The Rising Importance of Video Surveillance

It isn’t often I write up about the new camera technology we see every day. I should, as it is a part of our business that fascinates me, but I don’t think it gets enough attention because it seems to be a “been there - done that” type of business. Surveillance technology has been around for a long time, thereby, I think what gets forgotten is the fact that it too changes daily and the stuff we see is amazing.

I read an article written by Jill Delaney from our partner, Exacq Technologies, and on the surface it seems boring, just another dome camera. But what you read when you get into this article along with the video - is insane. So much so that homeowners like myself should start taking this seriously.  Facial recognition in low light / high contrast situations could mean an end to security breaches, theft, curb violence and vandalism and, therefore, provide piece of mind.  Now, of course the Big Brother theory will get tossed around, but there is a happy medium in there somewhere. Especially given the fact the Internet has proven time and time again that Big Brother is already here and in our face, whether we like it or not. 

Every company out there should look into video surveillance, invest in video surveillance, and utilize it more frequently. Click through our website or call us to find out more. Here is the article on the new camera I looked at recently:

http://blog.exacq.com/blog/2015/07/08/introducing-illustra-pro-3-5-megapixel-mini-domes/

Ignoring Your IT Infrastructure Isn't Cheap

I recently read an article posted on InformationWeek (by Jonathan Feldman) which spoke to the reasons most common for a company defaulting on its reduced IT spending. I loved the fact the article made it about people and process, not just dollars and cents. His points on overstating risk, feeling disconnected from IT, and that “everything is fine” are common attitudes and opinions I run into every day. Companies often do not take IT seriously enough and undervalue the impact technology has on the heart and soul of an organization.

Now, do companies need to overspend on infrastructure and technology? I wish…But no, they don't. Rather, companies need to ensure IT and technology enables people and process and facilitates growth and wellness inside an organization. Too often you encounter people and processes behind a curtain that is never pulled open. A proper evaluation of the impact technology can and would have is a first great step. I recently ran into an organization that devalues IT so much that it is now affecting its core business. I don’t want to say I told you so but, well, I did. Currently, they are on track with a proper evaluation of what and when things should occur. Are they spending money? No, but they don’t have to be right away as long as they are taking action and listening to the people behind the curtain.

http://www.informationweek.com/strategic-cio/it-strategy/cheap-it-will-cost-you/a/d-id/1321314?_mc=NL_IWK_EDT_cio_IWK_20150720&cid=NL_IWK_EDT_cio_IWK_20150720&elq=99cd871817084915aa4bac6745e863a9&elqCampaignId=15584&elqaid=62124&elqat=1&elqTrackId=1c9290f03c0d4c1b93922653b02b4d81

The Importance of Internal Communications

Improving internal communication is key to running a successful company. Recently I read the attached Fast Company article written by Pat Sullivan, and it got me thinking, “How does High Tech factor into the three points he mentions”. Well, I thought about it and talked to a few of my peers. We realized that even though we sometimes fall into a few pitfalls, we do follow these three ideas well. 

First point: Detox from email.  How often do you get stuck in a huge email discussion that was way, way too detailed. What do we do? We get up, walk into someone’s office, have the discussion and close out the conversation – then email the results to ensure the details are not lost. Quick and efficient!

Second Point: Change your structure. While I cannot get into the details of this publicly, we have made significant strides in the recent years to empower our staff with certain responsibilities that in the past were not granted. Opening up certain chests of information that were previously “restricted” due to a fear of providing too much information actually proved to be inefficient. It is amazing how effective an employee can be by sharing significant details that once were deemed “top secret”. Not to say everything is shared, but enough to ensure the company is all moving in the right direction together.

Third Point: Communicate far and wide. I share (many) plans with employees because their insight can be invaluable. Employees have knowledge that you have no idea existed, and smart company’s embrace that knowledge and include them.

Now, how do you enable your organization to accomplish what we and many other successful companies have done? Well that is a trade secret. We could tell you but I’d have to bill you.

