Category: Blog

Blog posts from The Unite group.

Here at the Unite Group, we like to keep our clients and network up to date with the information that can help them in their business using our blog pages.

We cover topics such as IT support, Hosted telephony, Cyber security, Digital marketing, and much more. We think it is important to educate our audience using our blog, not only on these topics but to give a behind-the-scenes view on what is going on day to day at the Unite Group and the people who make up our team. Having knowledge of what we offer can help you to make a more informed choice on the services you need and which ones would work best for your business.

If there are topics you would like to see us create content around then drop us an email and we will get these added for you.

  • A chat with Morgan, one of our Helpdesk Engineers

    A chat with Morgan, one of our Helpdesk Engineers

    morgan MTT

    We introduce you to our latest team member, Morgan. Morgan joined our team last month with previous experience as a support desk engineer. He has fitted into the team perfectly and recently lead a team representing The Unite Group at the Grace House Golf Day.

    We recently had a chat with Morgan to find out a bit more about him and his role…

    Growing up, what did you want to be?  

    Growing up, I always wanted to be a footballer or a journalist reporting on sports. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out but I had a keen interest in IT which is how I landed my first role in the industry.

    What is your role at The Unite Group and how did you end up where you are now?  

    My role at The Unite Group is as a Helpdesk Engineer. In my role, I work with the helpdesk team to resolve any technical issues our customers may face. This is perfect to best utilise my skillset as I have worked in technical support for over 5 years. Following my studies of IT at both GCSE & A-Level. I recently was offered the opportunity to join The Unite Group and I am enjoying my time here so far!

    What does a typical day look like at The Unite Group? 

    A typical day in my role involves me working on multiple tickets from our clients with specific issues. Which I then investigate thoroughly in order to find the best possible solution to make sure the client is satisfied. This entails contacting our clients and working with them to ensure that their technology works to their specific needs.

    What is your most and least favorite part of the job? 

    My favorite part of the job has got to be working with the helpdesk team to find solutions to each client’s specific issue. It’s a great feeling to be able to go back to a client and let them know we’ve resolved their issues promptly. Limiting the effect it has on their role.

    My least favorite part of the job is when Social+ asks me to participate in a TikTok and I haven’t had a haircut!

    What is your greatest achievement?

    My greatest achievement has got to be being a TikTok celebrity on the Social + account. Myself, Jack H & Jack P have been taking part in a few lately and we’re sure it’ll not be long before we’re going viral!

    Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? 

    In 10 years’ time, I see myself hopefully living in the Maldives retired after winning the EuroMillions. If that fails, I hope to progress within the industry and continue to grow my technical knowledge. 

    How do you unwind outside of work? 

    Outside of work, I enjoy playing sports such as football and golf on the regular. I recently joined Paul on the Grace House Golf Day leading a team for The Unite Group. It was a great day and we raised lots for the charity! I look forward to hopefully attending more golf days for The Unite Group in the future.

    If you would like to learn more about how Morgan and The Unite Group can help you with your business technology needs, call us on, 0191 466 1050 or email us at info@theunitegroup.co.uk. Our team would be happy to discuss how our services could improve your company’s efficiency and take the headache of tech away from you.

    Has Morgan or another member of our helpdesk team resolved any of your issues recently? Why not leave us a Google review and let us know about the service you received!

    Click here to leave a review.

  • 10 reasons why you should outsource your IT Support

    10 reasons why you should outsource your IT Support

    10 reasons why you should outsource your it support

    In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, technology plays a critical role in driving efficiency, productivity, and growth. However, managing an efficient and reliable IT infrastructure can be a complex and resource-intensive task. This is where outsourcing IT support can offer a strategic advantage to companies of all sizes and industries. By partnering with a specialised IT support provider, like ourselves here at The Unite Group. Businesses can tap into a wealth of expertise, experience, and resources that can help them overcome various pain points and achieve their technology goals.

    In this blog, we cover 10 reasons why you should outsource your IT Support.

    1. Lack of in-house expertise

    If your company does not have the necessary skills or expertise in managing IT infrastructure and support, you should consider outsourcing these services to a specialised IT support provider. IT issues if not resolved quickly can be expensive for businesses. It could also damage your reputation it you are not able to deliver the high levels of service your customers would expect.

