Super Connected City broadband grants - boost connection speeds

Super Connected City broadband vouchers – boost connection speeds

The Super Connected Cities programme is the scheme that offers a voucher of up to £3,000 that has launched in ten cities: Belfast, Salford, Portsmouth, Cardiff, Derby, Bristol, Edinburgh, Newport, London and Manchester.

The scheme is aimed at the SME sector, subsidising the cost of installing faster broadband connections for business. The scheme has £100m to spend in total, divided across 22 cities with the second wave of 12 smaller cities launching in early 2014.

“Britain is undergoing a broadband transformation and businesses up and down the country will benefit from the millions of pounds we’ve set aside. We want Britain’s digital infrastructure to be the best in the world and having faster and more reliable broadband will be key in driving growth.”

“I strongly urge businesses to make the most of this offer which will save them thousands of pounds, help generate thousands more, and ensure they are properly equipped to compete in today’s digital age.”

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Maria Miller

The www.connectionvouchers.co.uk website has links to the schemes and details of who is eligible. The voucher covers the cost of getting you connected, and does not cover the on going monthly line rental.  The scheme offers a real chance to boost connection speeds without moving office.

Connection Vouchers are available to you if

• You are a SME (Small or Medium Enterprise), Charity or Social Enterprise


• You are located in an eligible area in one of the cities taking part in the scheme


• Your connection will cost over £250


• You are asking for a connection to your business premises.  If your main work base is at home you can have a connection there, but not if you just work from home occasionally


• You are willing to sign up for a minimum 6 month contract with your supplier


• You select a service that is capable of delivering 30Mbps or higher – there are some detailed requirements on speed that you should check before applying


• You have not received more than approx £120k in grants in the last three years

 

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The infographic data was collated by Misco, a trading name of Misco UK Ltd. Misco/Epiphany Solutions accept no liability for any inaccuracies or incompleteness of any information contained on this page.

Super Connected City broadband grants - boost connection speeds

Multiple Office 365 Email Accounts on Windows and Mac

Multiple Office 365 Email Accounts on Windows and Mac

Multiple Office 365 accounts can be supported on both Windows and Mac using Outlook 2013, Outlook:Mac 2011, and Mac OSX Mail.

Here are some online guides -

Outlook 2013 – Click here

Mac OSX Mail – Click here

Office for Mac apps with Office 365 – Click Here

Office 365 desktop applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook can be installed on up to five separate devices including Windows and Mac.

Contact us for more advice – 01494 857572

 

Multiple Office 365 Email Accounts on Windows and Mac

Technology Costs - Does outdated technology hurt SMB competitiveness?

Technology Costs

How much does outdated technology hurt SMB competitiveness?

Summary: Putting off investments in new PCs and other infrastructure may save money in the short-term, but research suggests sticking with older technology may hurt a small company’s credibility with employees and customers.

By Heather Clancy

Click here for more…

The Intel research (conducted by Techaisle) suggests that small-business workers could be losing up to one work week per year because of old personal computers. If a PC is four years or older, employees lose 21 hours on repairs, maintenance and security fixes, according to the Intel Small Business PC Refresh Study. The survey covered 736 small businesses with fewer than 100 employees in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Russia and the United States.

The average cost to repair PCs four years or older is now around $427, according to the survey. That’s about 1.3 times the amount needed to fix a system that is less than four years old.

More than one-third of the businesses surveyed (36 per cent) are clinging to older systems, the Intel study found.  Small companies in the United States were more inclined to make do as long as they can: 8 per cent of the ones surveyed were using systems more than five years old, compared with 5 per cent of the companies from other countries.

“PCs are largely considered the foundation for many of these companies, and this study makes a clear-cut case for refreshing them on a regular basis,” said Rick Echevarria, vice president of the PC Client Group and General Manager of the Business Client Platform division at Intel, in remarks about the data.

The Microsoft research looks at things from a customer perspective, and it’s based on the opinions of 1,405 general consumers polled online via SurveyMonkey in September 2013.

Here are four of the main revelations:

• 61 per cent think an SMB is out of date if it’s using an operating system that is more than five years old

• 25 per cent think an SMB lacks credibility if it is using a free email service


• 68 per cent think “modern technology” is key to the success of a business


• 70 per cent said they were be “extremely or quite concerned” about providing personal information on an outdated SMB Website

Even more than those findings, I especially appreciated the list of attributes that define a “modern SMB,” according to the Microsoft study. Here they are, ranked by the percentage of respondents who expected these things:

• Network security certificates that protect personal information (63.5 per cent)


• Email appointment confirmations (61.6 per cent)


• Real-time online chat and scheduling (59.8 per cent)


• Modern mobile devices including tablets and smartphones (57.8 per cent)


• The latest operating system (55.4 per cent)


• Mobile-friendly Web site (54 per cent)


• Mobile payment processing (50 per cent)

 

 

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Which Web Browser is safest?