Here is the article, enjoy.

http://www.fastcompany.com/3048749/hit-the-ground-running/3-steps-to-vastly-improving-your-companys-communication

Using Unified Communications to Improve Your Chain of Command

I normally do not post on these types of topics, but this one I found interesting. About three quarters of the way down the article it talks about how Dr Martens used Unified Communication to improve internal, not external, communication. We often talk (and sometimes struggle) with who and why Unified Communications will benefit an organization. The message is old and stale and almost a ‘been there, done that’ attitude.

Here is a great example of how this successful organization implemented simple technology to improve communication within an organization, better communication between Quality Control and Supply Chain / Manufacturing across the Globe. Not the same old never miss a call as a sales person.

Take a read, I can point to a few of our own clients who have done the same thing, but sometimes it is just nice to look across the pond to see how a client and their needs are very similar no matter where you go.

http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/analysis/2393025/dr-martens-selects-value-for-money-shoretel-over-cisco-avaya-mytel

Finding the Best Cloud Storage for You

Our marketing team found the attached article, I thought it was a good read and wanted to share it out with our followers. Now, High Tech does not often get into the sale of cloud storage so you may wonder why this topic has come up. The answer is simple: Technology is so tightly intertwined that we often get into value conversations with our clients on every aspect of their business. Knowing what (or where) to the answer is important even if this is not part of your business. I pride myself and our firm for helping companies locate useful information. When business’s look for storage we talk SAN and VM Servers and Terabits, but more often than not the users themselves just need something and send a large PowerPoint to a client or share an Excel file real time across the city. This easily solves those business related issues.

Now, back to the article. At the very end, the most important set of points can be found in the summary. High Tech uses multiple options here from Dropbox to iCloud to OneDrive, and to be honest, each person will say theirs is better than someone else’s for whatever reason. I am a Google fan, I use Google Drive. My kids use iCloud as they are iPhone/iPod users. After reading it and evaluating my own requirements I realize that they are all great, for the most part free, and will provide most people with more storage then they will ever use in their lifetime. Just make sure that when you choose one (or more than one), the other parties you intend to use it with (if this is for business) can access it as easily as you can.

Enjoy:  http://www.zdnet.com/article/whats-the-best-cloud-storage-for-you/

The Importance of Staying Current

“$4!^ happens, design for that fact”. By far my favourite subtitle yet in any of the articles that I have been writing on. This article from GFI, a long standing partner of High Tech, simply points out that staying current, listening to instructions, and ensuring change control measures are in place are positive practices to have in your business.

The best part of the article talks about the stuff you don’t plan for... So plan for it. People believe their businesses are immune to failure or errors, but they are not. The worst part is that many people do not plan for it because they believe it is complicated and expensive. I will draw a comparison to ShoreTel, a communication system solution we implement. In order to provide true and lasting redundancy your simply need to add an appliance. If that sounds simple, it's because it is.

When GFI talks about redundancy, it is along a similar path. Add in a secondary server or migrate to Cloud or VMWare. Build yourself up and keep the infrastructure current. Nothing is worse than having a state of the art facility from 2010 when it is 2015. How do you effectively implement a state current solution? That is where we come in, but before we do, please read this article and ask yourself if you think a few minutes of your time is worth the discussion.  And before you answer, yes it is. Make the time, have the conversation, keep your technology current.

http://www.gfi.com/blog/on-the-importance-of-patching-and-staying-current/

Is It Time to Rethink the Desktop Phone?

Now this comment is true mainly because I am in the technology field, but I often get into the conversation around desk phones versus, well, whatever the alternative is. At one point I thought as many others did, and that the desk phone was dead. No one wanted to spend the money on a piece of hardware that would sit there and collect dust. I have actually had CEO’s and President’s come up to me and say they want all phones removed from our quotes because no one wants a desk phone anymore. While I applaud the notion that we are evolving into something new, I believe that the desk phone will be with us for the foreseeable future. I am up to debate this, and I will also debate it with myself; but even through all of the hype over the latest smartphone, softphones, and how no one can live without these devices when you go to the office a desk phone is still there waiting for you.

Where do I see the change happening soon? As a sales person on the road I never want to see a desk phone. Simply because there is no point. As a service technician of any nature I never want to see a desk phone. Again, a headset on a mobile is better. Given the way technology can adapt and integrate, this makes perfect sense. Now, as someone who is tied to your desk, say inside sales or accounting then desk phones should still exist. Well, even then some would argue but I say bring the argument on. I enjoy talking about the merits of how the world will change because Apple came out with a new device and ShoreTel has a dock for it. Oh wait…I have an Android.

