Category: IT Support Blogs

Welcome to our IT Support Blogs page. 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.

Here you will find blogs regarding IT infrastructure, how The Unite Group can support your business, and handy hints and tips to keep your IT safe and secure.

We have a team of experienced engineers ready on hand to provide you with the highest standard of service and solve any queries that you may have. Our engineers undergo continuous professional development to ensure they are always up to date with the latest technology.

  • Preventative Maintenance: How Managed IT Services Can Reduce Downtime

    Preventative Maintenance: How Managed IT Services Can Reduce Downtime

    Preventative Maintenance: How Managed IT Services Can Reduce Downtime

    Maintaining seamless IT operations is paramount for any successful business. A single glitch or downtime can lead to significant financial losses and a dent in customer trust. This is where managed IT services come into play. With our proactive approach and comprehensive strategies, these services effectively reduce IT downtime and keep your business running smoothly.

    In this blog, we will explore how managed IT services, with their focus on preventative maintenance, can significantly minimise downtime and its associated woes.

    Reduce IT Downtime: The Importance of Proactive Measures

    When IT systems fail, the consequences can be far-reaching and detrimental. From halted productivity to missed opportunities, the repercussions of IT downtime can be severe. To address this challenge, businesses are turning to managed IT services to not only react to problems but to prevent them from arising in the first place.

    Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance

    Managed IT services employ proactive monitoring tools that continuously track the health of your IT infrastructure. By keeping a vigilant eye on your systems, potential issues are identified and addressed before they escalate into major problems. This approach, therefore, ensures that IT downtime is minimised, as potential pitfalls are nipped in the bud.

    Regular Updates and Patch Management

    Outdated software and applications are breeding grounds for vulnerabilities that can lead to downtime. Managed IT services tackle this issue by implementing regular updates and patch management. By staying current, your systems are fortified against security breaches and technical glitches that can cause extended periods of downtime.

    Strategic Data Backups

    Data loss is a nightmare scenario for any business. Managed IT services tackle this concern by implementing strategic data backup plans. These services ensure that your critical data is regularly backed up and can be restored swiftly in the event of an unexpected failure. With redundant copies of your data, downtime caused by data loss is effectively reduced.

    24/7 Helpdesk Support

    When technical issues arise, quick and efficient support is crucial. Managed IT services provide round-the-clock helpdesk support, ensuring that your employees have access to assistance whenever they need it. Whether it’s a minor glitch or a major system failure, immediate support can significantly reduce the downtime associated with IT problems.

    Minimising Human Error

    Human error is a leading cause of IT downtime. Managed IT services work to mitigate this risk through training and education. By ensuring that your employees are well-versed in best practices and cyber security protocols, the likelihood of errors that lead to downtime is substantially reduced.

    Predictive Analytics for Early Detection

    Managed IT services utilise predictive analytics to identify potential issues before they manifest. By analysing historical data and patterns, these services can predict when certain systems or components are likely to fail. This early detection allows for proactive intervention, reducing the downtime caused by unexpected failures.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the role of managed IT services in reducing IT downtime cannot be overstated. Their proactive approach through continuous monitoring, regular updates, strategic backups, and quick support ensures that your business experiences minimal disruptions. By addressing potential problems before they escalate, these services keep your IT infrastructure robust and reliable. So, if you’re looking to safeguard your business from the damaging effects of IT downtime, embracing managed IT services is a strategic choice that can keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently.

    Incorporating managed IT services into your business strategy goes beyond mere troubleshooting; it’s about paving the way for uninterrupted productivity, enhanced security, and improved customer satisfaction. With the right preventative measures in place, the specter of IT downtime becomes a thing of the past, and your business can focus on what truly matters: growth and success.

    Here at The Unite Group we can provide Managed IT Support from as little as £25 a month per user, this includes all of the preventative measures detailed above, to learn more, click here or alternatively contact us today on 0191 466 1050.

  • Why Outsourcing IT Support Makes Sense For Growing Companies

    Why Outsourcing IT Support Makes Sense For Growing Companies

    Outsourcing IT Support banner- includes a man sitting at a computer working
    The Unite Group – Outsourcing IT Services

    In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven business world, companies, particularly those in the growth phase, face the challenge of managing their IT infrastructure efficiently. As operations expand and technological requirements become more and more complex, the need for robust IT support becomes crucial. While some companies choose to build an in-house IT team, others opt to outsource their IT support to specialised providers.

