We work with all top manufacturers and have IT experts on staff, so we can recommend the best solution for your situation, building on whatever you currently have in place.
In short, from hardware to software, on-premise and in the cloud… You need it? We’ve got it. Not sure what you need? We can help.
It seems kind of obvious to say that today, all businesses, organisations, educational institutions, and government entities rely on applications throughout their digital worlds … but it’s true. It also means that IT executives and network administrators must ensure that all applications are working optimally 24/7, and not creating any problems on the network. And if things do go wrong, it’s imperative you be able to fix things quickly.
We work with AppDynamics because its system lets you visualize the entire application landscape. From one dashboard, you can see everything from the code driving each and every application, to how it’s impacting users on their devices, including mobile browsers – to going deeper into the infrastructure to see how things are performing at a network level.
We offer on-premise and remote data backup and disaster recovery as well as disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS).
Although we work with multiple partners, we often recommend Veeam as critical applications should be available 24.7.365, with all stakeholders having access to data whenever they need it, no matter where they are.
Contact us to see how you can try VEEAM for Free: 20 Veeam Universal License (VUL) licenses to protect NAS devices with vl O for 90 days.
The Veeam Universal License is a flexible and portable solution for licensing multiple Veeam products and workloads.
VUL enables customers to easily protect almost any type of workload: Cloud, virtual and physical, on-premise, and across public clouds.
Veeam solutions give you:
Being hacked, suffering data loss, having client records exposed or stolen, or having your operations be forcibly shut down will cost you anywhere from $2,000 – $250,000 an hour, depending on whose stats you read, and the industry and countries in which you operate.
IT professionals agree that it’s no longer a question of “if”, but “when”,a network will be subject to some form of attack. Although major corporations having their client records leaked or being held for ransom, become grist for the news mill, most breaches happen with medium-sized firms. Even small companies have client privacy compromised, with attendant fines and penalties. No firm is immune.
When it happens, you will have to choose between paying the ransom or suffering through the consequences associated with recovering your data and getting your operations back up and running. You may also have to deal with the loss of reputation from whatever shows up in the press or is shared by frustrated customers through their social media channels.
Current wisdom says don’t pay the hijackers as it makes your firm a target for future assaults … yet, on average, it costs firms 10 – 15 times the ransom amount to “get back to normal”.
That is unless they have robust backup systems and disaster recovery programs in place.
Most companies regularly backup their data; relatively few regularly ensure that all applications and systems can be reinstated, with full functionality and access to all data – let alone within minutes, or hours.
Today, organisations count on their systems being up and running, delivering stable, high-performance levels 24 hours a day, every day of the year … and users expect the same experience every time, no matter when, or from where, they access the network.
We can help protect your networks to ensure you can deliver this level of service and, in the event that something does get past our defenses, help get you back up and running with minimal downtime and loss of data. We often recommend Veeam solutions because they are best in class, but work with multiple partners. Please contact us to learn how best to protect your network.
We work with Eaton because of its + 100-year history, and its commitment to “improving the environment with power management technologies that are reliable, efficient and safe”.
We offer the full range of Eaton products. Some of their UPS solutions are shown below.
Network, Server & Storage UPS including … Line Interactive, Online, and Scalable Redundant Options.
Power surges on the grid, fires, floods and other disasters being spawned by Mother Nature’s increasingly wild mood swings can lead to power failure.
When the power drops or goes down completely, so can your network and productivity.
In large data centers, generators will usually kick in pretty quickly. But what about in smaller, branch offices? Or in the few minutes when nothing is working?
Laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices will be fine for a while, but without Wi-Fi or Internet access, a lot will grind to a halt. And what about mission-critical systems?
By using an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), you can ensure that cable modems, wireless access points, and routers will continue to work as smoothly as the pure sine waves in the types of UPS systems that protect critical network, server, telecommunications, and medical equipment.
Obviously, there are several backup battery power options. Ensuring you have the right UPS in place is paramount to your critical load being supported during blackouts or times of uneven power quality.
At the very least, you need a big enough UPS that will enable you to safely shut down your systems and connected devices, preventing data loss and equipment failure.