    2. Cost considerations:

    Maintaining an in-house IT support team can be expensive. Outsourcing IT support can be a cost-effective solution as it eliminates the need for hiring, training, and managing a dedicated IT department. Here at The Unite Group, we offer price-per-user IT Support. Meaning as long as the user is covered, we will support all their devices.

    3. Scalability and flexibility

    If your company experiences fluctuations in its IT support needs, you may find it challenging to scale your in-house team accordingly. Outsourcing provides the flexibility to easily adjust the level of support required based on the company’s evolving needs. We have a large helpdesk team meaning any issues will be dealt with often on the same day.

    4. 24/7 support requirement

    Does your businesses require round-the-clock IT support to ensure their systems are operational at all times? Outsourcing IT support provides access to 24/7 support services, which may be challenging to maintain with an in-house team.

    5. Focus on core competencies

    Outsourcing your IT support allows you to focus on your core competencies and strategic initiatives while leaving IT infrastructure management to external experts. Be assured your IT is in safe hands, leaving you time to focus on your business.

    6. Access to advanced technology

    As IT support providers, we have access to the latest technologies, tools, and industry best practices. By outsourcing, you can leverage these resources without having to invest in them separately.

    7. Geographical reach

    If your company operates in multiple locations across the UK, outsourcing your IT support can ensure consistent support across all locations, regardless of the region.

    8. Compliance and security concerns

    Alongside IT Support, we also offer managed backup services as well as Cyber Essentials certifications. Our IT engineers can work closely with our cyber security experts to ensure your IT infrastructure is compliant and protected.

    9. Employee turnover and training

    Recruiting and retaining skilled IT professionals can be challenging. By outsourcing IT support, companies can avoid the risks associated with employee turnover and the need for ongoing training and skill development. Our team here at The Unite Group is kept up-to-date with the latest training within the industry to ensure you can be confident in their capabilities.

    10. Disaster recovery and business continuity

    Managing your IT in-house can often mean services like backup management, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity strategies can be forgotten. This ensures that critical data and systems can be quickly restored in the event of an outage or disaster. Here at The Unite Group, we can fully manage your backups to ensure your data is safe, secure, and up to date if you choose to outsource your IT support.

    From cost savings and scalability to accessing advanced technologies and round-the-clock support, outsourcing IT support allows companies to focus on their core competencies while leaving the management and maintenance of their IT infrastructure in capable hands. Ultimately, outsourcing IT support enables organisations to streamline operations, enhance security, improve user experience, and stay ahead in today’s highly competitive digital landscape.

    Interested in our Managed IT services and want to outsource your IT Support? Click here to learn more or contact our team today on 0191 466 1050

  • Cloud Hosted Phone System vs Traditional Phone System

    Cloud Hosted Phone System vs Traditional Phone System

    cloud hosted phone system

    We understand that changing your phone system can seem like a daunting task. However, it’s important to ensure your business utilises the latest technology. In this blog, we compare the Cloud Hosted Phone System vs Traditional Phone System. Highlighting the benefits of making the change to a Cloud Hosted Phone System.

    Hardware

    Traditional phone systems require hardware. This includes a physical phone system on-site and handsets for all staff as a minimum. Hardware is expensive and will end up costing your company thousands! Not only that, but it will likely need to be replaced within 5 years as technology continues to advance. Meaning yet more to spend.

    In comparison, a Cloud Hosted Phone System requires no additional equipment. Your team can receive calls via their mobile, laptop, tablet or if you would still like a desk phone we will provide you with an IP desk phone free of charge! As well as this, you will not be required to have a phone system on-site, further eliminating costs. When choosing The Unite Group as your provider, we can confirm there will be no upfront costs for your business! Making this a cost-effective option for businesses small and large.

    Accessibility

    With more and more employees seeking hybrid and work-from-home roles, the biggest problem facing the modern business is how to ensure their teams can deliver the same level of service at home. A cloud-hosted phone system is a simple solution for this! Your team can pick up calls from anywhere with an internet connection. Meaning your customers will be unaware of your team’s working location. Ensuring you can deliver the highest level of service no matter where your employees are situated.

    This is a great advancement in comparison to the traditional phone system where your team would be required to be present in your place of work to answer the phone. Creating accessibility means you’ll never miss an opportunity again! As long as your team has internet access, the call won’t be missed.