    In this blog, we will explore the reasons why outsourcing IT support makes sense for growing companies.

    Cost efficiency

    One of the primary reasons why outsourcing IT support is an attractive option for growing companies is its cost-effectiveness. Building and maintaining an in-house IT team requires significant investments in recruitment, training, salaries, benefits, and infrastructure. On the other hand, outsourcing allows businesses to access skilled IT professionals for a fraction of the cost. With outsourcing, companies can avoid the burden of overhead expenses. Having access to these extra funds allows the business to allocate resources more efficiently to fuel their growth.

    Access to Expertise

    IT support providers specialise in offering a range of services to various clients across different industries. When companies outsource their IT support, they gain access to a pool of highly skilled and certified IT professionals with diverse expertise. This expertise extends from routine IT maintenance and troubleshooting to complex tasks such as cybersecurity, cloud management, and data analytics. Outsourcing IT support ensures businesses can constantly evolve alongside emerging technologies without the need for constant training and development in-house.

    Focus on Core Competencies

    For a growing company, focusing on its core competencies is essential for success. By outsourcing IT support, businesses can divert their attention and resources elsewhere. This abundance of time and resources redirected towards product development, marketing, and customer service has the potential to increase sales significantly. Outsourcing enables businesses to streamline operations and increase overall productivity, thereby accelerating their growth trajectory.

    Scalability and Flexibility

    As a business expands, its IT support needs can rapidly change. Scaling an in-house IT team to meet evolving requirements can be a time-consuming and costly process. In contrast, outsourcing IT support offers flexibility and scalability. Professional IT support providers can quickly adapt to changing demands and efficiently handle fluctuations in workload, ensuring that the company’s infrastructure remains reliable and responsive at all times. Whether it’s handling temporary IT projects, onboarding new employees, or adapting to seasonal fluctuations, an outsourced IT support provider can quickly adjust the level of support to match the company’s demands.

    Proactive Maintenance and Enhanced Security

    IT support providers operate on proactive maintenance models, constantly monitoring systems and networks to identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate. This approach ensures maximum uptime and minimizes downtime, contributing to increased operational efficiency. Moreover, cybersecurity is a top priority for growing companies, as they are susceptible to cyber threats due to the valuable data they possess. Outsourcing IT support allows businesses to benefit from robust security measures and access the latest cybersecurity technologies to safeguard their sensitive information.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, outsourcing IT support is a logical choice for growing companies. It presents a cost-effective, scalable, and flexible solution that grants access to expert IT professionals while allowing businesses to concentrate on their core competencies. With proactive maintenance and enhanced security, outsourcing IT support ensures that companies can maintain a robust and reliable IT infrastructure, essential for their continued growth and success in today’s competitive market. As technology continues to evolve, outsourcing IT support will undoubtedly remain a strategic advantage for businesses striving to achieve their full potential.

    To learn more about our Managed IT Services click here or Contact Our Team today!

  • 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

  • Make the most of Microsoft Excel with these top 8 tips  

    Make the most of Microsoft Excel with these top 8 tips  

    Microsoft Excel, part of the Microsoft 365 suite of productivity and business tools, is the world’s most popular spreadsheet application. It’s used by businesses for finance, accounting, resource planning and more.

    Learning the ins and outs of Excel is one of the most effective ways to take your business to the next level, as Microsoft’s flagship spreadsheet program has been a cornerstone of the modern business world for its whole existence.

    With spreadsheeting being so important in the modern business world, we believe that knowing how to use Excel’s many features and shortcuts will save you time and truly unlock your company’s spreadsheeting potential. 

    That’s why in this article, we’re going to go over some of the top tips you should be utilising when using Microsoft Excel.

    Hide Rows and Columns

    When using Excel and going through your data, sometimes you’ll find that there are certain rows and columns that are just getting in the way. 

    Or even sometimes, there will be data that’s irrelevant currently that you want to hide for just the time being. 

    In any case, Microsoft Excel allows you to easily hide rows and columns with a few clicks.

    1. Select all of the rows or columns that you want to hide. (You can use Ctrl to select columns that aren’t adjacent.)
    2. Right-click, and click ‘Hide’

    The selected rows or columns will now be hidden, and won’t show up when you’re using the spreadsheet. 