You may also need customized backups depending on your circumstances. For instance, healthcare facilities we look at flywheel UPS comfortable lead-acid restrictions in those environments. Other industries have other requirements.
Please contact us so we can help you incorporate the right UPS as part of your backup and disaster recovery plan.
Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but out-of-date cables can become the bane of a network administrator’s existence.
Our structured cabling services include ethernet cabling, fiber-optic cabling, secure wireless access point implementation – just about anything you need to install new devices, and to keep your network up and running.
All our cabling installations are professionally-terminated and properly-labeled. Even your patch panels get TLC. This, at least, ensures there is no cable chaos to complicate your network upgrades. Obviously, we take care of everything for the equipment we install, but if you would like a hand with something else, please feel free to contact us.
We carry all the top makes and models (Aruba, Cisco, etc.) of digital IP cameras, from high definition to multi-pixel, box or dome, hard-wired or wireless, and stationary or Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ). Please contact us to help you choose the best one for your needs
25 Dome Styles from multiple manufacturers
Cisco models include:
Several Boxed and Fixed Camerasers
Cisco models include:
Pan-mt-Zoom (PTZ Cameras)
Outdoor Cameras
What Else Can I do With My Security Camera?
Today’s Video Surveillance Cameras can be connected securely into your network, to enhance security indoors and outdoors. With and without Wi-Fi or Internet connections. With and without audio. With and without on-site security personnel. Discreetly or as highly-visible deterrents.
Obviously, you have lots of options.
This includes ways you can use your security cameras that go beyond protecting people and property in all its forms. In terms of inventory protection, over one-third of “shrinkage” is attributable to employees. Sad but true. Luckily, cameras reduce this number significantly.
Other ways to leverage your cameras:
The difference between IP cameras and CCTV Cameras?
Internet Protocol (IP) Cameras can be connected directly to the Internet for remote access. IP cameras receive data and send images via the Internet, which means they can be controlled and viewed remotely. Data captured is stored within your network, so no local recording device is needed.
CCTV cameras, however, cannot be connected directly to the internet, so they must first communicate with the DVR, which then connects to the Internet.
Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and Network Video Recorders (NVRs) provide greater storage capacity than tapes and enhanced searching capabilities.
From large call centers to small offices working together, we can provide you with whatever collaboration tools you need. The most popular tools and accessories are shown below, but please feel free to contact us at any time to review your needs.
Webex Desk Series
All-in-one desktop collaboration touchscreens with built-in HD camera, IP Phone, and superior audio sound.
Cisco WebEx Board Series
The Cisco WebEx Board (formerly Cisco Spark Board) is smart in many ways.
As soon as you enter the room, it wakes up and detects whatever WebEx Teams opp-supported device you are using, and gets ready to do your bidding.
At the touch of a button, you can wirelessly present whiteboard, video or audio conferences and easily share content back-and-forth, and annotate on the fly.
Two-way whiteboarding adds to your creative options.
All of your sessions can be stored automatically to the cloud and associated with a virtual room. The physical room instantly becomes a virtual room. This lets your team members access the content and continue working on a project no matter where they are.
The WebEx Board comes in three screen sizes: 55″, 70″ and 85″.
Cisco WebEx Room Series
Designed for large conference rooms and C- level suites, these highly-functional and attractive collaboration boards enable large groups to work together as though in the same room.
These panoramic tools provide all the functionality of the other WebEx collaboration, includinij videoconferencing, whiteboarding, content creation and sharing, and secure cloud storage
Other ways to leverage your cameras:
Room Kits
When you are using Ultra High Definition (UHD) video want to integrate multiple screams cameras and content sources, especially in an auditorium or vertical setting, the Room Kit series provides excellent options.
Collaboration Accessories
We also offer a full range of microphones, ISDN links, headsets, analog telephone adapters, voice accessories, microphones, headsets, and more.
Please contact us as we can serve all your collaboration needs.
