Simplify the Cloud with Managed Services

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Simplify the Cloud with Managed Services

Transitioning to cloud-based software services can be a smart move for your company, but your “go-live” date is just the beginning. Going forward there will be updates, maintenance, training, integration, troubleshooting, and more. If you prefer to keep your head in the game rather than in the cloud, consider simplifying your life with a move to managed services.

The Cloud is Thriving
Technological change today is happening at a blistering pace, which is one of the reasons the cloud and SaaS are appealing to so many businesses—when software is a service instead of an asset, it can continually evolved by being updated, upgraded, and adjusted. Moreover, using cloud-based services offers a balance of business unit independence and organization-wide compatibility.

Keeping Up Can Be Costly
Cloud software uniquely empowers small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) to be proactive rather than reactive, but the costs of thorough monitoring, analytics, maintenance, and staff training can add up. That’s assuming you can find (and pay) an IT staffer who can meet your needs.

Why Managed Services?
Just like printing, payroll, and other services, outsourcing the management of your cloud-based services can be a cost-effective way to stay ahead of the competition. Here’s why:
● Performance — Working with a managed services provider means having access to specialists with expertise in the cloud. Dedicated cloud technology managers can handle all the aspects for you, from end-to-end monitoring, reports, and data analytics to training, customization, and proactive guidance. Your regular IT staff can focus their energies on your core business, developing solutions that add value to your company.
● Cost — Managed services expenditures are predictable and can be lower than when those same services are managed by an in-house staff. You’ll also get more value for your IT dollar, with increased efficiency in the support, maintenance, and growth of your IT infrastructure.

The cloud is opening up new possibilities and efficiencies for SMBs, but those capabilities are wasted if you can’t keep up with them. Contact Infomax Office Systems today to learn more about managed services that can help your company thrive. 

Maintain Business Continuity with Digital Archiving

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Whether it’s an angry hurricane or a destructive fire, disasters can and will happen. Sadly, most businesses that suffer through a disaster will fail within two years. Digital archiving is one effective tool you can use to help protect your organization’s long-term health against the threat of a disaster.

What are digital archives?
Digital archives are electronic versions of your company’s historical assets. Archive content is fixed and not needed for current operations; its main purpose is long-term storage and retrieval. Archives can provide an automated mechanism for regulation-mandated records retention, and typically have extensive metadata attached to allow for search and retrieval of even the oldest records.

How are archives different from backup?
Contents in your digital archives don’t change to reflect your daily operations. Archived data is not in current use and will be kept essentially as-is over the long term. Backup for disaster recovery, however, generally involves up-to-date copies of operational information that can be restored quickly. In fact, you’ll even want to back up your archives to protect yourself in the event something should happen to the original files (a safety net not available with paper-based archives). Remember this rule for backing up: three copies, on two types of media, in one additional location.

Why are archives needed?
Digital archives go beyond operational recovery (disaster response) and organizational recovery (business continuity). Your company doesn’t want to lose regulatory records or long-term, institutional history. Corporate governance, litigation, and regulatory compliance all demand data be archived past three, seven, or even ten or more years. Digital archives also provide security and traceability, with audit trails recording who accessed what, when, and what they did.

What else should I consider?
Since digital archives are for the long term, don’t forget to address issues such as life expectancy (of the software required to read data and the storage technologies themselves), increasing capacity needs over time, and the eventual disposal of the data.

A disaster could strike at any time. If you want your business to be one that bounces back after the worst happens, it’s time to get started with digital archiving. Contact Infomax today to learn more.

Why a Comprehensive Management System Makes Sense

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Today’s office is a connected office. PCs, printers, scanners, and fax machines all communicate over the network. While this connectivity enables remarkable productivity, it also comes with costs, namely the need to manage network system components. Unless your company’s primary business is managing computer systems, consider adopting a comprehensive management system like Infomax’s ConnectPlus.

Hassle-Free Additions
Getting a new computer, printer, or other network device can throw your day into chaos, but a comprehensive management system handles the headaches for you—including system integration and connection to other devices in your network. With our basic installation and implementation package, we’ll manage the assignment of ports, defaults, and connections.

Installation & Training
With ConnectPlus, you’ll get complete assembly and testing of your new equipment, accessories, and related software. Our technicians will handle the fine-tuning of system components, loading drivers and training your staff. We make sure new devices integrate seamlessly into your network and your personnel are trained to run it.