Enjoy:

https://www.shoretel.com/blog/millennials-rethink-desktop-phone

Microsoft Vs. Google: The Debate Forges On

Microsoft versus Google… The debate continues. To me, this is no different than Apple versus Android - to each their own, and if you choose one that you like better because of the look and feel, just stick with it. I prefer Android for those that care, but if I was to look at Google versus Microsoft, I prefer Microsoft. Why? I am familiar with it - pretty simple really. For years I have perfected my macros and shortcut keys to the point where I am faster without a mouse then with one. As long as Microsoft stays current with its upgrades and feature sets, and the competition charge for their services equal to what Microsoft charges, change is hard to justify. Now, with that said I have looked deeper into this and evaluated both technologies for my personal use. I am not one to stay status quo without doing my due diligence as I recommend each of you do as well.

If you want to cheat, the chart right in the middle of the article gives you most of what you need to know.

http://www.cio.com/article/2936001/cloud-computing/office-365-vs-google-for-work-a-cloud-comparison-for-small-businesses.html

Out With Windows 2003 and In With Windows 10

Well the day is here, I guess it has been coming for a long time and will drag on for even longer - but Windows 2003 Server end of support is upon us!  I was reminded of this fact after reading the attached article from Justin Warren, a contributor to Forbes. The style of this article reminded me of how I would write a full article. My favourite part was at the bottom of the 2^ndpage, a comment about the underlying reasons for the Windows Upgrade mess and how it is a Business Problem… Not just an IT problem.

He commented that 25% of users did not want their systems offline for too long. I would argue that figure is much higher, and in many cases it is business critical that when going through Server Upgrades the infrastructure is not offline at all. One truth we live in day to day is that our clients simply do not have the IT resources to make this happen, or to execute on this type of upgrade. Justin does bring this to light in the article in addition to some other great points… Take a read:

 

 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/justinwarren/2015/07/12/windows-2003-deadline-hightlights-its-maintenance-issues/

Private Cloud Computing: Free vs. Paid

I have been known to say that "you get what you pay for". After years of working with multiple manufacturers, I have gained much insight into the 'real world', a world that consists of pay too little and too much for the products and services your business is run on.

In the included article, point three really stands out to me, mainly because I deal with this each and every day. What's being discussed here is freeware versus paidware (OK that's not a real word, but you get where I'm going with this). Specific to this article, you have a ton of freeware that you can use to run your business, but really?

Freeware comes with the free version of support, yes, the user groups that will cost you twice as much money (versus paid support) in lost salary finding the answer to your problems. That's time that you should have been using improving processes or finding new clients. Not to mention, by the time the new shiny toy has been released, your free support team has moved on - leaving you hanging while your business suffers.

Anyway, enough about the issue of free support - there are many other good points raised in this article, and I encourage you to read more.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/sungardas/2015/05/27/6-things-youve-always-wanted-to-know-but-were-afraid-to-ask-about-private-cloud-computing/

RAD Makes WAN Management and Monitoring a Breeze

High Tech Communications has deployed and managed a significant number of data and voice enabled networks throughout Ontario. Our client's systems range from simple point-to-point designs to complete mesh-type networks with many locations unified by using multiple connectivity types (Fibre, Wireless, DSL, etc.).

Once the system is set up and running is when the real fun begins. It's at this point when our clients look to us to manage the extremely important next step - managing the system. We currently use a number of different technologies to manage, diagnose, troubleshoot and repair countless issues - yet, to this day, our clients still ask what we recommend.

Since we pride ourselves on tried, tested and true solutions, our opinions derive from real success - and real pain at times. As a network systems integrator, our solution is this: For every cause to a network issue, there is a solution. The trick is to identify what you need to manage, find a solution you are comfortable with, then narrow it down to one that best works for you.

Our experience has allowed us to provide best practise solutions when clients engage us in such discussions. The most recent application we have explored is provided by RAD - their MiNID devices make WAN management and monitoring easy to utilise.

