#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.

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. 

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.

4 Technology Trends All SMEs Should Look Out For

Image Credit: Luxury Report Mag

Today every business uses some form of technology, but some companies are better at tracking and utilising new and upcoming technology that can transform their business for the better. 

These are exciting and fast moving times for SMEs, and businesses that start adopting evolving technology at an early stage will get the most benefits. So we’ve put together a list of key technology trends to watch out for:

1. The cloud

Cloud solutions take away issues around hardware costs and create a flexible, scaleable and cost-effective service by hosting on the internet. It also allows companies to utilise technology driven tools such as mobile, social media and big data. 

Translating your legacy on-premise applications into a cloud environment can be super easy when using an IT managed service provider.

2. NoSQL databases

If you continue down the cloud route you’ll find out about NoSQL databases, which are part of the larger enterprise big data movement. NoSQL is great for the unstructured data you find in mobile and social media, including video and audio. It’s agile, scalable and flexible, like other cloud based solutions, and it complements what relational databases can offer. 

3. Business sensors

Sensors provide a way for companies to learn about their business, employees and customers. The data collected can then be used to improve all areas of the company including sales and productivity.

Pegged among the “Internet of Things” that brings smarter “things” together, sensors and connected devices with analytics, security, data and integration platforms will transform areas of a business.

4. Don’t completely overlook software

There are many reasons why a lot of companies are moving entirely to the cloud, and there’s much hype in the media surrounding this technology, so it’s often easy to overlook advances being made in infrastructure and operations. The entire operating environment—server, storage and network—can now be virtualised and automated. Data centres of the future promise lower complexity and affordability.

Now businesses are looking at hybrid solutions: Look for an IT support company that can provide expert consultation on whether cloud computing services are best suited to your business, and can also implement a hybrid solution with cloud-based elements that work alongside your legacy 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.

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. 

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.

Will The Apprenticeship Levy Benefit SMEs?

Image source: www.tracweb.co.uk

The UK government is still 100% committed to the planned apprenticeship levy, despite concerns from business leaders, David Cameron said this week.

The Prime Minister has said the levy will help create 3 million apprenticeships across the country and will make larger employers contribute funding to apprenticeship training. 

A new series of industry standards will be introduced for apprenticeships in a varied range of professions from IT, engineering and transport to fashion. 

However, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has voiced concerns that it would not deliver the skilled youth businesses would want, and it would do very little to help SMEs. 

CBI said: "With an apprenticeship levy for larger employers set to be introduced following the Budget, the CBI is concerned that while it may fund more apprenticeships to meet the Government's target of three million, it will not deliver the high-quality, business-relevant training needed, and do little to help small or medium-sized businesses.”

David Cameron responded: "The greatest asset any employer has is their workforce. And by investing in them, they are investing in the success and future of their business. As a One Nation Government, we are committed to supporting three million quality apprenticeships over the next five years - to help strengthen our economy, deliver the skills that employers need and give millions more hard-working people financial security and a brighter future.”

The government has set an extremely high target to reach. Should they focus on creating quality apprenticeships over volume? Would the scheme be more likely to benefit small businesses if this were the case? 

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.

Are SMEs Doing Enough To Market Their Business Online?

Image source: Jerrard Wayne

A new survey conducted by ReachLocal in the UK has revealed that 55% of small businesses, believe that not enough is being done to market their business online. 

The survey polls UK SMEs from a wide range of industries and it explores how they feel about online marketing and managing the enquiries they receive. 

54% stated that they are not sure which marketing tactics are delivering a return for their business and 23% spend their money on the marketing initiatives that they think are successful, even if there is little evidence to back up their success. 

The survey also reveals that 31-35% of email or website enquiries are not responded to in less than an hour, a staggering figure that could cost small businesses a lot of money.

Paul Liascos, UK managing director for ReachLocal, said: “Online marketing can be highly effective, but it’s wasted money if you can't respond quickly to the enquiries generated. The whole marketing and buying cycle has to work well to ensure that companies do not leak leads.”

A Harvard Business Review study found that 50% of customers choose to do business with the company that responds to them first, and according to a researcher from Portsmouth Business School, small businesses are also lacking in social media marketing, even though they are more likely to be striking the right personal tone in comparison to big corporations. 

How do you feel about your online marketing strategies? Do you think there’s more that you could be doing? Let us know your thoughts. 

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.

