Category: Networking

How to Evaluate VoIP Service Providers

Posted on by cwdadmin

You’re a small business owner who knows you need to start reaping the benefits that come with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). You also know the old way of analog phone lines and expensive equipment just doesn’t make sense for your business anymore. But there are so many choices out there today, you must evaluate your options so you select the right provider for your particular business.

Here are some tips to help you begin your VoIP comparison:

Tip #1: Know Your Needs

Modern phone systems can do pretty much anything outside of making you a cheeseburger, but that doesn’t mean you need every feature available.  Typically, features cost money, so it’s wise to invest resources into options that are going to deliver the largest ROI as far as productivity is concerned. Evaluate the features you will actually use for day-to-day operations, and if the product listing offers services you won’t use, you may want to lower the budget.

Tip #2: Ask Questions

There are so many VoIP providers out there today, which means some of them are reliable providers and others are not. To weed them out, ask some questions. Start by focusing on their ability and infrastructure to support the phone system. Their hardware and software should be robust, secure, and adaptable to change.

Here are some commonly asked support questions:

  • How is the network infrastructure structured? (Who’s the owner, the service technician and who should be contacted with issues)
  • What is the redundancy structure?
  •  What are the recovery processes?
  • Do you have a softswitch? (Software that’s used to bridge a network with the VoIP services)
  • Are there any third party services?
  • How will we be notified of new features?
  • What is the process of getting a system implemented?

Tip #3: Find Current Customers

The best recommendation for a business is a current customer, and the same is the case with VoIP service providers. Identify some businesses similar to yours in in size and ask them who their provider is and what they like or don’t like about them. Also ask about any challenges they’ve had with their provider and how they’ve overcome them.

Tip #4: Know The Support Process

When a system goes down, your top priority is figuring out how you can get things back up and running as quickly as possible. You want to know exactly who you will need to call to get the situation resolved promptly and to your expectations. Providers should be clear about whether or not they offer 24/7 customer service or if they have another recovery process in place for off hours.

Providers may also offer a service level agreement (SLA). SLA’s confirm in writing the level of service they will deliver as well as how they are prepared to compensate you if they are somehow unable to meet that level of service. Also, ask for statistics regarding performance and reliability.

BYOD Security IS Possible

Posted on by cwdadmin

Bring Your Own Device or “BYOD” as it is more commonly referred as, means a company allows their employees to use their personal communication devices for work-related activities. It’s a move that not only can cut expenses, but enhances and improves employee productivity. In a study by Tech Pro Research, they report that about 60% of companies now allow their staff to use their own devices for business. But with all the sensitive company information floating on devices that aren’t controlled by the company, many IT professionals get concerned this move puts the organization’s data and software at risk.

However, with the proper BYOD security policy in place, it is possible to safely take advantage of all the benefits this mobile transition can offer.

Truth #1: Personal Devices Need Monitoring and Protection

Because of this, you should install a reputable security product that protects the personal devices being used. Utilizing a reputable mobile antivirus product will help to protect the system from a host of outside threats. When selecting the service, check user reviews and expert opinions.

Truth #2: Protect In-House Systems, Too

Confidential company information must be protected, regardless of what devices have access to it. Software should be implemented that makes it difficult for outsiders to obtain sensitive information. This information should include:

  • Real-Time Traffic Scanner: Monitors any suspicious activities
  • Malware Removal: Detects and removes threats
  • Scanning Engine: Checks and analyzes traffic and sites being accessed

Truth #3: Encrypt Company Files and Communication

After converting to BYOD, all types of devices contain sensitive information including financial details and private corporate communications. This is exactly the type of information that is sought out by hackers looking to sell it to the highest bidder. Because of this, encryption methods should be implemented. The easiest way most companies encrypt data is through a solution like a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Truth #4: Avoid Spyware

Spyware tools monitor online traffic to retrieve data from your system. However, if the system becomes infected, spyware causes issues like slow-downs, excessive pop-up advertisements, and annoying error messages. These annoying problems can quickly turn into a crisis when corporate data gets thrown into the mix. To prevent these types of problems, these precautions should be taken:

  • Avoid unknown emails and social messages from unknown senders
  • Avoid putting excessive personal information on social media
  • Avoid free software downloads onto any systems containing corporate data

Truth #5: Back Everything Up. Yes, Everything

It’s simply not a choice anymore whether or not to back up your systems, it ‘s a necessity with a multitude of devices carrying your company information virtually everywhere. Today’s data breaches come from a multitude of sources, including ransomware that blocks systems for a ransom payment, as well as aggressive Malware that steals information and erases it after the fact.

Truth #6: Passwords are King

Nothing protects systems better than strong passwords, so every personal and corporate account should require access with passwords that contain letters and numbers as well as capitalization. Implement policies that require BYOD users to create a multitude of passwords as well as double authentication practices that better protect all private information. And lastly, prevent the browser from filling in the password credentials.

BYOD is a wonderful convenience, and many companies have found it to be an answer to many productivity and budgetary issues, but it must be done wisely. However, with the appropriate precautions in place, your company can remain protected while enjoying the conveniences that BYOD provides.