Using The Cloud For Your Disaster Recovery Strategy

One of the priorities for every IT department is to ensure there is a sufficient recovery strategy in place should a disaster happen. Small businesses can lose thousands of pounds for every hour that their IT system is down. The best way to limit the costs and the damage of IT failure is to prepare for the eventuality and ensure there is a backup plan ready.

With over 60% of businesses using cloud technology in some form or other for their infrastructure, it is clear that a cloud solution can significantly help with the day to day. However, the cloud can also help with secondary workflows that include backup and archiving to help with your disaster recovery strategy.

Traditional disaster recovery strategies for businesses are expensive and inefficient; they often require multiple solutions as well as labour and maintenance which can increase the costs dramatically. Cloud-based solutions already offer increased security for businesses, and with a cloud-based disaster recovery strategy, you have a secure, scalable disaster recovery strategy.

If you want greater agility and protection for your business, should the worst happen, then a cloud-based disaster recovery could be a cost-saving solution that will help your business to feel prepared for every eventuality.

The benefits of using the cloud for your disaster recovery strategy

Reduced manual backup

A cloud-based disaster recovery strategy will automate the backup process for you. This helps to free up time and resources needs for manual backup. This is particularly helpful for businesses with a small IT team who need to dedicate their time to strategic aspects of IT and the company as a whole.

Taking time to manually backup data means time is taken away from troubleshooting, improving systems and creating efficiencies. Instead, the manual backup will require reviewing archives, monitoring progress and ensuring there is sufficient space and storage for backup. All of these processes could be significantly reduced with an automated cloud solution.

Predictability

Using a cloud-based system for your backup helps to ensure predictability not only for automated backup but also for knowing your costs. Having a cloud system for your disaster recovery strategy typically comes with a set monthly fee which can help you when it comes to budgeting and ensures you know your costs beforehand.

Utilising another provider for your backup and disaster recovery strategy also frees up IT staff, as well as the cost of time and resources, to give you better reliability and assurance that backup is always taken care of through immediate automation.

Immediate backup

When it comes to internal backups, companies rarely check their systems to see if they can recover and restore all data should the worst happen. Many businesses will only complete a backup process at night which means retrieving all data in a situation is almost impossible.

Cloud-based solutions use a continuous backup method which means you’ll lose minimal data should a disaster strike. As the cloud automatically detects and transmits changes to files, there is no manual process involved, and you do not need to worry about when the backup takes place. All of the data restoration is taken care of for complete peace of mind.

Off-site

Even if your business has a robust data recovery and disaster management plan, if your equipment for backup is on the same site as the business then it may not help you at all. Should the workplace suffer from an unforeseen accident such as a flood, storm, burst pipe or fire, then your servers and backup systems are likely to suffer, and you will lose all of your data.

With a cloud-based solution, you have backup data in an external location. This means that should there be a problem in the workplace, your data will remain safe. As cloud backup occurs within minutes, you know that data is safely stored offsite from your organisation which gives peace of mind and can help to relieve any backup issues such as loss of revenue, lower productivity or negative customer feedback.

Security

As many customers who already take advantage of the cloud for their day to day running will know, a cloud-based system can give an organisation additional security. A cloud-based solution keeps data secure by being offsite and using data encryption; this means that only authorised users can access and decrypt the data.

Data encryption in the cloud is also applicable to backup and archived data which can significantly add to the security of the organisation which can help to reduce the risk of security breaches for organisations as well as providing peace of mind to customers.

Plan your disaster recovery strategy

When it comes to planning your disaster recovery strategy, it is essential to not only prepare for the worst but make sure there is always a robust system in place that works for your business. At Cyan, we can help to make sure you have a secure and effective disaster recovery plan in place using the cloud. If you want to protect your business and prepare for every eventuality, get in touch with our team of expert advisors.

Harnessing Technology to Enhance Housing Associations Performance

In all organisations, there is an increasing need to adopt a more streamlined digital strategy. In a rapidly changing arena, many housing associations are suffering due to the reduced investment, funding cuts, the mandatory rent freeze on social housing and the fact that there is a relatively slow uptake in digital efficiency. For housing associations to thrive, harnessing technology is vital in order to enhance performance and make the changes that are desperately needed in the fast-paced digital world.

In terms of digitalisation, the housing sector seems to be far behind other industries. There are many reasons why this may be. Firstly, the fact that many housing associations are fragmented, making it difficult to adopt a singular system. Another issue is the fact that there is a reluctance to switch from the legacy systems currently in place. One of the main problems is the initial investment that going digital takes, which can seem like an unnecessary cost in times of cuts and budget restraints. However, by adopting a digital strategy, housing associations can actually save money as well as enjoying a host of other benefits.

How housing associations can harness technology

One of the most significant ways that housing associations can enjoy the benefits of digitalisation is through adopting a cloud-hosted platform. With this, all team members can enjoy real-time access to the necessary systems on any device at any location. This means that those on-site with customers can instantly log reports. Furthermore, associations can reduce infrastructure and office costs with the flexibility of a cloud-based system.

