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Cloud Compute

2018 Gartner IaaS Report

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June 5, 2018

- Cloud Compute

2018 Gartner IaaS Report

Notable Takeaways

1) Amazon AWS stays on top for another year, well ahead of the pack in the Leaders quadrant
2) Microsoft Azure stays strong at #2 in the Leaders quadrant
3) Google cloud on the rise and makes first appearance the Leaders Magic Quadrant
4) Alibaba Cloud is now a global player for those looking for something similar to AWS but perhaps at a lower price point
5) 8 vendors most notably Rackspace, dropped out for their inability to support large scale workloads
6) The marketplace seems to have almost completed their consolidation in the IaaS space

Learn more about IaaS here, and don’t hesitate to contact ATI to learn more.
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Cloud Compute

Getting the Most from the Cloud

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March 24, 2016

- Cloud Compute

Are You Getting the Most from the Cloud?

March 24, 2016 – Forrester indicates that spending on cloud computing is expected to top $160 billion around the globe by 2020 – a growth rate of 22% per year – it’s no secret that cloud technology is becoming an essential part of modern business. But along with the implementation of new cloud computing services comes the challenges that come with adopting any new technology- inefficiency. Inefficiency can mean your employees aren’t working at full capacity or equipment, software, and features you have invested in are sitting unused. If you want to make your cloud computing services, such as cloud VoIP, CRM, and other options, work for you instead of against you, keep reading for five ways to maximize your efficiency with the cloud.

  1. Put Cloud Computing Policies in Place

While security is certainly an issues of top concern when it comes to cloud computing, that’s not the only policy that your company should have in place to protect efficiency. It is important to ensure that you have protocols for managing your cloud resources – from personnel to procedural. This way those critical elements like security and support do not fall into a dreaded zone where everyone believes they are someone else’s responsibility. The sooner your company can get this type of policy in place, the better.

  1. Ensure Your Cloud Apps Communicate

Some estimates suggest that by 2018, business will have up to 27 services in the cloud that were previously in house. However, it is not enough to simply move these services to a cloud system. For maximum efficiency, these services need to actually be able to communicate with one another. For instance, a cloud VoIP can offer advantages in phone communications, but when the system is also integrated with a cloud CRM, productivity can skyrocket.

  1. Take Advantage of Reliability

One of the key ways in which cloud computing services can improve efficiency is by allowing systems to stay up. When software lives off site, it can stay up and functioning – and be accessed remotely – even in the event of downtime in the office, including outages, natural disasters, and other unforeseen circumstances. Make sure that employees know how to use cell phones and home offices to access your cloud systems so that you can take advantage of this standard of reliability.

  1. Use Cloud for Frequent Updates

Some software and systems are updated a lot more frequently than others. Looking to the cloud for these particular services is a great option because those updates will happen automatically and generally at no cost to you. This means you will always be working with the latest version and the best possible tools, ensuring efficiency well beyond standard on-premise solutions.

  1. Utilize Your IT Department

One of the biggest advantages of systems like cloud VoIP is that your IT department does not have to spend their precious hours supporting your phone system or whatever service you decide to take to the cloud. You can use this opportunity to leverage your IT department for bigger business goals – whatever that means for your company. Cloud computing is here to stay. But as you continue to invest in it, be sure that you are using it to its full capacity and taking advantage of the efficiencies it has to offer. Learn more about a cloud phone system that will help you accomplish all of the above 5 tasks.
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Cloud Compute

Cloud Data Solutions

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February 25, 2016

- Cloud Compute

Cloud Data Solutions That Can Scale as Your Business Grows

February 25, 2016 – Some small businesses may be content reaching a limited size. But many more see growth as a top priority. If you want your business to grow, you have to have the right infrastructure in place, which includes the right data solutions for storing and accessing your business’ data. The right solution will be easy to use and understand, secure, and able to grow with you.

Cloud Data Storage

Turning to the cloud as a data solution can be intimidating for small business owners, but more and more it is becoming the only feasible option, especially for businesses that want to grow and need a solution that scales. On-premises data storage might feel more secure, but once you start adding employees, applications, and clients, you will keep needing to add more servers and possibly upgrade software to make sure you have enough room. The other option is cloud storage. That means you purchase space on an off-site server to store your important data – from documents like contracts and business plans to cloud-based applications that are used across the company. Cloud storage makes accessing your data easier, even as your company grows.