    Business Continuity

    If we have learnt anything in the past 3 years, it’s that your business needs to ensure it could continue running if the world were to close down – quite literally! The Covid-19 pandemic stressed the importance of business continuity. Technology is leading the way in this. Not only does a cloud based phone system ensure your team can answer a call anywhere. It also ensures that if your team could not leave their home, your business calls would remain unaffected.

    Clients who had already adopted such technology prior to 2020, reaped the benefits of this technology. Don’t wait until disaster strikes, ensure you have the correct technology in place now. Meaning your team understands how to use it and should there be an instance where our normal way of life is disrupted, your business calls won’t be.

    Integration

    Another advantage of cloud-based platforms is easy integration with your cloud based systems/CRMs. With APIs now available for most online software it means you can have customer information immediately available on your screen when they call in.

    Another advantage is click to dial meaning you can click on a telephone number in your CRM or in Outlook and it will immediately call that number.

    Traditional phone systems do not connect with other technology in this way. Making cloud hosted phone systems the better option for a modern business.

    Microsoft Teams Dialling

    Cloud based phone systems provided by The Unite Group also integrate fully with Microsoft Teams. Meaning you can dial directly from the Teams interface. This allows you to utilise the key features of cloud telephony but use the Teams portal that you are familiar with. This makes remote working seamless meaning you always have everything available in one place irrespective of the physical location. In 2023, we are seeing increasing numbers of Teams calls replacing physical meetings. Therefore, this connectivity is vital for businesses wanting to lead the way with their technology use.

    To conclude, now we have compared a Cloud Hosted Phone System vs Traditional Phone System, we encourage you to consider the benefits to your business. Here at The Unite Group, we offer businesses big & small the option of moving seamlessly to a cloud hosted phone system. If you would like to learn more, visit our cloud hosted phone system page or arrange a chat with a member of our experience team today!

  • BBC, Boots, and BA: A Day of Cyber Breaches Shakes Public Confidence

    BBC, Boots, and BA: A Day of Cyber Breaches Shakes Public Confidence

    BBC, Boots, and BA: A Day of Cyber Breaches Shakes Public Confidence

    With 3 huge cyber breaches hitting the headlines yesterday for some of the country’s largest companies, we must treat this as a reminder to ensure your business is protected.

    Introduction

    In the digital age, cyber security breaches have become an unfortunate reality for organisations worldwide. Yesterday, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Boots, and British Airways (BA) experienced significant cyber breaches. Highlighting the vulnerability of even the most prominent institutions. This blog will delve into the details of these breaches, their implications, and the growing need for robust cyber security measures in today’s interconnected world.

    BBC’s Data Leak

    Yesterday, the BBC fell victim to a data leak. This resulted in the exposure of sensitive information belonging to millions of users. The breach compromised usernames, email addresses, and potentially even passwords. This incident raises concerns about the security of user data and underscores the importance of stringent security protocols.

    As one of the most trusted news sources globally, the BBC’s reputation has taken a hit. Users rely on the organisation for reliable information, and a breach of this magnitude shakes public confidence. This incident serves as a wake-up call for the BBC and other media organisations to reassess their cyber security practices and implement stronger protective measures.

    Boots Pharmaceutical’s Customer Data Breach

    In a separate incident on the same day, Boots, a leading pharmacy chain, experienced a significant cyber breach that compromised customer data. Personal information, including names, addresses, and even medical history, was potentially exposed. With over 2,500 stores across the United Kingdom, Boots serves millions of customers. This breach affects a vast number of individuals.

    The breach raises concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive medical information, leading to identity theft and other fraudulent activities. Customers who trust Boots with their private details now face an uncertain future. The incident highlights the need for enhanced cyber security measures within the healthcare sector, where the stakes are particularly high due to the sensitivity of the data involved.

    British Airways’ Cyber Attack

    Adding to the day’s unfortunate events, British Airways suffered a cyber attack resulting in unauthorised access to customer accounts. The breach exposed personal and financial information, potentially compromising credit card details of thousands of individuals. British Airways, a prominent airline, has faced previous cyber security incidents, and this breach further erodes public confidence in its ability to protect customer data.