Ongoing Support  
Once you’re up and running, we’re here for problem-solving on your output devices and we offer assistance for every application we provide. You’ll get installation of new device drivers and you can call on us for unlimited help desk phone support. We can add supplementary training in systems, administration, and software on an as-needed basis. We can also manage system reconfiguration, memory installation, and other services—just ask!

Free to Focus
Teaming up with a comprehensive management system gives you and your team something priceless: the freedom to focus. Instead of wrangling new machines, you can concentrate your resources on activities that truly add value to your bottom line. Your IT specialists can be writing custom apps that serve your clients instead of crawling under desks to connect cables.

In today’s hyper-competitive environment, working with a systems management partner can mean the difference between surviving and thriving. Programs like ConnectPlus make it possible for you to focus on your core business, so call Infomax today about getting started with ConnectPlus—and leave the tech to us.

Out of Toner? What to Keep in Mind for Your Next Purchase

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The light is blinking. Your documents aren’t printing. The screen on your machine reads “Replace Toner Cartridge.” Every office has encountered a time where toner inconveniently runs out. If you’re still mulling over Managed Print Services (where we handle toner replenishment for you), make sure you don’t overpay for toner—your highest ongoing print-related cost. Read on for important information to keep in mind when making your next toner purchase.

OEM Cartridges
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. An OEM cartridge is produced by the original company that made the printer and its accessories.
Advantages: Quality is assured, and in many cases, guaranteed.
Disadvantages: OEM cartridges are the most expensive; you’re paying for the brand’s name, experience, quality, and the peace of mind that comes with it.

Compatible Cartridges
Compatible cartridges are produced by a third party, not the original manufacturer.
Advantages: Expect similar quality and yield to OEM cartridges, but at a better price. Third-party cartridges have been tested and approved by the manufacturer.
Disadvantages: Some third parties have lower standards than others, so be sure to go with a reputable producer.

Remanufactured Cartridges
A remanufactured cartridge was originally Compatible or OEM, but has since been refilled or had components reused.
Advantages: Reusing parts makes for far cheaper cartridges and less waste.
Disadvantages: These cartridges may have lower yield and inferior performance compared to their OEM and Compatible cousins. Defective remanufactured cartridges can damage your printer and may invalidate your warranty.

Capacity Considerations
In general, high-capacity cartridges are your best bet. You pay a little more initially, but these cartridges typically produce twice the print volume at a lower per-page cost. This will save you time changing out cartridges and you can feel good about making the eco-friendly choice by using fewer raw materials.

By thinking smart and planning ahead you can be sure to get the best value and the best results from your next toner purchase. Call Infomax today to order your next toner cartridge.

The Link between Document Management and a Green Office

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It’s true that little changes add up, but reusable mugs and water bottles only take you so far. The best way to lessen your environmental impact, particularly when it comes to your company, is to go for a major business component revamp—like transitioning from paper to electronic document management. Read on to learn about the link between document management and a green office.

Paper Loses Purpose
With an electronic document management system, you no longer need to print every piece of information—in most cases, sharing and collaborating is simple and friction-free. You can share, email, review, and even sign digital documents in a centralized system. Document management eliminates the need to print separate copies for every department; you can all work from one central, up-to-date file.

Raw Material Madness
You’d be astounded at the amount of raw material you conserve when you move to digital document management. Less printing means less toner used and fewer cartridges manufactured. When you consider that manufacturing a single toner cartridge requires three liters of oil, it’s clear that curbing your printing habits can have a major impact. Your local landfill will thank you, too.

Storage Strategies
Document management can completely transform how you deal with documents once they’re out of primary circulation. It’s true that compliance regulations necessitate some hardcopy files, but it’s important to examine how much of what you’re printing and storing is actually required. Instead of dozens of cabinets filled with paper files (the vast majority of which will never be accessed again), you can store your documents on a tiny hard drive.

Poisonous Power
Until we’re running on 100 percent clean and renewable energy, more office equipment means faster draining of limited resources and the release of toxic pollutants. When you manage your documents digitally, you can cut back on the machinery required to run an office smoothly. Cut back on wattage by eliminating printers, reducing copiers, and consolidating multiple devices—like printers, scanners, copiers, and faxes—into a single machine. You will use less power to keep your office humming and will need less energy to control your climate.

Document management is a powerful way to improve your company’s green credentials and lessen your impact on the environment. To learn more about the big benefits of document management, contact Infomax today.