Today, the job of ensuring everyone in the organisation has the right tech tools for the job the longer resides solely in the hands of the IT department. Regardless of whose job it is, we are happy to lend a hand. We work with all the top manufacturers (Dell, Lenovo, HP, Toshiba, etc.) and can help you get the right equipment and when you need it – at prices that may surprise you.
Businesses rely on email for all sorts of communication, yet it’s the biggest source of security threats to individuals and network systems. From ransomware and other advanced malware, from phishing to spam and other forms of Business Email Compromise (BEC), we must all be on guard.
Obviously, that’s not possible 24.7. 365. That’s where solutions such as Cisco Cloud Email Security (CES) and Zscaler Email Security. Both are certified Microsoft Office 365 networking partners.
Although we work with most manufacturers, we believe these two options are best in class.
Cisco uses multiple layers, and the constant updates from its Talos team, to provide a truly comprehensive email security program. Its spam filtering is also truly sophisticated, catching about 99% of unwanted mail with an error rate of under one in a million. Zscaler get top security rankings from Gartner.
Regardless of which solution you choose, your system can be up and running very quickly and easily – and your security teams can create comprehensive security, antispam and mail flow management almost instantly for everyone in your organisation, no matter their location or device.
In addition to checking for viruses and isolating email that is suspicious for any number of reasons, reputation checks are performed on every embedded hyperlink. If it comes from site with a bad reputation, the email is automatically blocked.
Increasingly, organisations of all types and sizes, in all industries around the globe, worry about socially-engineered attacks being sent by imposters pretending to be senior managers. These types of BEC are thwarted by using advanced machine learning techniques in combination with intelligence gathered from your own emails and rapid Domain Message Authentication Reporting.
And that’s just a part of the story.
In short, we can help make your email more friend and foe.
Don’t have time or manpower to check every threat vector alarm that comes your way? Want to have top cyber security specialists safeguarding your systems? Then engaging a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) may be a great option to consider. We work with ISA, another Gartner best-in-class provider.
In short, we can help make your email more friend than foe. Please contact us to learn how.
The term “Internet of Things” was coined in 1999, but as a technological advancement it did not really gain traction for another decade.
Today, it is estimated that every second about 130 new IoT devices are being connected to the web.
Experts believe that in 2020 nearly 31 billion IoT devices will be in use – and that number will climb to 35 billion worldwide by 2021. We are working with companies that are using sensors and cameras and other devices to augment retail operations, enhance customer experiences in hospitality venues and improve energy consumption and facilities management in commercial and industrial buildings.
Every day, we and our partners think of new ways to use technology to solve different business challenges. Please feel free to contact us to discuss ways in which IoT devices might help you realize some of your business goals.
In the meantime, you might find some of the articles below of interest.
We offer products and services from two Intent-Based Networking (IBN) industry leaders.
Please contact us to learn how these software subscriptions can provide greater business flexibility, improve efficiencies by automating repetitive tasks, let the organisation make better use of its data, and simplify IT management.
Cisco WebEx Room Series
As Saas applications proliferate and more work moves to the cloud, IT professionals responsible for digital transformation have been looking to SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) as a way to holistically contain the various, individual elements of their network architecture.
As technology continues to evolve, so do best practices related to network architecture. Intent-Based Networking (IBN) is an approach that looks at the business goals to be achieved – and ensures that the network configuration, from devices to applications to data storage and all elements in between, will support the business.
Some experts define IBN as “the automation of deployed business intentions across the network, through policies and protocols”. But it’s more than that.
To keep up today, requires more than just new tools. It requires a whole new approach to design, deployment and management of networks to support the business.
IBN is a way to bridge the gap between what your network currently delivers and what is required to meet the needs of your business today and tomorrow. Please contact us to learn more.
Need to free up your IT staff to work on implementing new projects or handling the day-to-day demands of your school or campus network? Or are you looking to shift capital expenses to operating expenses? Or both? Either way, Managed Services can prove to be a cost-effective way to enhance the efficiency and dependability of your IT operations.
We can remotely monitor your system 24/7, looking for anomalies that can impact your IT infrastructure’s dependability and the speed of your network connections, all the while checking for potential threats and vulnerabilities.
