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    Matrix offers cloud computing assessment
    26Apr, 2016
    Cloud Computing 101: Is Your Business Ready for the Cloud?

    Cloud computing. You’ve heard of it, most likely, and you’ve heard there are advantages to it, but if you’re like a lot of people, the idea might be a bit fuzzy. What exactly is cloud computing and how can it help?

    Cloud computing can be defined as the storing of programs and data in secure super-servers on the Internet. This is opposed to traditional, onsite servers.  Storing information in the cloud can help keep more dollars in your pocket by cutting down on your IT costs.

    Why is it cheaper to do business this way?

    If you have programs that you use every day and you store them on local servers, you have to pay money for:

    • software licenses for all the machines that use that particular software
    • hardware to store the information
    • upgrades to hardware and software
    • services to keep it all running smoothly

    Cloud-based computing simplifies that process for business owners and puts the maintenance costs on the “utility” company that owns the Internet based servers. This is great news, especially for small business owners who need to harness cost effective solutions.

    You may be using cloud-base solutions right now and aren’t even aware of what is happening behind the scenes. Furthermore, Many applications now are web-based and you only pay for the space, licenses and features that you use. Most of these applications are on a pay-as-you-go basis, so there’s no long-term commitment. Also, you can experience all the functionality of the program you need for a fraction of the cost.

    It makes sense, especially for smaller businesses, to take advantage of the higher IT budgets of the large, cloud-based computing companies. They also specialize in IT operations and can more efficiently help store your applications and data than you could do on site with a small business budget.

    Finally, virtually everything from watches to refrigerators has Internet connectivity, cloud-based solutions are accessible for any company. Internet-connected devices are getting less and less expensive and connectivity is everywhere. This is making cloud-based solutions a good option to lower the cost of doing business, while increasing productivity.

    Free Cloud Readiness Assessment

    Want to know if your business is ready for cloud-based solutions (and how much money you could save on IT costs)? During May, we are offering free assessments to any business in the area with 10 or more computers and an onsite server. We come to your office and review your network software, data, hardware and processes to determine how cloud computing could help your business. There’s no cost or obligation, simply information that could potentially save you money. Contact Matrix Computer Consulting today to make an appointment. Call us at 703-368-2553 or email us at info@matrixcc.net.

    Stack of cardboard boxes due to office moving
    22Apr, 2016
    4 Tips to Make Your Next Office Move a Success

    Planning, disconnecting, packing, mobilizing, organizing, unpacking, installing, reconnecting…the logistics of it all…moving your office can be a painful experience, especially if you aren’t properly prepared. Well, there are some tricks to the trade that we’ve learned along the way, and we’d like to share a few. You can help deter office moving headaches by following these tips.

    Make a checklist

    This might sound obvious, but you would not believe how many people in charge of moving an office fail to take this step. Making a highly detailed checklist can help you have a successful move. To ensure everything goes smoothly, plan out each phase of the move by writing very clear, specific instructions so that everyone is on the same page. Then be sure to share the list with key staff.

    Don’t try to move your own computer network

    While it might cost you a few extra dollars to pay professionals to disconnect and reconnect computers, phones and other devices, it’s well worth the investment. Having employees disconnect and reconnect their own computers and phones can result in missing cords or cables, incorrectly connected hardware, frustrated staff and lost work hours. You should also avoid tasking movers with disassembling workstations. An IT professional can help you relocate your network smoothly so that your employees can get back to work as soon as possible.

    Hire the right IT firm to move your network

    Know what you’re looking for when you hire a company to move your network. You want a professional who will visit your current location and do a detailed site survey before giving you a quote. You will want the company to apply the cost of the survey against your move cost if you choose them. Check for references from clients, a down-time estimate and guarantee, proof of insurance and an organized approach to moving your network.

    Give your phone, cable and Internet vendors ample notice

    Make sure you have scheduled service to be connected on or before your move-in date so that the IT firm relocating your network will be able to get you up and running once your move is complete. To be safe, give your vendors at least 6 weeks advance notice. That way, your connections can be installed, tested and ready for your move-in date. If you are building a new office, decide during the planning phase how many outlets and network and phone connections you need. If you make changes post-construction, they may cost you additional money.

    We’d like to offer you even more information on office moving. Contact Matrix Computer Consulting today at 703-368-2553 or email us at info@matrixcc.net.  

    20Apr, 2016
    Office 365: Making the Familiar Extraordinary

    There’s a new tool for increasing efficiency, collaboration and customer satisfaction. The best part—your employees already know and trust it, and it requires no learning curve. Office 365 takes your familiar, best-in-class Office tools such as Word, Excel and Outlook, and elevates them with cloud based access and powerful integration.

    With Office 365, your team can instantly access the most up-to-date versions of the files and programs they need, even across different devices and locations. Features include integrated business-class email, shared calendars, IM, web conferencing and shared document storage. Team members can work together in real time without compromising security or creating redundant versions of files on multiple devices. The ability to collaborate on the go is critical given that 38% of MBs and 43% of SMB employees work at more than one location, and many projects require input from multiple team members.

    Increased capacity, reduced cost…

    Unlike many enterprise software solutions, Office 365 does not require a large upfront investment. It’s available as a monthly subscription, starting as low as $5 per user. Each user then has access on up to five computers and five mobile devices. Which saves money when compared to traditional, per device licensing. This billing model also shifts your IT costs from a capital to an operating expense.

    Additionally, you’ll avoid expensive upgrades: Office 365 is always up to date. Microsoft adds new capabilities on a monthly basis; no patches or software upgrades necessary. Your hardware and energy costs will go down as well, since there are no servers to run for email, websites and document storage.

    Scalability is another advantage of Office 365, which is designed to grow with your business. Adding a new user is as simple as buying an additional license. And, for a short time, moving your data to the cloud is as easy as calling Matrix. We’re offering free Office 365 migration through May 31. Contact us today at (703) 368-2553 or sales@matrixcc.net, to learn more about how Office 365 can help your team achieve extraordinary results, anywhere, anytime.