Living in Ontario and Quebec offers us rich cultural experiences and promising economic opportunities. However, as the recent warmest summer on record has shown us, these provinces are not immune to the challenges created by climate change.

Floods and fires, caused by global warming, have become more common nowadays. As many businesses rely more and more on technology, the impact of these disasters can affect whole industries. We are going to discuss crucial tech aspects to ensure your business continues to function during these events.

The Need to Adapt: Floods and Fires in Perspective

The increasing frequency of floods and fires across the country is not a coincidence. They serve as examples of the tangible impacts of global warming. Both of these (and other weather events) pose a similar set of challenges for IT infrastructure:

• Potential physical damage to on-premise servers and equipment.
• Connectivity disruptions due to infrastructure damages.
• Immediate shift to remote working to ensure business continuity.

Steps for Business Preparedness: Pre-event Checklist Questions to Ask Yourself

It’s important to know where your data and operations are mainly stored – either in the cloud, or on-premise. The answer to this can have significant implications during adverse weather events or other disruptions:

• Email: Is your email system hosted externally on a cloud platform, or is it run from a server within your premises? When disruptions happen, cloud-based systems often offer more flexibility and accessibility.
• Line of Business Applications: These are the core software applications that your business operations rely on. Are they cloud-hosted, allowing for remote access anytime, anywhere, or are they tethered to a specific location?
• Shared Data: Where is your collaborative data stored? On local servers or cloud-based platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive? If your local systems fail, cloud storage can still keep your data safe and accessible.
• Remote Working Capability (Team Collaboration): Can your teams pivot to a remote work environment without hiccups? Team collaboration tools are Microsoft Teams, Slack, etc. Working remotely plays an important role in our unpredictable world today. Not only is it about the software but it is also about ensuring employees are trained and equipped. Being able to easily transition to remote work can help keep a business going in any situation.
• Remote desktop connectivity (SSL VPN): Do you have secure VPN connections with sufficient licenses which can handle this load?
• Phone Systems: Do you have a traditional phone system that is stable and well-known, or do you use VoIP, which offers flexibility and often cost savings? Consider what best suits your business needs.
• Microsoft Gateway Service: Is this something that you have? Think of Microsoft Gateway Service as a translator for your various business tools, ensuring they all communicate smoothly with each other. It streamlines operations.
• Physical Server Safety (For those not already in cloud setups): Is your physical serveraccessible during disasters? Do you have protective measures against potential damages (water and fire-resistant setups)?
• Connectivity Assurances: Are there any secure alternatives for internet connectivity so your business can stay online during infrastructure damages?

Proactive Measures for Weather Events

Just as we prepare our homes for floods and fires, our business’s IT setups also need preparation. Here are some steps to take:

• Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan.
• Maintain an updated inventory of all tech resources.
• Ensure regular offsite backups and routinely test their effectiveness.
• Practice remote working scenarios to iron out issues in real-time.
• Collaborate closely with your IT teams for rapid responses during emergencies.
• Forward phones to alternate numbers or softphone solutions to ensure communication lines remain open.

IT Resilience Amidst Climate Challenges

The climate in Canada is changing, we’ve seen that first hand with the warmest summer on record and increasing extreme weather events. This means businesses in Ontario and Quebec must be more proactive. By ensuring that our IT infrastructure is robust and disaster-ready, we can reduce the impact of storms, floods, fires, or any other weather events of the future.

Before entering the ice and snowstorm season, it’s important to get ready and plan for the problems they might cause. Don’t wait for the next disaster – contact our IT company today to safeguard your business technology against the unpredictable forces of nature.

In the dynamic landscape of business technology, traditional “office suites” have evolved into robust collaboration hubs. While many enterprises utilize Google Workspace, a significant number are leaning towards Microsoft 365, drawn by its vast array of tools and benefits that amplify efficiency and teamwork.

Historical Evolution

Previously known as Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365 has expanded its range of tools, integrating popular applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and newer tools like Teams and SharePoint.

On the other hand, Google Workspace, formerly Google Suite, emerged as Microsoft’s mini-me offering cloud-based applications like Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Meet, and Sites.

Key Differences

A natural comparison emerges between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace when it comes to the way a business operates. While both platforms offer robust solutions for modern enterprises, key differences in their feature set, integration capabilities, and user experiences have shaped distinct preferences among businesses. The choice between them often hinges on an organization’s specific needs and priorities. Let’s dig deeper and compare their traits.

1. Cloud Integration

Google Workspace is predominantly cloud-based, ensuring some accessibility, but at times, can be limiting.

Microsoft 365 has enriched its cloud services, granting users the flexibility to operate both in the cloud and through traditional desktop and mobile apps.

2. Cyber Security and Support

Both offer extensive security tools, including enterprise-level encryption, cloud security, data loss prevention, 2FA, and malware prevention.