In many cases, we can remediate the problem before it creates headaches for your team, making sure you know exactly what happened and when, and how the problem was resolved. If you prefer, we can alert you as disturbances are detected, letting you know where to look, so your team can get to work immediately.
Many clients also want us to take a more proactive approach, ensuring that networks, mobile devices, and cloud services are up-to-date in terms of security patches, maintenance, and more. Some simply need a little assistance as they migrate to the cloud and implement mobile device management protocols.
You decide how much help you need, or want, and we’ll be there.
In the meantime, you might find some of the articles below of interest.
All our network solutions allow for …
With ever-escalating cyber security challenges, being an IT professional also means being a security and risk management expert. We often hear, “We have good firewalls and security tools and protocols in place, so why do I need a security assessment?”
Why?
The short answer: Things are evolving so quickly that you may be vulnerable in ways unimaginable a short while ago. Another big reason: Your cybersecurity insurance may require one every six months to be valid.
What is a security assessment?
Security assessments are periodic exercises that check for vulnerabilities in your IT operating systems and software programs, protocols, and processes.
Assessments generally include the following three key elements:
1) Vulnerability Assessment
In a Vulnerability Assessment, a tech expert assesses your assets and public-facing systems for weaknesses or security gaps. For example, the review might reveal there are unprotected workstations or devices on the network, or applications that are not up-to-date, which may leave your whole network open to compromise.
Or there may be inconsistencies in your BYOD policies and how employees are using their personal devices on your system.
2) Security Posture Review
A Security Posture Review is a non-invasive process. A security expert reviews your policies and procedures to assess your current level of network and cybersecurity and then makes recommendations to help better prepare and protect your organisation. This will often include employing training suggestions.
3) Penetration Testing
A Penetration Test, often referred to as a “Pen Test”, is usually used in conjunction with a Vulnerability Assessment. With your permission, we will try to hack various parts of your system, using various tools. We can also engage in some social engineering-related testing to get a sense of how likely your employees are to be compromised potentially causing your system to be breached.
At the end of your security assessment, regardless of what route you choose or where potential problems are found, you will receive a full threat assessment report identifying what needs to be done, with an assigned priority level, and a comprehensive improvement plan.
Today, however, security can be a full-time job – and indeed many organisations require security teams working 24.7.365 to protect their cloud, edge, network, endpoints and individual stakeholders.
Please read our blog entitled “10 Reasons Why Having an Expert Manage Your Cybersecurity Makes Sense and Saves Dollars” to learn more, or view the video below.
We carry all top-line routers for Enterprise-level and branch office (5MB) operations. Some are shown below. Please contact us so we can help you identify the router that best suits your needs.
Branch
WAN Aggregation
As technology and networks continue to evolve, it is critical that your router can support intent-based networking for the WAN, LAN, and cloud, while providing end-to-end management and flexibility.
Equally critical: That your choice provides a complete solution that integrates state-of-the-art security with advanced analytics, automated provisioning application optimization.
All the routers in our portfolio meet these criteria.
Your job is to keep your network up and running and free from hackers, viruses, malware, and other nasty cyber gremlin activity. With innumerable devices connecting to your network, you need help to keep problems and bad guys at bay. We have the right tools for your arsenal. Tools that will help you sleep at night.
Looking only to protect your cloud and edge? In that case, a good option would be to deploy Zscaler, which provides cloud-to-endpoint security protection. It integrates easily with all leading Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions.
Some of the SAN solutions we offer are shown below. Please contact us to learn what makes the most sense for your organisation’s needs.
Cisco storage networks, already known for superior performance, reliability, and flexibility, now offer 64G and NVMe/FC analytics to improve operations and allow for quick troubleshooting.
We offer a full portfolio of network access, data center, core and aggregation, and edge from leaders such as Aruba, Cisco, Dell, HP, and others. Fixed, modular, fabric – you name it; we have it. We also have solutions to help you manage your entire switching structure as a single, converged component.
As organizations move to intent-based networking, and as other tech evolves, switching will need to support traditional wired access while also aggregating Wi-Fi traffic and incorporating wired and wireless IoT devices and sensors.