Another opportunity for digitalisation comes from the automation and processing of customer information. Digitalisation reduces the need for paper forms that need manual processing. Instead, you can store all customer data in secure, personal accounts. This reduces the need for repetitive form filling and repeated information.

Organisations can also perform customer service functions digitally. In fact, using digitalisation, customers can find the answers to their questions instantly, meaning they can effectively self-serve should they have any issues. This will significantly reduce the time taken to resolve problems by staff.

Technology can also provide further communication methods. Using a digital system, customers can engage with the team in multiple ways such as online chat facilities as well as email and traditional methods. With customers becoming increasingly digital-savvy this is an ideal method of communication. The fact that customers can find answers for themselves, through a knowledge base, for example, can significantly reduce the workload for staff too.

Not only can technology improve customer relations, it can strengthen supplier management too. With a system that can be accessed by tenants, association staff and suppliers, problems can be actioned and addressed quickly. Everyone has access to the information they need, and this can stop vital information or actions from being missed.

The benefits of technology for housing associations

Cheaper transactions

When it comes to processing transactions, housing associations can reduce revenue through processing. However, it has been found that online transaction processing can save significant costs. In fact, online payment is 20 times cheaper than phone transactions and 50 times cheaper than face to face

Quicker processing

With real-time access to systems, staff can log and process issues much more quickly, which can then provide more customer facing time to increase services and greater flexibility with travel time and costs as things can be actioned on the go.

Enhance service levels

One of the primary benefits of digitalisation is the fact that customers receive a better service. They have the opportunity for 24/7 advice and help thanks to a knowledge base and the fact that account information is accessible. The fact that actions can be completed online means customers have no restrictions with time or having to speak to the right department.

Cost efficiency

While there is an initial investment in going digital, the benefits far outweigh the costs in the long-term. In fact, Croydon London Borough Council estimates savings of £20 million in 2018 thanks to their digitalisation. This is mainly due to the fact that customers are only asked for their information once with their digital records.

 

With increased performance, customer engagement and satisfaction and cost-efficiency, housing associations that choose to go digital can reap the benefits. From reduced operational costs to a more productive environment, there are advantages for all involved.  Furthermore, those that resist the changes will find it harder to adapt later and will have to do so, with an ever-decreasing budget.

Why Your Phone System is an Essential Part of Your Technology Strategy

When it comes to technology, it is essential that every part of your business stays up to date. In many organisations, traditional methods of communication such as fax and telephony are still vital. However, the fact the companies still use traditional methods does not mean the business lags behind technologically. With internet telephony, you can enjoy the freedom and benefits that digitalisation provides, without forgoing your most important communication tools.

Internet telephony is one of the most critical technologies for businesses who still value speaking to clients, suppliers and team members. It allows the use of traditional communication methods but with more freedom, flexibility and a wealth of business benefits.

What is internet telephony?

Internet telephony is a technology that allows communication (voice calls, voicemail, faxes, etc.) to be made anywhere with an internet connection and internet-enabled device. The digital system converts voice and other communication forms into a digital signal so they can be transferred across the internet to reach the recipient.

This digital signal enables a variety of different communication forms, allowing a mix of communication from fax machines, phones, PCs and laptops. In fact, any device with internet and an enabled system can utilise internet telephony, and no landline is needed.

The guises of internet telephony

There are many names for internet telephony, while some offer slight differences, they are commonly used interchangeably. These include terms such as;

  • VoIP (Voice over IP)
  • Broadband Telephony
  • VoBB (Voice over Broadband)
  • IP Telephony
  • OTT Voice Services (Over the top voice services)
  • Broadband Phone Services.

The benefits of internet telephony

There are many advantages to using internet telephony as a business technology, here are just some of the many benefits that you can achieve by adopting this strategy for your business.

Increase productivity

The fact that staff can make and receive calls and faxes wherever there is an internet connection can significantly improve productivity. Whether they are working at a customer site, in the office or at another location, as long as they have internet, they will be able to communicate as necessary.

The agility of an internet phone system means that your workplace can be much more flexible and ideal for remote workers. This enables staff to action and answer calls wherever they are, which increases their productivity. Some services even offer a dedicated smartphone app to make internet telephony even easier on the move. Furthermore, there is no waiting for answers, for colleagues, customers or suppliers.

Cost efficiency

One of the primary benefits of an internet phone system is the cost savings you can achieve. Once you have a system set up, you are only paying for the service and the internet. There are no additional costs for long distance calls or roaming. Your costs are contained to your internet telephony provider and will be based on the quality of the service that you want to receive and your internet connection. You will not be charged for calls or faxes that you make or receive, wherever you are in the world.

Business stability

Having an internet telephony system means that you can keep the same number as long as you stay with your service. This means that you do not have to change your number if you move offices or workspaces. The number is not a landline, and will stay with you. This helps with the stability of the business and the fact that customers will be able to contact you, without the need to update their contact numbers.

This system is valuable when you do not have a dedicated workspace or a traditional work set up, as you still appear professional and trustworthy to customers.