Read the business case below, and if you are interested in knowing how this is better, or different, than the solutions you currently use today, call High Tech - we can help you.

https://mail.hightechcommunications.ca/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.rad.com/21/MiNID-Business-Case-Solution-Paper/32942/

Are Businesses Too Slow to Seize Digital Tools?

I have always somewhat suspected that businesses are leery when it comes to implementing newer technologies based on how customers have reacted during previous conversations, and this article by CTV News solidifies that. It also points out something I've mentioned to my customers before - as a society, we seem to be at ease upgrading our technology systems at home, but when it comes to the work space that mentality is significantly lacking.

I've shared it with you here:
https://mail.hightechcommunications.ca/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ctvnews.ca/business/google-canada-boss-says-businesses-too-slow-in-seizing-digital-tools-1.2403467

Google's Managing Director, Sam Sebastian, says only half of small and medium businesses in Canada have their own website, while fewer than one in three use cloud computing.

Extending Your Business Over Cellular

I found the article very interesting, I myself have spoken to hundreds of customers about the flexibility and functionality you could get by extending your business over Cellular.  The true mobility, the enhanced redundancy, the ability to have really small offices communicating seamlessly over a cellular device…the possibilities are endless. 

I can’t think of how often I have looked at extending service through the Internet for the offices with one and two employees, here we have a developing technology that will (again) truly revolutionize how businesses expand and roll out into new territories.

Imagine a sales person starting up in a new town, someone who requires voice and data applications that seamlessly integrate into the corporate infrastructure… all from their Smartphone. If their voice communications (IM, Video, and Voice) is on ShoreTel, then let the sales team grow!

https://www.shoretel.com/blog/difference-between-voip-and-volte

Health Care Professionals Are in Need of Better Communication Technology

When I read the attached article, I could only nod my head and agree. High Tech Communications Inc. works with a large number of health care facilities from small Doctor offices to a few large Hospitals, and we see the struggle these institutions have with their technology. Often budgets are not there to make the desperately needed improvements that would allow the facility and its staff to become more productive, and it is scary how long it could go on before these updates are implemented.

With constant cuts to budget and staffing, I believe the improvement to overall health care in this province must come from multiple sources and multiple approaches. One of those approaches should be to better enable the staff that are on the front line by equipping them with technology to make their tasks easier and enable them to become more productive. If you agree let me know, if you don’t I would love to hear your take on this issue also.

https://www.shoretel.com/blog/medical-professionals-need-better-communication-technology-survey-finds

Top Ways Businesses Should Manage Mobile Workers

When I read articles posted by our partner, ShoreTel, I traditionally think Telecom and Unified Communications - as do many of our clients. However, I read this and I was a little taken aback, but in a good way. In bold is a statistic, "24.7 percent saving on fuel costs". First things first, why is ShoreTel talking about fuel savings?

It's not less time on the road because they saved three minutes per day over fifty users talking 25% less to someone somewhere. It's an app one of their clients deployed and integrated into their mobile application that traditionally was used for eliminating the roaming charges on cell phones.

Really? That's pretty cool. The article also talks about establishing policies, but that's a given. Take a read, and once you are done, call High Tech - because we would love to chat about this to get out of the day-to-day traditional conversations.

https://www.shoretel.com/blog/top-ways-businesses-should-manage-mobile-workers

Why Your Network Isn't Ready for the Internet of Things

Why your Network isn't ready for the Internet of Things... Interesting title for an article. Essentially, it's stating that Avaya's SDN Fx technology is the answer to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) issue within corporations.

Personally, I believe they do have a point. We have been deploying Avaya IP for some time and they have some great products. But... What else is out there? I really enjoy being in the position to recommend technology that suits the client while not being bound to a single manufacturer. I prefer taking a 10,000 foot approach and working with a client to better understand what they want and design it for them, then dig deeper.

We work with a number of solutions that seem to change on an hourly basis. Therefore, understanding the core of what they do and how they fit is extremely important to ensuring a successful integration into the culture of our clients' business.

With all that said, we have nothing but good things to say about our business partner, Avaya, and their networking technology is something to read about... So read on:

http://www.avaya.com/blogs/archives/2015/05/why-your-network-isnt-ready-for-the-internet-of-things.html