The number of devices connecting to your network will continue to grow exponentially over the coming years. Although we always work to help you retain and upgrade legacy systems where it makes sense, simply updating existing switching the points may no longer be enough in some instances.
The future includes infrastructure that is built on cloud-native principles, designed for cloud, mobile, and IoT. Systems must also be scalable while delivering the performance, automation, and analytics needed to support evolving technologies and business needs.
We work with you to solve the challenges inherent in managing disparate platforms, interfaces, and licensing structures across different network layers – and will recommend switches that make sense for you to function well today, while laying the foundation for tomorrow.
Aruba 8400 Switch Series
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
Next-gen, stackable, high-density (up to 480 Gbps), enterprise switching platform built for security, IoT, mobility, and cloud.
Catalyst 9300 Series switches form the foundational building block for Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), Cisco’s lead enterprise architecture.
Up to 480 Gbps, they are the industry’s highest-density stacking bandwidth solution with the most flexible uplink architecture. The Catalyst 9300 Series is the first optimized platform for high-density Wi-Fi 6 and 802.11ac Wave2. It sets new maximums for network scale. These switches are also ready for the future, with an x86 CPU architecture and more memory, enabling them to host containers and run third-party applications and scripts natively within the switch.
MDS Fabric Switches
Increasing and increasingly sophisticated security threats, pervasive mobility requirements, cloud adoption becoming SOP, and exponential growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, require a network fabric that integrates advanced hardware and software innovations to automate, secure, and simplify customer networks.
Integrate storage networking for applications ranging from small fabrics to large data centers.
SD-WAN Benefits in a Nutshell:
Please contact us, so we can help you make the right SD-WAN decision for your organisation. |
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| For years, the Wide Area Network (WAN) was the backbone for connecting people, applications, and data across multiple sites, schools, and campuses. Today, new and evolving technologies – especially the increase of cloud-based applications and IoT – require systems to be more dynamic and agile. If you are relying on traditional network solutions, things will become increasingly challenging. The solution? SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking). SD-WAN enables IT professionals to deploy new networks faster, manage any and all locations’ networks remotely from a single dashboard while collecting network analytics and telemetry information. You can use it to configure the system and make decisions about which critical applications should be prioritized. You have complete visibility of applications, users, and devices across your network, so you can make informed assessments. For instance, you can use it to help determine if you need more APs in some locations if things are lagging. More importantly, in today’s high cyber-crime environment, SD-WAN provides much higher levels of security and protection for your network. Further, employees and other stakeholders now expect a digital experience that equals, or rivals, what they have at home – and that begins with the network. This may be why Gartner estimates that “by 2020, more than 50% of WAN edge infrastructure refresh initiatives will be based on SD-WAN versus traditional routers.” In short, you will have greater flexibility and control of traffic shaping decisions, within your offices as well as between headquarters, branch offices, satellite locations, and mobile teams. SD-WAN will give you better security, improved reliability, and overall better quality of service. As a bonus, it can also help save your organisation time and to reduce day-to-day operations costs. Please contact us, so we can help you make the right SD-WAN decision for your organisation. In the meantime, three articles from one of our partners that you might find useful: |
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Today’s workplace has changed – perhaps forever. People are collaborating with partners around the world, employees are telecommuting and video-conferencing is quickly replacing face-to-face meetings, as companies look to reduce the costs and downtime associated with business travel.
Videoconferencing is being used for treating patients in remote locations and enabling all members of a patient’s health provider team to collaborate with one another.
Construction and manufacturing companies are saving money and completing jobs more quickly by using videoconferencing to problem solve and collaborate across job sites.
In just about every industry, video-conferencing is expanding the range of what is possible. The leading solutions allow integration of audio, video, and content sharing in a highly-secure web environment. Services such as Cisco’s WebEx also include features such as Cognitive
Collaboration, WebEx Assistant, and People Insights which bring artificial intelligence to help automate meeting tasks.
Please contact us to see how to which solution best suits your needs and obtain a free trial.