Cloud Data Solutions & Security

Security can be one of the biggest concerns you have as a small business owner who is considering a cloud-based data solution. You can hardly turn around today without seeing another news story about a major hack or data breach. And if huge companies like Target and Sony are susceptible, how does a small business like yours stand a chance? The good news is that there are security options that are available and attainable, even for small businesses. While nothing is completely foolproof, data solutions like Soonr handle security especially well. Because these cloud storage options integrate office applications with mobile devices, they eliminate the need for third-party mobile apps that can lead to data loss or hacks. This is especially useful for those businesses that rely on a mobile workforce with remote employees or just workers who are always on the go. Good cloud data storage options also have the benefit of segmented access so that you can set up who gets to see what. Internal employees are treated to different access than clients or partners, which keeps things even more secure. That means you can safely store contracts and other sensitive data in the cloud without worrying about who will have access.

How Cloud Storage Scales

When your business grows, your cloud storage grows with you. There is no need to purchase new servers or hire more IT support. Depending on the data solutions you choose, you might have to upgrade your storage subscription over time, but it’s extremely easy to do. That makes keeping your data in the cloud the best possible choice for businesses that are growing fast. Choosing the right cloud data solution for your growing business can be a challenge, but once you know how it works it’s easy to see how it can scale quickly and easily to meet your needs without compromising security. – Learn more about how ATI can backup your data here. – Host your infrastructure in the Cloud with ATI here.
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Cloud Compute

Smart Data Solutions for a Growing Business

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February 23, 2016

- Cloud Compute

Technology: it’s often seen as both a blessing and a curse for growing businesses today. From all the conveniences of a mobile world to the stresses of trying to keep up with all the system updates and changes, businesses are seemingly always trying to find smart data solutions. However, technology and data issues at businesses is not a problem that needs a final solution, but should be viewed more like an ongoing project that needs continuous attention and maintenance. Much like the product or service you deliver needs periodic adjustments to adapt to your market, so does the data aspects of your business.

The Problem with Data Use

Today’s digital landscape is reaching new thresholds. Data is coming from a number of different embedded systems like MP3 players, MRI scanners and even traffic lights. Because of this, it’s growing to levels where it’s challenging the more established practices previously located in data centers. Because of all these rapid changes, most growing companies are finding that data is one of their main technical challenges. To begin, you must define the sheer scale of how much data you need to power your business and create your products. Additionally, you need to ask yourself how you can forecast putting your organization’s data to the best use? Make a realistic estimate of a best-case scenario: if costs didn’t matter, how much data would you need to deliver the best possible products and services to your customers?

What Data Can Do For You

After you identify your company’s data needs, you can then begin the process of shaping your technologies around your best-case business results. Go beyond finding the technologies that will work for your business, but instead create your own technologies around your business needs and goals. Doing so will allow you to make realistic measurements of how data adjustments and changes can truly benefit and influence your business.

Overcoming Complexities

But even outlining a best-case scenario doesn’t mean you have the knowledge and experience to implement smart data solutions. As we’ve mentioned, the problem with data management is the sheer amount of data solutions available and keeping up with how the advancements may impact your business. Beyond simply managing a department, a business must remain knowledgeable with the latest developments like data technology and machine learning. Doing this effectively takes someone who can understand and identify what different advancements are the right fit for your organization to allocate resources to. An experienced Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is trained to identify and consistently advise your business through these types of complexities.

Data-Driven Benefits

Making an assumption that it’s not necessary to invest in the data needs of a growing business puts the future stability of the organization at risk.  Although a costly investment, implementing plans that put company data consumption and use at the center of business growth processes helps to ensure the stability of the organization in the future. Learn how ATI can get you the bandwidth for the data you need here.
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Cloud Compute

Forgot My Laptop – Virtual Desktop (VDI)

