consumers in Britain are increasingly concerned that there are many data breaches companies have yet to discover. The researchers found that high-profiled security breaches have led to increased fear among the public, with 81% of people worrying that cyber criminals might've already stolen their data without anyone noticing. 

But you can put your customers minds at rest by adopting these six practices from 360ict:

- Stay up-to-date with software, data security news and internal reports

Updating all the software you use daily is essential to keeping your business secure. This includes operating systems and anti-virus software. 

- Create and follow suitable security and backup procedures

Security and backup procedures differ for each company, it’s always worth talking to a risk management expert. 

- Monitor security hazards, regulation and compliance

- Track your digital data

It’s important to understand what data is business-critical or sensitive and what isn’t. You must track this data and identify how it’s used and where it’s stored.

- Manage access to onsite data and protect data taken offsite

One of the main security hazards we face at the moment is the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). Locking down your data on the move has always been important but now companies need to control data on employees devices and accounts as well as on storage platforms. Picking the correct storage platform is also essential, with many companies opting for the cloud.

- Correctly dispose of data, documents, and equipment that stores data

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. 

Queen Elizabeth II: One of the UK’s Most Powerful Brands (and Longest Reigning Monarch)

Image from the Royal Household

Queen Elizabeth II may want to keep things low key and “business as usual”, but millions throughout the country are celebrating today as she becomes Britain’s longest reigning monarch. However, Professor Qing Wang from Warwick Business School has found that the Queen is more than a monarch, she is an essential figure for promoting the UK’s products and businesses. 

Professor Wang said: “The Queen and the royal family are the most significant symbols of British heritage and tradition. They inject a sense of continuity and national identity in the globalised and ever-changing world we live in today.

“The Queen and all the history that comes with her, gives British luxury brands an edge and distinctive advantage.”

Global demand for "Made in Britain" labels means UK luxury good firms are set to get a sales boost, as stated in a report from Frontier Economics. By 2019 the value of sales is said to reach around £51.1bn and, according to Wang, Chinese consumers are showing the biggest growing appetite for British luxury goods. 

Professor Wang conducted a survey of Chinese consumers and asked them what they associated with Britain and the “Britishness” they like so much. Her results show that the Queen and the Royal Family were top of the list. 

“Luxury goods are defined as those satisfying hedonic rather than functional needs and our research has found this is an area that Britain enjoys a distinct advantage in,” said Professor Wang.

“The Queen is a significant reason for this, as a very important factor that makes Britain stand out is that it incorporates tradition and innovation seamlessly.

“Put differently, Britain’s advantage lies in the so-called soft power, which is defined as the ability to get what you want through attraction rather than through coercion, and the UK’s royal heritage is a key part of that.

“The extent of its impact is hard to measure and even harder to replicate. As China promotes its own soft power, it has increasingly turned to Britain for inspiration.”

Professor Wang believes that products and services linked to the Queen and the royal family has helped protect them from any slump in the market.

“The continued profit and sale decline of luxury brands are a strong indication that luxury brands are losing their lustre due to over exposure in the global marketplace and outsourcing of production to other countries.

“There is a trickle-down effect of shoppers looking to emulate the luxury lifestyle, but the conspicuous consumption of middle-class consumers is threatening the very essence of luxury being exclusive.

“But the link to the most important British heritage – royalty - reaffirms to consumers the brand’s authenticity and reminds the public of the golden bygone age. Unique and customised product offerings combined with exquisite craftsmanship and the royal association continue to drive sales in emerging markets.”

Specialist brand and business valuation agency, Brand Finance, has put a figure on the monarchy’s value to the UK. The firm found that that the British Monarchy is worth about £57 bn and will make a net contribution to the economy this year of £1.16bn.

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

360ict’s Tips For Relocating Your Business

According to a survey conducted by E.ON this year, over the last 5 years small businesses have lost an average of 7.5 working days as a result of moving premises. 

Moving is always a stressful task, whether you’re moving to a new home or moving your company to a new location, however 31% of SME owners and managers in London say that moving premises is the second most stressful task of their job, more than finances (27%) and customer complaints (13%). 

Anthony Ainsworth, business energy director at E.ON says, 'To hear that more than three quarters of SMEs are staying in potentially inappropriate premises because moving is considered just too hard is surprising. The disruptions businesses face are a very real barrier to relocation and possible future growth.'

But it doesn’t have to be that stressful, we regularly helps companies in Central London, Croydon and Bromley to relocate with 100% customer satisfaction: “What seemed like a daunting and expensive task to begin with, actually turned out to be a cost-effective and simple move with 360ict.” - John Edwards, Company Owner.

If you are thinking of moving, it’s worth getting in contact with one of our relocation advisors.

When should you start thinking about relocation?

Is there enough space: Do you have free desks for new recruits? Do you have enough storage space? When clients walk through the door do they see an organised office? If the answer is no, you definitely want to start looking for a bigger space.

How do you decide on location?

If you’re an SME with a small team you don’t want to be too far from other like-minded companies. For example, if you’re an IT Company or a Business IT Support Company in London look for offices in known tech-hub areas like East London, or the more affordable Croydon. 

If you’re thinking about sharing an office space make sure there are companies or individuals that your team can connect with and that there’s a lively atmosphere. You want to be somewhere dynamic so that your members of staff are inspired. 

Make sure you check the facilities too: internet, storage, parking, local facilities, number of desks and so on. 

Consider a consultant

For some companies a workplace consultant can help to ensure that your new office is running efficiently. This could involve allowing your employees to work remotely or encouraging flexible working times, perhaps staff could use their own laptops too.  