Google Workspace offers standard and tiered security and its support isn’t 24/7 unless upgraded.

Microsoft 365 provides 24/7 support for all plans and more advanced security packages.

Elevate your Microsoft 365 account’s safeguard with multi-factor authentication. 

3. Productivity and Collaboration

Both platforms enable live document co-authoring.

Google Workspace, while streamlined, sometimes lacks in app integration and capabilities, particularly when compared to tools like Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft 365 provides a broader app range with seamless integration due to Windows’ tighter ecosystem.

4. Cloud Storage

Google Workspace provides storage caps of 30 GB to 5 TB across its various plans.

Microsoft 365 offers 1 TB of OneDrive storage for each user across all business plans.

5. Ease of Use

Google’s tools are simpler but might pose challenges for users accustomed to Microsoft’s software.

Microsoft’s tools, being long-standing industry standards, have a slight learning curve but offer more advanced features.

6. Administration

Google Workspace has a more streamlined administrative experience, sometimes lacking in-depth control features present in Microsoft 365.

Microsoft 365 boasts comprehensive administrative controls, drawing from its long history of business software development.

7. Pricing

Google Workspace pricing varies from $6 to $18 per user per month, with enterprise plans being custom-quoted.

Microsoft 365 offers four main plans ranging from $6 to $22.50 per user per month. 

MS365 Business Premium account

Now as you can tell, we highly recommend Microsoft 365, particularly the Premium version, in high regard. Why, you ask? With the Premium account, businesses gain access to enhanced security features that ensure the utmost protection of sensitive data. Collaboration is taken a notch higher with tools designed to streamline team interactions, making remote work more efficient than ever. 

Moreover, the advanced analytics tools in the package provide invaluable insights, enabling companies to make informed decisions. All in all, the Microsoft 365 Premium offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for modern business needs. And trust us, once you’ve tasted Premium, you won’t want to go back!

Recommendation

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 with Info-Tech Montreal. Our expertise shines brightest when tailoring the Business Premium experience for organizations, giving them a distinct edge over competitors.

While Google Workspace offers value, Microsoft 365’s broad capabilities, especially with a Business Premium account, are unmatched. Dive deeper with Info-Tech Montréal and elevate your business operations with our premium IT managed services.

In the world of business, it’s crucial to stay updated with technological advancements and changes. As Microsoft announced the end-of-life (EOL) of Windows Server 2012 on October 10th 2023, businesses worldwide need to prepare for a shift.

This crucial change impacts organizations on different scales, and if your company still relies on Server 2012, now is the time to strategize and prepare for the transition.

Transitioning from Server 2012

Server 2012, given its widespread adoption, could currently be embedded in your IT infrastructure in a variety of ways – such as through – premise physical server, an on-premise virtual server, or even a cloud virtual server. Therefore, a transition strategy should account for these diverse scenarios.

There are various options for transitioning away from Server 2012 and embracing a more advanced and efficient IT infrastructure, such as:

• Upgrade the physical server – While an option, it may not be the most recommended due to potential limitations and long-term sustainability challenges.
• On-premise virtual server – A more sustainable choice, providing flexibility and scalability while maintaining control over your infrastructure.
• Cloud migration – The ideal option, offering unmatched agility, cost-effectiveness, and security. Embrace the future of technology with a seamless transition to the cloud.

Timeline of Next Steps

At Info-Tech Montreal, we understand that moving away from Server 2012 may seem daunting, especially with the myriad of options at your disposal. We’re here to simplify that process by providing a roadmap to guide your transition.

1. Identify Current Infrastructure: With the help of your Managed Service Provider (MSP), figure out what servers you have running Windows Server 2012, and their age and condition. A comprehensive inventory helps in making informed decisions.

2. Consider Your Business Needs: Evaluate your requirements and business objectives. Would an upgraded physical server suffice, or should you consider a more sustainable virtual server? Perhaps migrating to a cloud-based server, the ideal option for future-proofing your business, would be best.

3. Backup: Prior to migration, ensure that you have an up-to-date backup of your critical data. This step is non-negotiable in maintaining a business’ continuity.

4. Testing: Before the final cutover, testing and validation of current applications on the new server environment are crucial. Any potential issues need to be identified and resolved before launch.

5. Cutover: Transition to your chosen server option. Be it an upgrade or cloud migration, this is the point where the rubber meets the road.

6. Training: Equip your employees with the necessary skills to navigate the new server environment. Adequate training minimizes disruption and maximizes productivity.

Prepare for the Future: Transitioning from Server 2012 with Info-Tech Montreal

Despite the logical flow of these steps, bear in mind that this transition can be time-consuming. It can take several weeks to plan, test, and deploy new servers. The calendar is moving faster than you might think, so there’s less time than it appears!

