How to Backup Data to the Cloud

how to backup data to the cloud
cloud backup

We’ve heard a bit of confusion concerning how to back data up to the cloud. In this blog we’ll walk you through the process to show you how simple it really is.

First, you’ll need:

  • A set of data
  • Cloud storage
  • A willingness to take the next step

That’s really all it takes to backup data to the cloud. If you’ve already covered all the prerequisites, then we’ll move onto the first step:

Create a Plan

It’s possible, yet unwise to just start backing data up to the cloud without having a clear plan. We strongly recommend against it.

When you create your plan, you need to discuss various topics, such as:

  • How much cloud storage you need
  • What data you’ll back up to the cloud
  • Who will be able to access the data in your cloud
  • Where your data will be stored (with reference to a data center)

Do you see why you need a plan now? If you just randomly back data up, you’ll have to deal with these issues when you’re not ready for them.

Organize Your Data

After you create a plan, you need to organize your data. The reason for this is that you need a way to find information in your cloud easily. If all your files are scattered, then presentations will be mixed with videos and income statement spreadsheets will be mixed with digital brand designs, etc. You can avoid this mess by organizing your data first.

Back Your Data Up

Now comes the fun part. After you’ve created a plan and organized your data, you can back it up to the cloud.

Don’t be worried if you find this to be the easiest step. Assuming you prepared your data properly, backing it up is relatively easy. Just follow the directions provided by your cloud provider.

Set Up a Backup Schedule

Unfortunately, you can’t just stop there. It wouldn’t make sense to back your data up and never do it again — unless you just want to have old data in your cloud.

The good news is that you can set up a backup schedule so you don’t have to do everything all over again. Automatic backups ensure that your data is always up-to-date in case you need to restore it.

To talk more about backing data up to the cloud, or anything else, please contact us. Thanks.

Using IT Outsourcing in New York When You Need a Project Done on Weekends

using it outsourcing in new york when you need a project done on weekends

IT outsourcing is a popular option for companies now thanks to consultants having superior knowledge about the latest IT issues and technology. It’s no different here at AE Technology Group, where our team of IT consultants give you the best solutions for your company.

We do this through the act of prevention, but we’re also there to provide solutions, including using the cloud for disaster recovery, plus management of your network and other devices.

What happens, though, when you have a project that needs saving in the cloud on a weekend? If you currently rely on your own IT team, most likely they don’t work the weekends, causing a dilemma other than paying them for overtime. While that sometimes works, you may need a team who’s always there, 24/7. When you have decent IT management and consultants working for you, they’re always there to help you through any issue or project underway.

We understand when a project needs finishing during deadlines, and it may mean 11th hour work on a Saturday or Sunday. Rather than paying extra for your IT team to work overtime, our team is there to migrate your project to the cloud.

This brings a level of efficiency you won’t always find in all IT consultants. Even better, we work in the background so your employees won’t know we’re there. The last thing you want is any chance of disruptions while doing a cloud conversion.

The same is true of our management solutions for your network and desktops. We work silently in the background while preventing issues and helping your company work more efficiently. With our IT management working behind the scenes, we’ll also provide tools necessary for scalability when you start feeling growing pains.

Contact us here at AE Technology Group to find out more about our IT solutions. Don’t let your vital project go by the wayside when a deadline approaches on a weekend.

Microsoft Exchange Online Review: What Microsoft Exchange Online Can Offer You

microsoft exchange online review what microsoft exchange online can offer you

Microsoft Exchange Online has recently upgraded their interface and are now offering new purchasing options. Businesses and individuals can now choose to use Microsoft exchange online as a stand alone service, or use it as part of the Microsoft Office 365 package.

First, we will look at the features of only Microsoft exchange online, and then we will look at the features and options that come with the addition of Microsoft Office 365.

Microsoft Exchange Online Review

Basics

Microsoft exchange online is a hosted email service. It allows you to have your email, calendar and contacts in one place that is accessible on a large variety of devices. You will be able to share your calendar and your contacts. Microsoft exchange online has all of the most up to date features in sharing, allowing you to access collaboration features that will allow you to share calendars, contacts, tasks, global address lists, groups, conference rooms and delegation capabilities.

Storage

Microsoft exchange online features excellent storage potential. You will be able to store large quantities of messages. Exchange even allows users to send messages as large as 25 MB. In addition to excellent inbox storage, Microsoft exchange online features in place archives.

In place archives help reduce the inbox clutter that plagues us all by moving older messages into an in place archive for you. It also features an in place hold that will preserve edited and deleted mailbox items, preventing you from ever losing a draft. Unlimited storage is also available. Microsoft exchange online has users covered in storing and preserving communications.

Security

Microsoft exchange online provides excellent security for its users. They provide both anti malware and anti spam protects. You will not have to worry about virus infiltrating your computer or your inbox being filled with spam instead of business communications. Exchange online works to ensure that your time on their platform is always productive.