    The airline industry operates within a highly regulated framework and is entrusted with vast amounts of passenger information. Breaches like this not only affect individuals but also have broader implications for the aviation sector as a whole. Rebuilding trust in the industry will require swift action, robust security measures, and transparent communication with affected customers.

    The Growing Need for Strong Cybersecurity Measures

    The cyber breaches experienced by the BBC, Boots, and British Airways illustrate the ongoing challenge organisations face in safeguarding sensitive data. As technology advances, cybercriminals find increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerabilities. It is essential for companies to adopt proactive cyber security strategies to protect user information effectively.

    Organisations must invest in state-of-the-art security infrastructure, regularly update software and systems, and conduct comprehensive audits to identify potential weaknesses. Training employees to recognise and respond to cyber threats is equally crucial. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, sharing threat intelligence, and implementing best practices can strengthen the collective defence against cyberattacks.

    So, how does this act as a reminder to protect your business?

    These attacks have highlighted how no business is too big, or small, to fall victim to an attack. Here at The Unite Group, we recommend Microsoft Premium to our customers as a first step to protecting their business. Microsoft Premium offers robust cyber protection to individuals and organisations, equipping them with advanced security features and tools. With Microsoft Premium, users benefit from enhanced email and file protection, including advanced threat detection and remediation capabilities.

    The service provides real-time monitoring and alerts for potential cyber threats, allowing users to proactively address security vulnerabilities. Additionally, Microsoft Premium offers multi-factor authentication, ensuring an extra layer of security for user accounts. The service also includes secure cloud storage and backup options, protecting valuable data from loss or unauthorised access. With its comprehensive suite of cybersecurity features, Microsoft Premium empowers users to safeguard their digital assets and maintain peace of mind in an increasingly interconnected world.

    Moreover, having a Cyber Essentials certification is another recommendation we suggest businesses put in place. Cyber Essentials is a recognised and widely adopted cyber security standard designed to help organisations mitigate common cyber risks and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding sensitive data. It provides a baseline framework of security controls that organisations can implement to protect against prevalent cyber threats. To learn more about Cyber Essentials, click here.

    Conclusion

    The cyber breaches at the BBC, Boots, and British Airways highlight the pervasive nature of cyber threats and the need for continuous vigilance in protecting sensitive data. These incidents have far-reaching consequences for both the affected organisations and the public’s trust in their ability to secure personal information. As technology evolves, organisations must adapt and invest in robust cyber security measures to mitigate risks and maintain public confidence. Only through collective efforts can we build a safer digital landscape for the future.

    If you would like to find out more about the cyber security measures we can put in place for your business, contact our team today!

    Let’s prevent the risk of your business falling victim to such an attack.

  • May 2023 – Newsletter

    May 2023 – Newsletter

    Our May Newsletter is here to give you an insight into everything that has been going on here at The Unite Group over the past month.

    In this newsletter: We cover Paul’s trip to Mallorca with Microsoft, Network+ announce their new networking events, we spotlight Social+ client Cooklaw Solicitors, share the exciting news about Grace House’s Golf Day, we offer a FREE webinar to our customers, and learn more about the full range of services we offer making us your complete technology solution.

    To read The Unite Group’s May Monthly Newsletter, click on the image below!

    To be added to our mailing list drop us an email, info@theunitegroup.co.uk or to speak to our friendly team call us on, 0191 466 1050

  • What is PPC Advertising?

    What is PPC Advertising?

    what is PPC advertising - an employee of the unite group working on a computer

    Introduction

    PPC, or pay-per-click advertising, is a great way to reach customers online. It’s simple, easy, and highly effective, too. In this article, we’ll explain how PPC works and why you should include it in your marketing strategy.

    PPC advertising is an internet-based form of marketing in which advertisers pay for each click received on their ad.

    PPC advertising is an internet-based form of marketing in which advertisers pay for each click received on their ad. This type of advertising allows you to pay only when someone clicks on your ad. This can be beneficial because it helps control the amount spent on each click-through. You can choose the keyword that triggers your ad. As well as how much money to spend per click (the maximum bid). It also allows for greater control over targeting specific audiences with PPC ads. These types of ads are designed to be highly relevant and targeted.

    PPC ads are designed to be highly relevant and targeted.