 

Recent Internet Explorer Vulnerability Alert attracts attention

 

It has been widely reported that Internet Explorer is vulnerable to a new attack which could affect millions of computer users.  We asked “Which browser is the safest?” and found this article – “Big browser builders scramble to fix cross-platform zero-day flaw” and it is not the first time we have seen a report which appears to suggest that Internet Explorer blocks more attacks than Chrome, Firefox and Safari.  This is not the whole story – what is very clear is that whichever browser is used it must be kept up to date through the application of regular updates and patching – this will protect you from most common attacks.  Most malware writers will target systems which are not upgraded with the latest protection.

 

We like to use what our customers use, so professionally we prefer Internet Explorer since we believe it is still the most common web browser and that it offers the best protection.

 

Internet Explorer includes the following security features:

 

• Domain highlighting, which lets you more easily see the real web address on websites you visit. This helps you avoid deceptive or phishing websites that use misleading web addresses to trick you. The true domain you’re visiting is highlighted in the address bar.


• SmartScreen Filter, which can help protect you from online phishing attacks, fraud, and spoofed or malicious websites. For more information, see SmartScreen Filter: frequently asked questions.


• Manage Add-ons, which lets you disable or allow web browser add-ons and delete unwanted ActiveX controls. For more information, see How do browser add-ons affect my computer?
  


• Cross site scripting (XSS) filter, which can help prevent attacks from phishing and fraudulent websites that might attempt to steal your personal and financial information. For more information, see How does Internet Explorer help protect me from cross-site scripting attacks?
  


• A 128-bit secure (SSL) connection for using secure websites. This helps Internet Explorer create an encrypted connection with websites run by banks, online stores, medical sites, or other organizations that handle sensitive customer information. For more information, see How to know if an online transaction is secure.

 

Windows also provides a built-in trouble-shooter that can automatically fix some common security problems in Internet Explorer.

 

Update your Windows computer now – Click here to improve your security

 

 

 

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Which Web Browser is safest?

Free Office - The best free alternative to Office is Office on the web

The best free alternative to Office is Office on the web

Lately, it seems there’s a new, free productivity application launching every week. They’re flooding the market with point solutions that have rudimentary levels of functionality and a variety of user experiences. With this comes speculation of if these free offerings can replace Office.

We know the crowded app market is creating confusion for customers, but the reality is, the best free alternative to Office is Office – Office Web Apps. The Office Web Apps are a free version of the Office applications you already know and love with the same familiar user experience you want. And, they trump the free alternatives hands down.  Here’s why:

1. 
   They’re complete.  With Office Web Apps, you can create, edit and share Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote files. Instead of addressing just one need, Office Web Apps provide a complete suite – all with a consistent user experience and functionality that works across the applications.


2. 
   They work anywhere.  Whether you’re a PC, Mac, iOS or Android fan and whether you use a touch device or mouse and keyboard, Office Web Apps work across all devices and browsers. Office Web Apps live in the cloud, so you can get to your files and documents anywhere. Your content is always in sync and available across any device.


3. 
   They’re consistent.  Office Web Apps look and feel like Office, so you already know how to use them. This means nothing new to learn. And, because Office always ensures your content formatting and functionality remain intact, you can share with confidence knowing that your documents will look as intended (and don’t get garbled like they do with some alternatives).


4. 
   They’re shareable.  Sharing through SkyDrive is easy, and it integrates closely with Office. So you can work with other people without version control issues or having to use an additional file storage and sharing service.


5. 
   They’re rock solid … and always getting better.  Tens of millions of people already use Office Web Apps, so they’re proven. Microsoft are always taking feedback and continually improving the Office Web Apps for the future; in fact, if you’ve tried Office Web Apps in the past you might want to take a second look, as there have been many improvements to the product suite to make it more intuitive, touch-friendly and more seamless with your Office experience.

I should note that, because Office Web Apps are browser-based, they don’t do everything Office 2013 or Office 365 does. Some of the more powerful features require the desktop version, but the Office Web Apps are a great solution for a lot of people, and a better option than the alternative point solutions.

If you’re looking for a free alternative to Office – or are just looking for a convenient way to access your files on the go – give the Office Web Apps a try by logging in to skydrive.com and clicking Create in the top menu.  We think you’ll like what you see.