What to Look for in a Managed Services Provider

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It’s important to work with technology partners who can manage your services efficiently and effectively. You must find a provider that is trustworthy, reliable, and able to meet your company’s specific needs. When looking for a managed services provider to partner with, here are a few important considerations for your search.

● Reputation — Talk to companies similar to yours and read reviews for potential partners. Ask to speak with a current customer for a reference.
● Goal Orientation — Look for a provider focused on impact, not the status quo. You want a partner that’s actively looking to improve performance, boost productivity, and lower costs.
● Analysis — Your provider should be data-hungry, offering dashboards, reports, and analysis of cost and performance.
● Workflow Expertise — Look for experience and expertise in managing and optimizing systems. You want a partner who can bring something extra to the table.
● Growth Potential — This isn’t a one-time encounter, it’s a long-term relationship. Will your partner be able to help you grow, change, and adapt in the future?
● Security — Your partner should be well-versed in encryption, access controls, role-based permissions, and monitoring.
● Vendor Neutrality — Your partner should support and service any and all brands you work with. A vendor-neutral partner will look for the best solutions for your business, not just the ones they sell.
● Integration — Make sure your partner supports any third-party apps, services, or tools you utilize.
● Clear SLA — You should have a good understanding of your service terms and responsibilities (including performance, response time, and uptime). Make sure there’s an exit clause should things not work out.
● Cost Clarity — Service partnerships are typically custom solutions designed to meet your specific needs, so your capacity, quality, services, and workload will all impact the bottom line. Understand your costs and how they change as your needs change.

When searching for a new partner in managed services, carefully consider your options and the capabilities of potential partners. You’re building a long-term relationship, so find a partner that has the skills and expertise to meet your needs and help you reach your goals. For document management, information technology, and print services, contact Infomax Office Systems today.

Are Servers Extinct? Making the Case for Dedicated Servers

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As computing technology gets faster, smaller, and more affordable, companies are increasingly turning to shared or virtual servers for their business needs. While you can save money by going that route, some companies would do better to take advantage of a dedicated server’s powerful benefits. What makes dedicated servers a strategic choice?

Outstanding Performance
● Security — The greatest benefit of dedicated servers is their strong security, with options for specialized security measures and better protection against malware and adware—especially important for companies dealing with sensitive data.
● Reliability — Crashes on dedicated servers are less likely to occur than on shared servers, minimizing downtime and maximizing availability.
● Exclusivity — A dedicated server eliminates service-slowing bandwidth competition. Companies with high traffic or large, data-heavy files like high-definition video or images will appreciate the boost in performance that comes with dedicated bandwidth.

Dedicated IP Address
● No Guilt by Association — Spammy or adult sites that share your IP can damage your ranking in search engine rankings. A dedicated IP prevents you from being blacklisted as a result of others’ bad behavior.
● ECommerce — The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) dictates that ecommerce sites must have SSL-enabled, dedicated IP.

Complete Control    
● Customizability — Configure the CPU, RAM, disk space, and platform however suits you best: manage a database, host a website, or act as a mail server.
● Growth & Scalability — For companies looking for long-term stability and growth opportunity, dedicated servers are ideal—growth doesn’t require migration to a new server.

Other Considerations
● Technical considerations — Some IT knowledge is necessary to run a dedicated server, which managed hosting services can handle for you.
● Cost — A dedicated server is a bigger investment than a shared server, so your company’s needs and growth plans are important as you weigh the options.

Dedicated servers can be the best choice for companies that need top notch performance along with excellent security, have ecommerce options, or need a customized system that can grow with them. If a dedicated server sounds like a good fit for your business, contact Infomax Office Systems today.

Streamline the Workflows of Your Production Printing

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Modern production printing is no longer relegated to specialized print shops; in fact, many companies are finding it efficient and economical to bring production printing in house. With fast, high-quality, often high-volume capabilities, production printing can transform how you use print materials for your business. But did you also know that you have options that can streamline production printing workflows and make your team even more efficient?

Some of your options are literally right in front of you, such as the finishing options available on today’s printers. For example, a printer can not only fill in templates and print personalized materials, but also fold, stuff, and label mailings. When your equipment manages this work automatically, the amount of time needed for each step (and time between steps) is dramatically reduced. Building finishing options like this into your workflow also provides a high level of quality control that minimizes mistakes and errors. With automated decision making and improved interconnection, your staff can have fewer touchpoints for any given print process.