If you’re not currently working with an MSP, or if your current MSP hasn’t yet discussed this imminent upgrade, Info-Tech Montreal is ready and willing to help. With our extensive experience and knowledgeable team, we can facilitate a smooth transition that suits your unique business needs.

Reach out to us today, and together, we’ll ensure that the EOL of Server 2012 becomes an opportunity for your business to grow and innovate. The future is waiting, let’s embrace it!

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Co-managed IT services are gaining popularity, as businesses look for ways to improve their IT infrastructure without adding to their internal IT teams. As a managed service provider, offering co-managed IT services can be an excellent way to expand your customer base and generate new revenue streams. However, selling co-managed IT services can be a challenge, particularly if your customers are not familiar with the concept.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of co-managed IT services and provide you with some tips on how to sell them effectively, to your customers.

Discover New Opportunities Through Co-Managed IT Services

Co-managed IT services offer several benefits for businesses looking to enhance their IT infrastructure. Here are some of the advantages of co-management:

Shared Responsibilities

Co-managed IT services, which are known to improve synergy, invite a partnership between the organization and the service provider, where both parties are deeply committed to the continual improvement of their IT infrastructure. This collaborative arrangement facilitates a balanced and cooperative approach to IT management, which helps ensure a successful outcome.

Access to expertise

Co managed IT services unlock a rare privilege: access to a plenitude of IT experts with diverse skills and experience. This is advantageous for organizations; especially those with budget constraints that flatline the possibility to recruit a full-time IT team.

Cost-Effective

These services present an economically viable solution to the challenge of maintaining a full-time IT team, as organizations can now solely pay for the IT support they require, without the added expenditure of hiring, training and retaining employees.

Scalability

The versatility and adaptability of co-managed IT services enables organizations to meticulously calibrate and re-calibrate their IT support services to match their ever-changing business requirements. This capability to seamlessly scale up or down their IT services provides organizations with a level of flexibility that is unparalleled.

The Strategies Behind Selling Co-Managed IT Solutions

As a purveyor of co-managed IT services, it is of paramount importance that you communicate the extensive and diverse advantages of your services, with maximum efficacy and clarity, to potential clients. Here are a few tips:

Understand the Client’s Needs

Before embarking on a pitch to promote your co-managed IT services, it is imperative that you take the necessary time to comprehend the present IT infrastructure of the client, and gain insights into the intricacies of their operations. Such understanding will enable you to properly tailor your services, meeting their unique and specific requirements, ultimately enhancing their overall operational efficiency.

By adopting such an approach, you can ensure that your services are not just another generic solution, but rather, an intricately crafted and bespoke package, tailored to the client’s precise needs and specifications.

Emphasize Flexibility & Scalability

Accentuate the extensibility and scalability of co-managed IT services, laying emphasis on the fact that clients have the liberty to pay only for the services that they deem necessary, at their desired moments in time.

Provide Case Studies & Testimonials

Share case studies and testimonials from existing clients to showcase the benefits of co-managed IT services.

High Expertise & Resources

When it comes to demonstrating your organization’s capabilities, it is crucial to shine a spotlight on the comprehensive skill set and multifaceted resources of your IT team. This involves placing emphasis on the extensive expertise, and vast reservoir of resources at their disposal, all of which have been garnered over a considerable period of time, in their efforts to oversee and manage IT infrastructure.

By emphasizing the depth of their skills and experience, you will be able to instill confidence in potential clients, seeking a reliable and effective co-managed IT service provider.

Address Security Concerns

To assuage any lingering concerns pertaining to information security, it is incumbent upon us to expound upon our security policies and procedures, with an emphasis on accentuating any relevant certifications or compliance standards that our organization unwaveringly adheres to. By doing so, we can illustrate our commitment to ensuring the security of their data.

Offer Customization

It is highly advisable to provide clients with the opportunity to customize certain things, in the event that such options are feasible and advantageous, and thereby permit the tailoring of IT services to their particular requirements and preferences. Such an approach is likely to enhance the client’s satisfaction with the services provided, leading to a longer-lasting and mutually beneficial business relationship, between the service provider and the client.

To successfully sell co-managed IT services to companies seeking IT support, providers must articulate the advantages of their offerings, while navigating potential concerns. By directly addressing issues pertaining to security, customization, and scalability, among others, providers can reassure clients, and ultimately achieve sales success.

Opt for Co-Managed IT Services Today

In conclusion, co-managed IT services offer numerous benefits for businesses. By offering co-managed IT services to their customers, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can expand their service offerings, generate new revenue streams, and enhance their relationships with customers. With the right approach and a clear understanding of the benefits, MSPs can successfully sell co-managed IT services to their customers, and help them achieve their IT goals.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner to provide co-managed IT services, consider Info-Tech Montreal. Our experienced team can work with your organization to provide co-managed IT services that align with your business goals and needs. Contact us today to learn more about our co-managed IT services, and how we can help your business grow.