An ancient proverb says, "If you have a problem that can be fixed, then there is no use in worrying. If you have a problem that cannot be fixed, then there is no use in worrying." It's safe to assume that these ancient writers never faced executing an IT project. Risks associated with complex technology projects can keep business leaders up at night.

There comes a time in every business when the introduction of new technology is required. You know that the change is needed and will likely bring added productivity or cost saving with it. What you are trying to work out is WHEN this change could happen. You are aware that this could be a disruptive project for you and your staff and there never seems to be a good time. When thinking about implementing a new project, there are considerations every business leader needs to know. 

In this cloud-centric, accessible-anywhere world of computing, there are many questions around how your staff can access your data and apps to work more productively and securely from anywhere. Traditionally, in-house technologies were used to deploy workstations, manage endpoints, and enforce required security policies. However, what do you do when neither your users nor your data reside within the office? 

Answer: Microsoft Modern Desktop

Is the speed of technological advancements outpacing your ability to protect your organization? Does the need for software updates, network patching, or industry advancements require more attention? There was a time when your 'man-in-a-van' IT contact was able to keep up the pace, but as your organization grows, so does your need for a dynamic IT strategy.

"PHISHING ATTACKS PREVALENT AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES"

Does this common headline make you wonder if you have taken the right steps to protect your small and medium-sized business (SMB)? Let's assume you have a robust firewall, up-to-date antivirus, and a current patching program. Your remote employees are working from a private VPN, ensuring secure network access. You've created a password policy requiring complex passwords that must be changed frequently. And recently, you've implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA), adding extra security against compromised credentials. If this describes your network security, then you are on the right track, but have you considered the human element?

Has it been a challenge to manage your complex environment due to the frequency of Microsoft 365 feature updates? Would you prefer less frequent updates since they can be unpredictable and disruptive to productivity? If this is the case at your organization, then we have good news for you. As of May 12, 2020, Microsoft announced the general availability of a new Monthly Enterprise Channel. Now, organizations can bring users the latest capabilities to stay productive and secure, but on a predictable, once-a-month release schedule.

What’s in a name? As Juliet pointed out to Romeo, a rose could have any other name, and still smell just as sweet. This is essentially what Microsoft has done with their recent name changes to several of their Office 365 product suites. Going forward, all the product names of Office 365 for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and Office ProPlus products will use the Microsoft 365 name, dropping the ‘Office’ brand.