    PPC ads are designed to be highly relevant and targeted. This means that you can select a specific audience for your ads. Which makes them more likely to be clicked on.

    • Keywords – Your ad will appear when someone searches for keywords related to your business, product or service. For example, if you sell furniture online and have an ad campaign set up for “furniture,” then anyone who searches Google or Bing for that keyword will see your PPC ad displayed at the top of their search results page.
    • Demographics – You can also target people based on demographics. Such as age, gender, and location by using demographic targeting options on Facebook Ads Manager or Google AdWords Editor. For example, if we wanted only men aged between 25-35 living in London who have shown interest in buying furniture before then we could create an audience like this.

    With PPC ads, you choose your target audience and pay only when they click on your ad.

    You can target your ads to a specific location, time of day, and even type of device. For example, if you want to reach as many people in London on smartphones as possible during rush hour or during the workday (when most people are at work) then this is the best way for you to do that!

    You also have control over the amount that you spend on each click-through.

    You can set a daily budget, maximum cost per click (CPC), and/or maximum cost per conversion (CPA). This means that your ad will only show up if it’s within those parameters. For example, if your CPC is £10 per click and there aren’t enough ads to meet that threshold for any given day or week, then no ads will run at all.

    PPC advertising allows you to pay only when someone clicks on your ad, making it easier to measure ROI than other forms of online marketing, such as social media marketing or SEO.

    PPC advertising allows you to pay only when someone clicks on your ad. Making it easier to measure ROI than other forms of online marketing, such as social media marketing or SEO.

    When using PPC advertising, it’s important to keep track of all the information associated with each click: how much they are paying per click (also known as “cost per click”) and how many conversions they are getting from those clicks. You can also see how many people actually clicked on your ads. As well as, if any of them converted into customers by visiting the landing page that was advertised in their search results.

    The pay-per-click model offers powerful tools to connect with the right audience at the right price

    The pay-per-click (PPC) model offers powerful tools to connect with the right audience at the right price.

    • You can choose your own keywords. This is important because they help you determine who is going to see your ads and how much they will pay for it.
    • You can target a specific audience based on location, language, and other factors. This way, only people who are interested in what you have to offer will see your ad and click on it.
    • You can control the amount of money spent per click. As well as set a budget cap for each day or month. This means that there isn’t any wasted spending if things don’t go according to plan–or if there’s an unexpected spike in sales!

    Conclusion

    PPC advertising is a great way to reach your audience and get results. It’s easy to set up, and offers powerful targeting tools. This can be used in conjunction with other online marketing strategies like social media or SEO. If you have any questions about PPC advertising or would like help setting up your first campaign, please contact us today!

    Want to learn more?

    Visit our digital marketing page to learn more about PPC. Or join us on Wednesday 24TH May 2 pm -3 pm for our ‘Introduction to Pay per Click Advertising’ webinar, click here to sign up!

  • Take business calls, from anywhere!

    Take business calls, from anywhere!

    take business calls, from anywhere

    In today’s fast-paced business environment, it is becoming increasingly expected that business calls are not missed. As we see an increase in hybrid working, it is important for businesses to adapt to ensure employees can work from anywhere. Ensuring no calls are missed. Did you know a cloud-hosted phone system could be the solution to your problems? Allowing your team to take calls from anywhere, at any time?

    In this blog, we cover exactly what a cloud-hosted phone system is. As well as, how implementing one in your business, means you’ll never miss a call again!

    What is a hosted phone system?

    A cloud-hosted phone system is a communication solution that operates over the Internet instead of relying on traditional phone lines. It involves storing and managing all phone system components. This includes hardware and software, at a remote location provided by a third-party service provider. Like ourselves here at The Unite Group. Users connect to the system through their internet connection and access features such as call management, voicemail, and virtual extensions. As a flexible and scalable solution, hosted phone systems offer businesses the advantages of cost-effectiveness, mobility, and easy management without the need for extensive on-premises infrastructure.

    Never miss a call again!