Never miss a call

One of the benefits of internet telephony is that it can link to many devices. You can connect calls and communications to your desk phone, smartphone, PC and laptop. With this in mind, you will never miss a call, even if your battery has died or you are away from your desk. Customers will be able to get in touch with ease; you can reduce the number of callbacks and avoid the problematic game of ‘phone tag’ that can occur when you miss a call.

Local number

Another advantage of internet telephony is that fact that you can choose a local phone number, despite being located somewhere else. If your customers are concentrated in a particular area, you can select a local number, to enhance trust but actually answer the calls from anywhere in the world.

You can have multiple local numbers to satisfy all customer locations yet save on costs in terms of regional call centres and dedicated area staff.

Improve your communication technology strategy

At Cyan Solutions we conduct complete communication audits and total reviews of your technology systems to ensure that you have the most appropriate, business efficient solutions in place. We can help to provide your internet telephony system, complete with cloud hosting solutions to ensure all of your technology strategy is cohesive and beneficial. From encryption through a virtual private network to high bandwidth to support a quality service, we can assess your needs and ensure you have a practical and effective system in place. Get in touch for helpful advice from our friendly team.

 

Driving Business Growth Through IT Infrastructure

IT infrastructure is often a practice that is avoided or stepped around, with many companies simply going with the flow when it comes to their IT management. Many businesses will only make changes and upgrades when it becomes necessary due to equipment failures. Operating your IT planning in this reactive, fire-fighting way is not going to support and help your business grow. A good and well thought out IT infrastructure should be aligned with the businesses goals and growth plans.

While an efficient IT plan does take time and careful planning to create, they are worthwhile and will help your business reach its goals and prevent issues and faults. Having a decent IT infrastructure in place can help a company to optimise its resources, save costs, reduce dependencies and improve productivity. On the other end of the spectrum, having a poor or non-existent IT plan can result in outdated systems, digital skills gaps and lack of productivity all of which can affect your bottom line.

It can all be a bit overwhelming with where to start when creating an IT infrastructure for your business, which often puts organisations off. However, if it is done properly, it will pay off in the long run. Architecture and Governance Magazine revealed that some Fortune 500 companies and government agencies had validated returns on investment as high as 700% thanks to their investment in IT planning.

Here at Cyan Solutions, we have the expertise and knowledge to assist you in creating an effective and powerful IT infrastructure that supports your business and its long-term goals with a proactive approach. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all, and so our approach to all projects is considered and structured; we highly tailor every detail to fit seamlessly with your business model. Following a plan, create, maintain model, we work carefully at every stage to ensure we develop a service that truly addresses your individual needs – both now and in the future.

Plan: How to prepare for creating an effective IT infrastructure

A thorough audit of everything your business currently has by way of IT and everything it will need in the future is the best place to start when creating an IT plan. On the surface, it may seem that an IT plan only concerns hardware and software, but there is so much more to consider. It is important to think about the human resources of the business, the cost management involved, and also the risk management.

At Cyan Solutions, we work closely with our customers to undergo comprehensive reviews that will give us a detailed insight into the businesses IT needs and assets. This process provides us with the opportunity to integrate our strategic thinking as part of your team.

Once we have completed a comprehensive audit and got a full understanding of your business needs, we can then help to create an actionable IT framework strategy and plan that covers all aspects of the company. At this stage, we will also ensure that your IT infrastructure is fully GDPR compliant.

Create: Designing and implementing the IT framework

Once the plan has been finalised and agreed upon, we will get started on designing and implementing the infrastructure, while ensuring minimal disruption to the day to day running of your business. We will develop your new IT capabilities through the previously planned and agreed software and hardware. Working closely with all vendors and software providers, we will unlock the potential of your IT.

At this stage we also ensure everyone within the business is happy and fully trained on any new platforms or applications that have been implemented. We use technical architecture to tailor the IT infrastructure to be specific to your business needs while ensuring the highest levels of security, flexibility and accessibility. It is the advantage of proven technology, tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Maintain: Proactive maintenance and performance monitoring

We guarantee a long-term solution and offer the highest level of service with a robust set of agreements. Once your new IT infrastructure is up and running, we continue to work hard to troubleshoot for any potential issues and provide proactive maintenance to help keep your systems up to date and running in the best possible way for your business.

We will implement any relevant patches, monitor overall performance, and keep on top of industry issues. Our expert teams will guarantee your new system is upgraded and adapted where necessary and ensure that your infrastructure is properly protecting your customer’s data and is always fully GDPR compliant.

When you choose Cyan Solutions, you can expect fast and responsive help from a knowledgeable team that is always on hand to help. As a result, you will get exceptional service whenever you need it, as well as total transparency on our performance. With your IT infrastructure taken care of, you can reap the rewards and focus your attention on your business growth strategy.

Start your growth strategy today

If you want to find out more about how Cyan Solutions can help you to plan, create and maintain an IT infrastructure that will support your business growth, get in touch with our expert team today.

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