–Julia White

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Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire Superfast Broadband - New Coverage Maps

Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire Superfast Broadband – New Coverage Maps

We are pleased to share with you the latest coverage maps for the rollout of fibre broadband through the Connected Counties programme in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.  These new maps reflect recent remodelling work by BT and shows the best estimate of where the Connected Counties programme plan to rollout fibre broadband, alongside services which are already commercially available.  These plans are, however, subject to the completion of detailed ground assessments which will survey local conditions and will be carried out in phases throughout the programme.

The maps show a preliminary estimate of the likely broadband coverage resulting from the Connected Counties programme’s investment.  The maps are indicative and should not be relied on or otherwise treated as a guarantee of current or future provision.

See more at: Connected Counties

The Connected Counties programme with BT has triggered a £18m investment to bring superfast broadband to more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

In June the Government announced a further £250m locally match funded investment in broadband for the UK, with the aim of achieving national coverage of 95 per cent or higher. The way this funding is being allocated isn’t yet known, but it should help the Connected Counties programme stretch out coverage plans. This means it is still important for communities to register on the Connected Counties programme website to tell them they are interested in getting superfast broadband.  These levels of interest can be factored into their decisions on which areas are rolled out to and strengthen their business case when biding for further funding.

Register Your Interest in getting superfast broadband – http://www.connectedcounties.org/register/

 

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Five Things to Say When You Are Caught Using Social Media at Work

Five Things to Say When You Are Caught Using Social Media at Work

Social media is catching on, but not everyone’s boss is a fan of  Facebook yet. Some companies outright ban the use of social media at  work, while others quietly look the other way or subtly encourage it. If  your workplace isn’t social-friendly (or if your boss scowls when he  sees Instagram over your shoulder), here are five things to say when you’re caught talking online.

Social media actually increases productivity!

It’s important to know what people are saying about us online!

I am working collaboratively!

I am evangelizing for our brand/company/organization!

Social media sells stuff!

Source – Microsoft For Work

 

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Office 365 is now available as a donation to qualified nonprofits

Get anywhere access to familiar Office applications, plus professional email, calendar, HD video conferencing, and more.

Take advantage of the cloud to help your non-profit deliver on its mission.

Microsoft is now offering its cloud-based Office 365 for Non-profits software programme to qualifying non-profits around the world via its software donation programme. The donation is available immediately to eligible organisations in 41 countries around the world, including the UK, and will be extended to a total of 90 countries by July 2014.

Office 365 for Non-profits lets non-profit and NGO staff use its cloud-based service to access files from almost anywhere, whether with a PC, smartphone or tablet. Staff can collaborate using shared applications such as email and shared calendars. Microsoft pledges a 99.9 per cent uptime. Jean-Philippe Courtois, president, Microsoft International, said: “Today we are donating to non-profits and NGOs access to Microsoft’s best-in-class cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, enabling them to spend fewer resources and time on IT and focus on their missions addressing global issues, such as disease eradication, education and literacy, and environmental sustainability.”

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Office 365 is now available as a donation to qualified nonprofits

Four Steps For More Secure Small Business Websites

Four Steps For More Secure Small Business Websites

Cybercriminals increasingly are targeting the blogs and e-commerce sites of SMBs, but a handful of simple steps can make these sites harder to hack

Content management systems run by small and midsize businesses (SMBs) have come under increasing attack by botmasters looking to build high-bandwidth infrastructure for executing denial-of-service attacks or as drive-by download sites for malware campaigns.

In a recent case, dubbed “Fort Disco,” cybercriminals used a 25,000-node botnet of infected Windows systems to scan the Internet for vulnerable sites and then attempt to guess the administrative password using a small set of common passwords. The tactic may have worked in only a small percentage of cases, but it was still effective, claiming more than 6,000 sites.

Read more from Dark Reading…

 

How a botnet works: 1. A botnet operator sends out viruses or worms, infecting ordinary users’ computers, whose payload is a malicious application — the bot. 2. The bot on the infected PC logs into a particular command and control (C&C) server (often an IRC server, but, in some cases a web server). 3. A spammer purchases access to the botnet from the operator. 4. The spammer sends instructions via the IRC server to the infected PCs, causing them to send out spam messages to mail servers. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

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Making a mobile workforce

Mobile Workforce

Whether it’s flexible working hours, or conducting business from multiple places, including at home, there is a trend for employees to become more mobile in their working patterns.

Forester Research’s 2013 Mobile Workforce Adoption Trends shows 37% of European and US employees work from multiple locations. Whilst that’s still a minority the trend is only going in one direction.

For both employees and employers, remote working can improve the business environment and boost performance.

Flexible working

The 9am – 5pm daily work-routine is being eroded by flexible working. Colleagues are increasingly able to build a working pattern around their home lives (for example leaving the office at 3pm to pick up school children, then work for two hours from 7pm when the kids are in bed).