    Hosted phone systems do not require a desk phone! Therefore, the software can be added to your staff’s existing devices for example their phone, laptops etc. Saving you on the cost of expensive hardware. Not only this but also, meaning your team can take business calls anytime, wherever they are! Whether in the office, working from home, or even abroad! Since cloud-hosted phone systems work over the Internet, calls can be taken from anywhere that has access to the Internet. Correspondingly, statistics show businesses that use a cloud-hosted phone system increase productivity by up to 20%. With the ability to allow agents to take calls anywhere around the world. Meaning you can be assured your team is equipt no matter where they are working to pick up those all-important phone calls.

    Hybrid Working

    Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a shift worldwide of more and more businesses accommodating hybrid working. Having a cloud-hosted phone system means your staff working from home can be on hand to take calls as if they were sat at their desk in the office. Meaning your customers will not be aware of your team’s working location. No matter where that may be.

    Moreover, this in turn ensures that your team has the ability to work efficiently. Ensuring a call is never missed! Unlike traditional phone systems, where a desk phone must be attached to a physical line. Your team can access calls on the go using their mobile phone.

    Adopting a cloud-hosted phone system is essential for any modern business that wants to ensure it can continue to provide high levels of customer service in the ever-changing current business climate.

    So, how can The Unite Group help?

    Our team here at The Unite Group has a large team of highly skilled engineers who can implement a cloud-hosted phone system into your business, stress-free. Our projects team will plan all steps of the migration to ensure a smooth shift over for your business. Whether big or small, a cloud-hosted phone system can accommodate your business.

    Want to learn more?

    If you’re interested in learning more about Cloud Hosted Phone Systems, click here to head over to the page on our website. Where we break down further the benefits of ditching the traditional telephone system.

    Or alternatively, pick up the phone and chat with our experienced team who would be happy to have a no-pressure conversation and answer any questions you may have. Call us today on 0191 466 1050.

    Ensure your business never missed a call again! Stay ahead of competitors and implement a cloud-hosted phone system in your business!

  • Does my business need a cloud-hosted phone system?

    Does my business need a cloud-hosted phone system?

    Does my business need a cloud-hosted phone system?

    Introduction

    Cloud-hosted phone systems have changed the way businesses communicate. They are more affordable, easier to manage and scalable than on-premises systems, but they also provide many other benefits. Here are five questions you will want to ask yourself before making the decision about whether your business should invest in a cloud-hosted phone system:

    You have to address a few key questions to determine whether your business needs a cloud-hosted phone system.

    • What are the specific needs of your business?
    • How much is this going to cost? Is it worth the investment?
    • How much time will it save? Can you afford not to have that extra time in your day and week? Or do you need it for other things like growing the business or taking care of employees who work remotely (or both)? If so, then maybe investing in a cloud-hosted phone system is worthwhile for you!

    A cloud-hosted phone system can reduce employee travel costs, especially if you have remote workers.

    With the rise of remote working and telecommuting, employers are looking for ways to make their employees more productive while reducing travel costs and carbon footprint. Cloud-hosted phone systems offer many benefits for this purpose:

    • Employees can be more productive by working from anywhere that has internet access.
    • Cloud-hosted phone systems allow companies to set up virtual offices. In other countries or towns without having physical offices there – so they don’t need to pay for office space or equipment upgrades (such as a new server).

    Cloud-hosted phone systems are more affordable and easier to manage than on-premises systems.

    There are several reasons why cloud-hosted phone services cost less than an on-premises system:

    • No hardware to buy. You don’t need to purchase servers, routers or switches for your business. The cloud service provider does all of this for you.
    • No software to install. Cloud providers provide all the software needed for your business’ phone system right out of the box. So there’s no need for expensive training either (which can add up quickly). With some applications like VoIP or unified communications (UC), there may be additional configuration steps required such as configuring a firewall or setting up SIP trunks in order for them work properly with their new environment – but these processes aren’t difficult at all with most vendors today! And once everything’s configured correctly,…

    Your business will be able to grow as fast as it wants without getting tied down by communications technology that doesn’t scale with your growth.

    When you’re running a business, it can be difficult to keep up with all of the technology needs. You have to constantly make sure that you’re keeping things updated and upgrading as needed. This can be especially difficult when it comes to communications technology. This is because your phone system will need to scale with your business.