StartUp Britain, A Nationwide Tour Designed To Inspire Would-Be Entrepreneurs

A national campaign that aims to inspire new start-up businesses has embarked on a tour of the North. 

StartUp Britain is a campaign by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, which harnesses the expertise of Britain’s leading businesspeople to celebrate, inspire and accelerate enterprise in the UK. 

The 1966 Routemaster bus will tour 25 locations around England, Wales and Scotland to offer advice from the country’s best business mentors, start-up experts, business IT support professionals and employees from headline sponsors Sage to aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Yesterday in Newcastle mentors from the North East’s Entrepreneurs’ Forum spoke with members of the public about business ideas and of their own experiences, which highlighted that connecting budding entrepreneurs to local organisations can help them to get started in the business world. 

According to the StartUp Britain website, the campaign was founded by eight entrepreneurs and launched on 28 March 2011 by the Prime Minister, with the full support of the Chancellor and HM Government, although it is completely funded by private-sector sponsors. The campaign is now run by the Centre for Entrepreneurs, the entrepreneurs' think tank, enabling them to communicate better policies for entrepreneurs to Government.

“We are truly passionate about promoting entrepreneurship and its benefits to our economy and we do this by highlighting the myriad of support that is available to those who wish to start or grow a business, galvanising support where we see a demand and by acting as a voice for small businesses to Government.”

We think this is an excellent event and we urge potential entrepreneurs from across the UK to attend, you’ll never know what valuable information you might receive! And if anything, it’s a good chance to network with some of the best business minds around.

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.

UK Inflation Turns Negative For The First Time Since 1960

Figures released recently have revealed that the main measure of UK inflation turned negative for the first time since the measure has been in existence. 

The measure, known as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reached a figure of -0.1% in April and based on historical estimates, is the first negative figure that has been recorded in the UK since 1960. It is believed that the biggest contribution to the downturn of inflation came from a fall in travel fares, with costs thought to be 2.8% lower than last year. Food is also 3% cheaper compared to April 2014s figures. 

Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, discussed his thoughts on whether this statistic represented an ongoing trend in the UK economy. Although he did think that the situation would remain largely similar for the next few months he did think that ‘towards the end [of the year], inflation should start to pick up towards our 2% target.’ 

In the interview below, Chancellor George Osborne stated that these figures should not be mistaken for ‘damaging deflation.’ Forecasters believe that the negative inflation will not last long and are avoiding describing these figures as a sign of deflation. George Osborne did add that ‘of course, we have to remain vigilant to deflationary risks and our system is well equipped to deal with them, should they arise.’

As a result of these comments, business owners and others are left wondering whether their own companies are equipped to cope with wider economical changes. In light of the figures released it is crucial companies arrange their businesses in a way that will safeguard their operations. 

To find out more about safeguarding your business and emergency IT support or if you have any questions please get in touch with us. 

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.

Standard Chartered To Combat Cybercrime By Hiring Former UK Surveillance Chief

Image credit: Reuters

Standard Chartered has appointed Iain Lobban to its new financial crime committee to bolster its cyber defence strategy.

The former head of Britain’s security and intelligence body, GCHQ, will become a member and senior advisor to the committee. Lobban will be responsible for matters including anti-money laundering, sanctions compliance and prevention of corruption.

Lobban was director of the UK’s electronic intelligence gathering agency from mid-2008 to late 2014 and Standard Chartered said cybersecurity had been at the heart of Lobban's role in recent years.

Cyber criminals pose a rising threat to businesses across the UK. Businesses are being targeted by increasingly sophisticated criminals trying to steal money, client data or innovative ideas, score political points or to simply cause havoc. Many companies make the mistake of thinking their greatest risks are external ones like burglary or flooding — they underestimate the danger of internal failures in data security and data protection.

Standard Chartered announced the committee a day after U.S authorities extended monitoring of the bank, which follows the institution’s $667 million fine in 2012 over violations related to U.S sanctions.

As cyber attacks are becoming more frequent, it’s advised that businesses take precautions to combat these attacks. We offer SMEs across the UK industry-leading solutions designed to solve mainstream IT problems spanning over three distinct markets: data storage, data protection and disaster recovery. Our solutions combat crime and improve conduct and compliance capabilities.

To make sure your organisation is compliant with all data security and data protection regulations, have our experts carry out an on-site review. To talk to us about your options, call 0208 663 4000 or contact us via our website.

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

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.