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June 8, 2015

- Cloud Compute

June 8, 2015 – Upon arriving to the office this morning, I had a sudden realization that my laptop was not with me. After working on it late last night, I forgot to put it in my bag, and was faced with a dilemma. Drive home two and a half hours roundtrip to retrieve it, (Yeah I live downtown Chicago, and we’re out here in Naperville) or MacGyver some sort of solution. The latter option won as I wandered around the office to locate an unused PC tower. I eventually found one, brought it back to my desk, connected the wires, and had something I could get by for the day with. However the computer wasn’t configured for every specific application I needed and the network drives were disconnected. All I had was the internet and therefore a way to web in to my email. Let me tell you it wasn’t one of my most productive days. Well that fateful day above was about 6 months ago, and since then our office has started to implement a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, (VDI) that will all but eliminate that conundrum and fix many other remote worker situations. Here’s a quick overview on how VDI works. Your company files and applications are hosted in the cloud in secure, georedundant data centers, and you access them via a web browser/internet connection for a monthly per user cost. It’s really that simple. Company Files/Applications = MS Office, CRM, Email/Exchange, Virus Protection, Citrix, QuickBooks, etc… Internet Connection = Any Smart Device (Cell Phones, Tablets, Laptops, Desktops, TVs) Let’s rewind and see how this situation would play out now with VDI. Get to the office, no laptop. Obtain the unused PC tower, (Use my iPad, or ask IT for a spare laptop for the day) connect to the internet, login into the VDI portal and voila, my internet browser now looks just like my desktop. Here I can access my secure company files, and utilize my specific programs to get my work done. Now if this service was only to save forgetful people like myself, it’s worth rolling the dice. However just think about some other real world applications where VDI would come in handy.
  • Weather prevents your employees from coming into the office, rather than a day off they can log in from their home computers to access files and apps. You can also direct all calls to your cell, or even put your phone system in the cloud
  • Computer/Laptop upgrades in your near future for all employees? Rather than spend 1k+ per employee, get them Chromebooks for 1/5th the cost. Since all you need is an internet connection that’ll more than suffice, as all the processing is done in the cloud.
  • Upgrading software or licensing? Your VDI hosting provider can take care of all that for you under your current monthly plan
Setting up a virtual desktop infrastructure may be right for a handful of people at the office or for everyone; it’s just a new way of looking at things. Learn more about VDI here, or take a look at other cloud solutions we offer that may streamline your business operations.
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Cloud Compute

10 Keys When Selecting a Managed Security Services Provider

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April 21, 2015

- Cloud Compute

Once, managed security service providers were small companies who offered select few larger companies the option to store their data remotely. Now, that market has grown into a widely utilized industry, where providers navigate security issues, compliance regulations, and the importance of data protection for you. But with this burgeoning enterprise comes the difficulty of deciding between the many competent players. When choosing the company that will defend the security of your data and manage your ability to access it, it’s important to look closely at several aspects of each provider

  1. Track Record

    The ideal MSSP to handle your company’s sensitive data will be able to show a strong history of quality information management over a significant period of time.

  2. Response Time and Analysis

    An MSSP must be able to easily determine security threats from false alarms. Your provider should be able to respond immediately after analyzing and interpreting large amounts of network security.

  3. Operation Centers

    The best MSSP will have state-of-the-art security operations centers at multiple locations, allowing for cross-monitoring and double-checking compliance with security standards.

  4. Global Awareness

    To really be prepared, security experts must be able to monitor threats to data not just domestically, but from around the world. International eyes and ears allow for proactive handling of threats and real-time alerts.

  5. High Level Management

    Management personnel in the best MSSPs will often have backgrounds working in military, security, or government: an indicator of success.

  6. Range of Services

    Particularly for larger businesses, MSSPs must be able to provide a variety of services, including real-time monitoring, firewall management, intrusion detection systems, virtual private networks, and more.

  7. Security Procedures

    Ask for documented standards and policies that are in place, from handling of unusual operations to common threats. Look for an MSSP that offers a variety of notification options for optimal staff awareness.

  8. Third-Party Validation

    Whatever these policies and procedures are, make sure that the MSSP has had them validated and certified by a third-party auditor.

  9. Range

    For best brand-specific protection, find an MSSP that employs specialists who have certified experience working with a variety of security providers and in a wide range of products.

  10. Reporting

    Detailed reporting is essential for a company to truly trust the MSSP. Be sure that the reports are based on information drawn from various platforms, include recommendations, are open about latest threats, and are clear about any security changes that have been made.
Your data is only as secure as the company trusted to protect it. Take your time and consider all aspects of the business and relevant details of your own company before deciding. One of the companies that ATI has vetted and trust with your data is iCore Networks. We’re having an executive luncheon with them on May 6th, 2015, and would love for you to attend. Learn more here.
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Cloud Compute