    Cloud-hosted solutions are inherently flexible and scalable–you don’t need any additional hardware or software onsite at all! That means no more worrying about buying more hardware as growth happens! Or needing an expensive upgrade once every few years just because it’s time for a new system (and paying someone else thousands of pounds in labour costs). Cloud hosting also removes capacity concerns from the equation. There’s no need for overprovisioning beforehand since everything is handled by servers in real time instead of locally on each device in the office space itself.

    Cloud-based systems allow for easy integration with third-party software and services, such as CRM and email marketing tools.

    Cloud-based systems are also more flexible. You can add or remove users at any time. Plus you don’t have to worry about installing new hardware or software on your computers. Cloud-hosted telephony services are ideal for businesses that want to integrate their phone system with third-party software. Such as CRM (customer relationship management), email marketing tools, and other applications.

    Modern cloud-based systems let you do everything on mobile devices, including make and receive calls and access contacts directly from the device itself. This makes managing business communications even easier, especially if you’re always on the go or need to stay connected while traveling frequently or across multiple time zones.

    You can also manage your call logs from any device! So if someone calls into work after hours but doesn’t leave a message for you, simply check your call log!

    Cloud hosted systems give you flexibility, control and ease of use that improves communication within your organisation and helps keep productivity up while lowering costs!

    Businesses that are considering a cloud-hosted phone system should take the time to understand how this technology can improve their communications and increase productivity. To learn more about the pro’s of a cloud-hosted phone system, click here!

    If you want more information about the cloud-hosted phone systems we can provide here at The Unite Group, then contact our team today!

  • The pros of a cloud-based phone system

    The pros of a cloud-based phone system

    Cloud-based phone systems are a great option for the modern business. They’re less expensive than traditional landlines, web-based, and accessible from anywhere!

    Scalability

    • Scalability
      One of the biggest benefits of cloud-based phone systems is that they can scale with your business. As you grow, so does your phone system. You don’t have to worry about buying new hardware or software. It’s all done automatically in the background by a third-party provider. This means that there’s no additional work required on your part. It also means no more expensive upgrades when you need them!
    • Accessibility from anywhere
      Another great thing about cloud-based systems is that they allow users access from anywhere in the world. If someone wants to make an important call while traveling abroad, they don’t need any special equipment. Just use their mobile device and log into their account at home base as usual.

    Accessibility

    One of the biggest benefits of cloud-based phone systems is accessibility. With a traditional on-site system, you’re limited to being in one place at a time. If you’re not there to answer the phone yourself, it will go straight to voicemail and your customers or employees will have a hard time getting in touch.
    With a cloud-based system, however, you can access your calls from anywhere with internet access. That includes mobile phones as well as computers and tablets! This makes it much easier for everyone involved. Customers don’t have to worry about missing important messages because they’re out of reach; employees can take care of business even when they’re away from their desks (which means less wasted time).

    Cost Effectiveness

    One of the biggest advantages of cloud-based phone systems is cost-effectiveness. For example, if you’re using a traditional VoIP service and need to upgrade your system, it could cost thousands of pounds in equipment and installation fees. With a cloud-based system, there are no expensive maintenance contracts or hardware upgrades required-just pay as you go! This can save companies thousands over time while still providing them with all the features they need to run their business efficiently.

    Reliability

    Cloud-based phone systems are a great choice for businesses that need reliability. With a cloud-based system, you can be sure that your calls will always be connected and your employees will be able to hear the person on the other end clearly. There’s no need for extra hardware or software because all of those features are included in your monthly subscription fee.

    Security

    The cloud-based phone system is secure. It’s a fact that you can’t deny, and it’s something you need to know before making the switch to a cloud-based phone system.
    The first thing you need to understand is that your data will be encrypted in transit between the server and client devices. This means that even if someone were able to intercept your call or text message, they wouldn’t be able to read it because it would be encrypted with an algorithm known only by those who own the key (you).
    Secondly, there are firewalls protecting against outside attacks on your system from hackers or malware bots trying to gain access into your network through other means than just logging into an account online like most people do today when signing up for new services online such as Netflix or Disney+ where all their personal information including credit card numbers are stored within one database which makes them vulnerable targets for cybercriminals looking for ways into networks where sensitive information could potentially be accessed without permission from owners themselves.