For employees the flexibility helps them maintain an effective work / life balance, and employers benefit from a) less staff churn and b) effectively extending the working day – which helps improve customer response times.

Reduce office space

How many desks does an office need? By encouraging remote working, and introducing hot desking, a business can reduce its office headcount considerably. Smaller office spaces mean lower running costs and can even lead to a company moving into a smaller space; keeping rents as low as possible.

Improve efficiency

A mobile workforce means being able to respond from any location. Customer orders, and queries, can be processed without returning to the office. This gives a competitive advantage and increases company efficiency.

Lower business costs

The benefits already outlined add together to lower running costs for an organisation. Fewer desks, smaller offices, less electricity being used all bring down the day-to-day business charges. Added to this are the potential savings from lower travel expenses, which have both financial and environment benefits.

Read more from our partner – Simply Mail Solutions

 

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Store, Sync and Share with SharePoint

Store, Sync and Share with SharePoint

Get a glimpse at some of these SharePoint features, and see how easy it is to share with others.

Whether you are working on a document by yourself, or a team that needs to collaborate on a project, SharePoint has many ways that help improve productivity across an organization.

Put social to work

Share ideas, discover answers and keep track of what your colleagues are working with new social features throughout SharePoint.

Share your stuff

Publish content to SharePoint from any Office application and share with people inside and outside your organization in a few simple clicks.

Take SharePoint on the go

Share documents, update your activity feed and keep in touch with your colleagues from your mobile phone or tablet.

Think of SharePoint as a central hub for all your content.  You can fill it up with documents, organise them how you want, and easily share them with other people.  There’s only one document you have to deal with—and it’s always in the same place and it’s always up to date.  Instead of lots of people creating multiple versions in different places, you can get everyone to work on the same document—even at the same time—and SharePoint will keep track of everyone’s changes in one place.  You don’t even need to be at your desk to get work done together.  You can keep reviewing and tweaking your content while on the go, even offline and from virtually any device.

Read this blog post, Vivek Narasimhan’s is a product manager for SharePoint.

Discover more here!

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Office 365 subscribers get Office Mobile for Android phones

Today, Microsoft are launching Office Mobile for Android phones in the United States at no additional charge for Office 365 subscribers. This means that Office 365 subscribers can now work on their Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents from virtually anywhere–using their Windows Phone, iPhone or Android phones.

Office Mobile for Android phones can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. To use the app, you need a qualifying Office 365 subscription, including Office 365 Home Premium or Office 365 ProPlus (you can find the complete list of qualifying subscriptions here). Office Mobile for Android phones is initially available in the United States, with more countries coming on board over the next several weeks.

A true Office experience

Office Mobile is the official companion to Microsoft Office. Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents look great on your phone, thanks to support for charts, animations, SmartArt Graphics, and shapes. When you make edits or add comments to a document, the formatting and layout remain intact. When you return to your PC or Mac, your document looks like it should.

Easy access

Office Mobile is designed for people on the go.  We made it easy to access your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents in the cloud on SkyDrive or SkyDrive Pro.  When you’re on your phone, you’ll see the list of documents you recently opened on your computer in the Recent Documents panel–no searching needed. And of course, you can view and edit documents you receive in email.

Designed for the phone

Office Mobile has been optimized for the small screen of your phone so you can get things done efficiently.  When reviewing Word documents, the Resume Reading feature takes you to the exact point in the document where you left off on your PC so you don’t waste time searching. The new Slide Navigator lets you browse through PowerPoint presentations fast while Speaker Notes help you practice on the run.

Sharing built-in

Edit documents and share them right from your phone. You can review comments in Word and Excel documents on your phone and add your own.  When you’re done, you can save the file back to SkyDrive or SkyDrive Pro or just send it as an email attachment.

 

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Sustainable Routes – the European Grant that helps cut travel costs

Sustainable Routes – the European Grant that helps cut travel costs

Has your business traded for at least a year?

Is your turnover at least £75,000?

If so, then Sustainable Routes offers a grant of up to £1,000 to businesses, excluding franchises, who can cut travel costs by adopting new ways of working.  If your business employs less than 250 people and is located in the South East of England – Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Kent and Medway, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Sussex, then here is the opportunity to save money on travel. The project has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the South East ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013.

By signing up you will benefit from:

• A personalised Travel Efficiency Plan


• A match funded grant of up to £1,000

Impact your bottom line, save money and help your employees and the environment. Here are a few examples:

• Laptops for your employees to work remotely


• Server upgrade to support remote working


• Bicycles, storage and showers to encourage use


• 
  LPG conversions

Click here for more information.

Contact us now for help with your technology

 

 

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