Take advantage of tax breaks

This is a really important tip: Keep up to date on tax allowances because they can save you a lot of money. 

Plan ahead

Think about the things that could go wrong ahead of time. For example, is the internet already set up before you arrive? Are the phones working? Do you need these installed? Will members of staff have to work from home for a couple of days? Always plan for the possibility that there could be a few problems. 

360ict provides managed IT services and emergency IT support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Bromley and Croydon. 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.

Which Political Party Offers The Most Support For SMES?

Image Source: Mark Pack

When it comes to the political divide there’s one thing that all entrepreneurs and SMEs can agree on: extra government support is needed. 

The Entrepreneurs Network recently carried out an annual poll of 100 MPs, which shows that Labour and Conservative MPs have very different views on how best to support British entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Growth Business highlighted the key findings from the report:

• ‘It suggests almost two-thirds (63%) of Labour MPs believe increasing grants and loans for entrepreneurs would be the best way to support them’
• Among Conservative MPs, ‘a regime of tax cuts, including slashing business rates and corporate tax, is the most popular policy for driving entrepreneurial growth. Almost all (89%) from the ruling party are in favour of this approach’
• ‘The issue that splits the house more than any other is the potential impact of the UK leaving the EU – or Brexit. More than half (58%) of Conservative MPs believe that this would be a positive move for entrepreneurs – whereas only 1% of Labour MPs feel the same way’

MPs Are Vocal

• Growth Business quotes the Entrepreneurs Network Director Philip Salter as saying he was encouraged to see that 'MPs are increasingly vocal about supporting Britain’s entrepreneurs’
• ‘But he added he found MPs respective view on the EU the most enlightening – especially Labour MPs’ strong support for the EU.’

Ill-Informed About Current Programmes

Growth Business says both sides seem equally poorly informed about current support structures

• ‘More than one-third of Conservative MPs (38%) have not heard of the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS). And a further 18% don’t feel they know enough’ to comment
• Labour MPs, despite presenting as broadly supportive of introducing more grants and loans, are ‘also similarly ignorant of current government programmes. More than half (61%) were not aware of Innovate UK – a series of competitions in which £536m of government money is up for grabs’

See the full piece on Growth Business.

360ict provides managed IT services and emergency IT support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Bromley and Croydon. 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.

Why SMEs Are Choosing 360ict For Their IT Managed Services

Why Choose Us?

360ict has been a full managed services provider in London for over 10 years. We help small and midsize enterprises achieve the results that matter most with our technology expertise and flexible ICT solutions. 

We believe in:

No contracts. 
We believe in earning your business so there’s nothing keeping you as a client from staying with us other than you knowing we’re the best Business IT Support Company out there. To date, all of our clients have given 100% positive feedback. 

Keeping it simple. 
We provide essential office support, from basics such as business internet to cloud and data centres, relocation services and printer fleets. We want to be the one phone number you call when problems come up.

Transparency. 
No hidden fees, no hidden advice, we give you what we promise the first time.

Reasons to work with us:

- We offer a simple to use, commitment free (no email address / portal login) calculator to help you review the value of your ICT service provision.

- We guarantee 100% absolute satisfaction. No contracts make sure we have to be on top of our game.

- We’ve been around for a while! We’ve found the right formula for servicing ICT.

- Get all your ICT services under one roof, no more dropped lines of communication between two third parties. We do it all and you get one number to call for anything ICT related.

- We’ll have a technician working on your issue in 60 minutes or less. Our location (Central London, Victoria, Euston, Bromley and Croydon) lets us respond, fast.

- We’re one of the first IT service providers in London to offer “green hosting” which uses low-cost power and natural weather resources so your business can be proud of its environmental ethics.

- We make sure your office is secure. Remote backups, firewalls and network monitoring means that you can have piece of mind that nothing will get lost or stolen.

- None of our services are pre-determined. We tweak and cater our services towards your offices’ specific needs. Get exactly what you need and want.

- You’ll have a fully supported infrastructure leaving you free to concentrate on your customers.

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including London Victoria, Euston, 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. 

Will 5G Revolutionize Your Business In 2020?

One of the main highlights at this year’s Mobile Congress World in Barcelona was 5G. 5G is the next development in mobile technology, but will 5G improve the way businesses are run or is it all just hype?

Commercial 5G is expected to arrive around 2020, with full deployment towards the middle of that decade. But what can businesses actually expect from 5G, will it really be worth making the switch from 4G?

• It’s going to be ridiculously fast: we’re talking downloading an entire film in a second or video calling a client without any of the time delays or glitches.
• Smarter technology: devices will have to become smarter in order to successfully run 5G. But we’re talking more than just smartphones and laptops, this includes everything from printers to washing machines. 
• Increase in capacity: businesses will be able to connect all electronics to 5G, making the management of offices that much simpler. 
• It won’t break: a network that “won’t break”? Improving reliability issues is one of the main pros of 5G. 

There are many significant issues that telco providers are currently addressing: one of the main issues according to Business Spectator is that “the success of 5G will have more to do with connected systems than the 5G technology as such. 5G will involve a range of industry sectors and can only be successful if the applications are built in partnership and in collaboration with those sectors.” This means that new business models will have to be introduced. 

One thing is certain. The capabilities of 5G will add a whole new dimension to what the mobile industry is all about, and how businesses will have to adapt to be able to run and use this new technology.

360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including London Victoria, Euston, 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.