    Flexibility

    The flexibility of cloud-based phone systems means you can change your configuration as needed. For example, if you want to add a new feature or customise the way that your system works, it’s easy to do so with a cloud-based system because everything is stored online and updated automatically. You don’t have to worry about upgrading hardware or installing software on each individual machine in order for these changes to take effect–just log into your account and make the necessary adjustments!

    Portability

    You can access your phone system from any device, which means you can make calls from anywhere and at any time. If you’re on the road and need to transfer a call between devices, all you have to do is click a button!

    Ease of Use

    The cloud-based phone system is easy to set up and use. With most cloud-based systems, you can set up your own account in less than five minutes. And once you have an account, it’s easy to add users and manage their permissions.
    The interface of these systems is also intuitive so that even if someone with no technical knowledge were using it, they would be able to figure out how everything works without any problems at all. You can find out in our last blog exactly how a cloud phone system works.

    As you can see, cloud-based phone systems offer a number of benefits to businesses of all sizes. Cloud-based phone systems are a great option for businesses who want to save money, increase flexibility and scalability and more.

    For more information on telephony solutions and how we could help you contact us today on 01914661050

  • Creating Strong Passwords – World Password Day – 4th May 2023

    Creating Strong Passwords – World Password Day – 4th May 2023

    Introduction

    Today we join the celebrations of World Password Day by reminding you of the dangers of not using strong passwords. As well as, sharing top tips to create strong passwords. The internet is a dangerous place. That’s why we all need to be more careful about how we handle our online security. Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cybercrime and they’re actually pretty easy to create! So come along as we dive into the world of strong passwords and see how you can protect yourself from hackers in just five easy steps.

    Be aware of the latest threats

    You should also be aware of the latest threats and how they affect you. The first step is to stay up to date on new developments in password security, which can be done by following actively checking the National Cyber Security Centre website. Or by speaking with your IT support provider, such as our team here at The Unite Group.

    The consequences of being unaware of the latest threats are dire: if your password is compromised because it was too easy to guess or crack, then all your accounts could be hacked as well! This could result in identity theft or even financial loss.

    Use different passwords for each service you use

    • Use a password manager to store all of your passwords.
    • Use different passwords for each service you use.
    • Don’t use the same password for two services, even if they’re related (for example, don’t use the same password for both Facebook and Instagram).
    • Don’t use your email address or name as a password (it’s too easy to guess).
    • Don’t use common words that could be found in any dictionary–especially when those words are part of something personal about yourself (like your birthday).

    Use a password manager to manage your passwords

    A password manager is a tool that stores your passwords, often in an encrypted format. The benefit of using one is that it can create strong passwords for you and then remember them for each website or service you sign up for. This way, all your passwords are unique and significantly harder to crack than if they were all the same.

    You should use a password manager on all your devices so that any device has access to the same data without having to enter it manually each time (which could lead to forgetting). Most password managers also allow users to store credit card details or other sensitive information securely in case someone gets hold of their device somehow – this makes recovering from this kind of breach much easier!

    Use a unique and long password for each account

    The most important thing you can do to protect your accounts is to use a unique, long password for every account. If you’re having trouble remembering all of your passwords and login information, try using a password manager as mentioned above.

    We recommend using a range of numbers, symbols and both uppercase and lowercase letters within your password to create a complex password. Shorter passwords also become easier to guess, so try to ensure your passwords are always over 8 characters long.

    Don’t use dictionary words or personal information in passwords

    • Avoid dictionary words, personal information, and other common passwords.
    • Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.
    • Don’t create passwords that are easy to guess (such as your birthday or pet’s name).

    Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cybercrime

    Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cybercrime. A strong password is hard to guess and easy to remember, which makes it much harder for someone else to steal your identity or break into your accounts.

    Let’s recap top tips to create a strong password that’s both secure and memorable:

    • Use a password manager
    • Use different passwords for each service you use, even if they’re all from the same company (e.g., Facebook, Gmail)
    • Make sure your passwords are at least 8 characters long
    • Change your passwords regularly (e.g. every month)

    Conclusion

    As you can see, there are many ways to create strong passwords. The most important thing is to use different passwords for each service you use and make sure they are unique and long. You should also use a password manager to help manage all of your passwords so that they are safe even if you get hacked by cyber criminals!

    If you would like to learn more about measures you can put in place to best protect your business from falling risk to cybercrime, visit our cyber security blog archive or speak to our experienced team today!