Infomax offers solutions from both EFI and ConnectPlus that streamline production printing workflows. ConnectPlus, for example, is a comprehensive package that keeps your office systems up-to-date and working together as seamlessly and efficiently as possible. Desktop computers, networks, and imaging systems are all optimized with ConnectPlus’ hands-off installation. EFI, meanwhile, offers the Fiery Workflow Suite, a solution that coordinates printing and production systems. From job submission to prepress, processing to color management and variable data printing, EFI streamlines workflows and speeds the timeline between job creation and complete, printed materials.

Production printing can be a powerful business tool, made even more powerful when systems are designed for maximum efficiency. By leveraging computing and equipment power to create high-quality materials, minimize mistakes, and provide quick turnaround times, workflow tools keep your company nimble and responsive. Contact Infomax Office Systems to put workflow tools like EFI and ConnectPlus to work for you.

Fend Off Phishing: Tips to Avoid Phishing Scams

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Cybersecurity isn’t a concern reserved for big-name corporations or social networks. Clever criminals are always working to stay a step ahead of the game, whether they’re targeting personal or business information. Phishing is an email tactic used to trick the recipient into disclosing private information such as passwords and account numbers, and it isn’t always caught by email spam filters. Read on to learn how to avoid phishing scams.

Recognize Phishing
• The email. Phishing emails are designed to look genuine. They use real company names—banks, lenders, service providers, etc.—precisely copied branding, and “spoofed” email addresses that look legitimate but have slight variations (companyname1.com for example, or companyname.othersite.com).
• The call to action. Often featuring an urgent or threatening tone, phishing emails usually request “confirmation” or “verification” of your account or billing information. You may be told that your account is at risk of being suspended, or that suspicious activity has been detected. It’s a clever ploy to get you to act without thinking.

Protect Yourself
• Don’t click on “phishy” emails. Use bookmarks or type URLs directly into your browser’s address box.
• Don’t email confidential information. Whether business or personal, don’t send financial or account information via unsecured email.
• Don’t enter private information in pop-up windows. This is rarely a secure way to transmit your sensitive data.
• Install security software. A multi-purpose suite will include your firewall, spam filter, anti-virus, and anti-spyware tools.
• Keep ALL software up to date. Always download the latest patches for and versions of your software.
• Monitor your accounts regularly. Keep an eye on your account dashboards and review your monthly statements.

What if you come across a suspected phishing message?
Avoid opening the email, and whatever you do, don’t respond or click on any links within it. Report the email to your company’s security contact, followed by the FBI’s Fraud Complaint Center. If you think your information has been stolen, the Federal Trade Commission has advice on what to do next.

To protect your team and your business from phishing, always be smart, skeptical, and security-minded. Visit the Anti-Phishing Working Group for a list of current attacks and the latest phishing news.

Ink Colors Explained

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Ink colors can seem complicated—a set of cryptic codes that determine your final color result. The color consistency these codes support is important to reinforce your brand and coordinate matching collateral. Let’s take a look at how ink works in the “black box” that is a modern commercial printer.

CMYK / Full-Color Printing / 4-Color Printing
CMYK is easily the most popular color printing model, providing a wide range of color in a small machine footprint. In CMYK, four ink colors are combined to create a final color. Cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are each housed in their own cartridge. Using a process called halftoning or screening, tiny dot patterns of each component color are mixed on a printing plate and then transferred to paper. The tiny dot patterns, made from the four inks, determine the color we perceive at regular magnification.

Spot Color / Solid Ink
For short runs and promotional products, spot color can be the best tool. A combination of 14 base colors are mixed according to Pantone’s formula (Pantone Matching System, or PMS) to achieve the final color. Pure spot colors are crisper than CMYK’s dots, and some very bright colors aren’t possible in CMYK.

Choosing and Converting Colors
The Pantone Process Color Guide has Pantone Color Charts that provide the “recipes” for PMS ink colors. Keep in mind that different media and coating/finishing options affect the final appearance of printed color, so different recipes are needed for each in order to get the same side-by-side printed result. The Pantone Bridge Guide also provides recipes; it is a dual ink chart used to match PMS color with CMYK color. The Bridge Guide provides side-by-side comparison of PMS formulas and their CMYK equivalents.

Color is power: it commands attention, provides emotion, and reinforces your brand. With the right combination of ink colors and media, your final result will truly shine. Contact Infomax Office Systems to maximize the impact of color for your company.