Voicemail

They even offer voicemail! Microsoft Exchange now has the option for users to purchase hosted voice mail. They can provide call answering and a dial in user interface. In addition, they can also provide company automated attendant capabilities. Microsoft exchange takes the time to go above and beyond typical email platforms.

Mobile Versitility 

Microsoft exchange can be accessed from any device you own with an internet connection. You can access Microsoft exchange on your Windows Phone, iPhone, Android or Blackberry devices. No matter what device you use, Microsoft exchange is there to support you.

Microsoft Exchange Online With Office 365

Although Microsoft exchange online is available as a standalone feature, it is also available as part of Office 365. Office 365 offers Microsoft exchange online as well as Office, Sharepoint, and Lync. These are additional features and programs that may be useful to your business.

Microsoft Office provides users with access to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Sharepoint allows users to connect, organize, discover and build. Lync provides messaging, video conferencing and meetings and telephone calls all in one platform. With Office 365, you will able be send an email, build webpages, host video calls and more.

Which is right for you?

Microsoft exchange online is an advanced and up to date email platform that can provide you with excellent storage capacity, security, versatility in access and voicemail services. It can be used alone or as part of the larger Microsoft Office 365 with also provides Office, Sharepoint and Lync. Please contact us to discuss which option is right for you. At AE Technology Group, we look forward to working with you to move your business forward.

Cisco Global Study: Cloud network migration / mobile security key concerns among IT decision-makers

cisco global study cloud network migration mobile security key concerns among it decision makers
Cloud network migration

The process of ordering new IT services is evolving away from those common methods used in the past, where IT decisions and purchase orders started at the top of the company pyramid.

Today, the shift in planning and control of IT purchases is being driven by departmental needs.

Does HR see a more efficient and secure way, ala Office 365/SharePoint, to store and share employee profiles and information?

What HIPPA compliance measures need to be considered when determine storage and sharing of documents?

If so, their demand may be more urgent than, say, sales; the latter may be okay for the short term using silos of separate info residing on Excel or in Outlook.

Cisco

Increasingly, those decisions to purchase new platforms are moving from the traditional top-down approach to accommodate requirements from specific ‘lines of business (LOBs),” like sales and R&D, for example; this, according to a recent global study by Cisco Consulting Services that surveyed 4,000 IT decision makers.

The reason for the shift? Mainly, it has to do with the proliferation of mobile devices and the culture of BYOD in the workplace. As such, there is a recognized need for more control in cloud network migration among departments within an organization or business. In fact, 82 percent of those surveyed by Cisco were planning welcoming more such devices, which in turn would call for compliance and security measures.

For example, if an employee is cleared to use his own mobile device, and changes to another device, what is the policy to track and store sensitive info, particularly if the employee lives the company?

Pandora’s box opens wider with each tech advance. Moreover, by the year 2016 the report expects that cloud services will account for about 27% of IT spending.

To learn more about transition certain services and software functions to the cloud, contact us. Discover why more and more clients are coming to rely on us as their managed service provider.

Microsoft Sharepoint Online and the ‘5 Pillars of SharePoint Governance’

microsoft sharepoint online and the 5 pillars of sharepoint governance
Sharing a milkshake

At first glance, the joy of owning Microsoft Sharepoint online may be a bit overwhelming due to its vast array of features, particularly in the absence of an overall implementation plan.

Often, SharePoint’s is seen in a “singular” context to provide more efficient—and secure— document management and collaborative integration throughout the organization.

Often overlooked, are the software’s other capabilities, such its ease in developing and maintaining the company’s Intranet; too, select vendors can be given limited access to team member documents during a project.

The overall success in launching, training and maintaining the SharePoint suite can be summed up by reviewing the “5 Pillars of SharePoint Governance” with ‘security’ being the first on the list; the other remaining Pillars (auditing, reliability, usability and supportability) are also key to securing content; this, through designating user permissions, for example, not to mention keeping the network up-to-date with the most recent patches.

One of the methods of overseeing the platform to make sure it is meeting a “business goal or objective” is to appoint one Business Owner of the suite who works with the technical team ensure the untapped potential of SharePoint will ultimately evolve toward meeting those objectives.

It’s an age-old problem of overcoming people’s resistance to change, and bringing SharePoint on board pushes the envelop for many users: they need to be shown “the value in the change.”

As Jennifer Mason points out on CMSWire:

“…the trick is to know where you want to be, to start small and keep growing. You may be using SharePoint as a way to centrally store documents today, but as long as you keep the forward momentum, who knows where you’ll be three months from now?”

Furthermore, it isn’t about getting it SharePoint up and running to it’s maximum potential from the outset. More so, the successful users started “small” with an eye to adding features when the modules were understood.

Today’s successful businesses understand how important it is to use the right technology to maintain their competitive advantage. Contact us to learn more about implementing cloud-service tools like SharePoint, or why more and more clients are coming to rely on us as their managed service provider.