When Disaster Strikes

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March 17, 2015

- Cloud Compute

When Disaster Strikes: Looking to the Cloud for Business Continuity

It’s a Monday afternoon. Calls are rolling in, there are countless voicemails to respond to, and business is humming along. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Courtney the sales manager knocks on your door with a perplexed look on her face. “Do you know what’s wrong with the phone system?” Courtney asks. “There’s no dial tone, no access to voicemail, and no calls coming in.” Ah, yes — the feared phone system failure. Whether caused by a clumsy utility worker, a big storm, or some other unpredictable problem, phone system issues can create enormous headaches. In fact, if your company hasn’t implemented any kind of disaster or redundancy plan, those failures significantly disrupt business continuity and productivity. You can’t afford that kind of stagnation. So, you close your laptop, pull out your cell phone, and call your telecommunications provider. An hour later, you finally get someone on the line. Two hours later, you’ve diagnosed the problem. And, right around closing time, the phone system is finally working again. Problem is, you and your team have lost a day of productivity. And your customers aren’t happy. A Simpler (and More Effective) Way to Manage Disaster Recovery Until recently, the only way to ensure this scenario didn’t happen to you was to duplicate all of your systems and implement a complex disaster recovery plan. Both of those require significant investments in equipment and infrastructure, which is why many businesses have instead chosen to roll the dice and hope for the best. Today, there’s another solution that is cheaper and much more efficient. Cloud-based phone systems have greatly advanced system recovery and business continuity in the face of an outage. Because cloud systems are hosted virtually, there’s no need to worry about the types of disastrous scenarios that used to disrupt on-premise or landline phone services. If a phone line is cut, cloud-based systems are totally unaffected. If Internet service goes down, phone calls can be re-routed to backup cell phone numbers or other business offices. Simply put, recovery and continuity is a non-issue. 3 Key Business Benefits of Switching to the Cloud While that kind of peace of mind is pretty compelling on its own, there are a handful of ancillary benefits of the cloud to consider, as well. Here are three particularly important ones:
  1. Cloud-based phone systems are less expensive up-front than on-premise solutions — and that’s with built-in disaster recovery and redundancy planning.
  2. Unlike on-premise solutions, cloud-based phone systems are totally scalable. If you need to re-direct call flow from one site to another, it’s very easy to do without any disruption in call quality or service.
  3. If a total outage strikes, wiping out your office’s power and Internet service, cloud-based phone systems allow employees to connect from anywhere — their home, a coffee shop, or wherever they can tap into power and a data connection.
With these benefits in mind, the question, then, is why you wouldn’t switch to the cloud. Truthfully, there are still compelling arguments for on-premise phone systems, and it’s important to consider your goals before making any major change. But if connectivity, business continuity, system redundancy and reliability are important to your company, employees and customers, you’d be wise to take a closer look at the benefits of the cloud. If nothing else, it will help you better plan for network disruptions you can’t possibly anticipate.
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Cloud Compute

Snow Day, I’m Working From Home

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February 5, 2015

- Cloud Compute

We got a bit of snow this past week, is an understatement. Weather in Chicago can, and will strike any season, but gone are the days where Mother Nature should slow down your organizations operations. Simply put, did  winter storm “Juno” obstruct your day to day business communications? If so, take a look at some frequently reported issues below, and see how ATI can quickly solve them.

1) Phone System:

Lack of  parity at home, customers can’t reach you – We can route all calls to employee’s cell phones, and make outbound calls from your cell appear to customers as if it were coming from your business number & Caller ID. 4 digit dial, and transfer to coworkers with ease, all on your cell. Or you could use an IP phone at home, just plug it into your home internet router with a standard Ethernet cable.

2) Computers:

Are employees computers based at the office or laptops left over the weekend? – We can deploy virtual desktops, (VDI) and your employees can log into all their files/programs from any computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet at home or anywhere with an internet connection.

3) Help Desk:

Was your IT staff unable to make it into the office to assist with employee computer issues? –  We can setup a help desk in the cloud, with a team of IT professionals at your disposal.

4) Internet/Voice Service:

Did the snow wipe out or slow down your internet & voice service? – We can setup backup internet utilizing point to point satellites that never go down when everyone elses service gets wiped out by the rogue plow Contact ATI or toss me a quick email and I’ll see how we can help. We’ve still got 3 more months of possible snow. (Yep, May) Did the snow slow your business in another way? Let us know about it, and we’ll find a solution.
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ABOUT US

Ascenda™ is a globally recognized total experience thought leader for organizations of all sizes. Our speed of innovation ensures that businesses can transform how they work together with customers and employees while also exceeding key business metrics.

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CONTACT ASCENDA/ATI

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Lisle, IL 60532

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