    You can see which parts of your spreadsheet have hidden rows or columns easily too, as there will be two lines in the row or column bar to show hidden cells.

    To easily unhide rows or columns, you can double-click the two aforementioned lines. Or, you can select the two adjacent rows or columns and right-click, and select ‘Unhide’.

    Hiding rows and columns is particularly useful for long spreadsheets such as day sheets or call logs – as you avoid having to scroll down to the end of the sheet. 

    Select Using Ctrl + Shift

    Excel has many elegant tools you can use to make tasks quick and easy, and selecting cells is no different. Microsoft allows you to quickly select multiple cells using both Shift and Ctrl, which can easily speed up your workflow when working in the program.

    Clicking on two cells while pressing Ctrl will select those cells simultaneously, as will any other cell you click while pressing Ctrl. 

    Shift, on the other hand, allows you to create a box selection of cells. Simply click whatever cell you want to be on the top left corner, and then Shift-click whichever cell is desired for the bottom right corner. Excel will automatically select a rectangular box based on the selected cells.

    However, you can use both Ctrl + Shift to select whole rows and columns. By selecting a cell and holding down Ctrl + Shift, you can use your arrow keys to select all the data above (by pressing Up), below (by pressing Down) or left and right (with the respective arrow keys).

    Use Quick Analysis

    Quick Analysis is another tool you can use to save time and quickly do what would usually be a time-consuming task. This tool lets you easily format your data, or even make a chart out of a set of data, with just a few button clicks.

    1. Select the cells you want to use.
    2. Press Ctrl + Q on your keyboard or the small Quick Analysis tool on the bottom right of your selection.
    3. Choose whatever you want to format your data with, or a chart if you want to use a chart.

    This tool saves a lot of time and has many functions that can generally improve your Excel experience and workflow.

    Automate with IF Functions

    Using IF functions to easily automate your spreadsheet is one of the most useful tools in Microsoft Excel. 

    In any cell, firstly type ‘=IF’.  The = symbol indicates to Excel that you’re entering a function, of which there are many you can learn and use. Then, you want to create your new function.

    For example, this function is looking to see if C2 is Greater than B2, and will display ‘Over Budget’ if it is. Otherwise, it will display ‘Within Budget’. IF functions work with the templating =IF(Condition, Is, Otherwise), with Is and Otherwise being your two outcomes. You can use this template to simply make your own simple IF functions with ease.

    Tag Colleagues in Comments

    Collaboration is key to any modern workplace, and Microsoft knows this. This is why Excel — and the other Microsoft 365 programs — have great collaboration features.

    One simple feature you should be utilising in collaboration is being able to tag colleagues in comments. This can be super useful and helps improve communication.

    To do so, simply right-click wherever you want to comment and select ‘New Comment’. Then, @Mention whoever you want to tag in the comment. This will automatically send them an email notifying them that you’ve tagged them. 

    Add More Than One Column

    Creating multiple columns in Excel is simple, and a great way to add more columns to a finished table or easily expand your spreadsheet.

    1. Click on the column to the right of where you want to make new columns.
    2. Press and hold Ctrl, and click on ‘Insert Columns’ in the pop-up menu.
    3. Enter the specified number of columns, then click Done.

    Make Use of Data Validation

    Data validation restricts user entry, ensuring that only correct data is being entered into the spreadsheet. For example, you can restrict entry on certain cells to only allow numerical values between 50 and 100. Or, you can only allow text that contains a certain word.

    To do so, select the cells you want to validate, then head over to the ‘Data’ Tab. Then, click ‘Data Validation’. This will bring up a data validation menu which you can use to create new rules for those specific cells.

    (Source: https://www.ablebits.com/office-addins-blog/data-validation-excel/)

    Bonus Shortcut Keys

    Excel has lots of shortcut keys that you can use to easily enter data or complete actions that would usually require you to type or click a few buttons. Some of the best ones are:

    • Start editing the current cell: F2 (This is a crucial one, as it speeds up your workflow significantly).
    • Insert the current time: Ctrl+Shift+:
    • Change a Date’s format: Ctrl+Shift+# 
    • View all formulas in a sheet: Ctrl + `
    • Hide the current column: Ctrl + 0
    • Hide the current row: Ctrl + 9
    • Strike through the text in a cell: Ctrl + 5
    • Switch between currently open workbooks in different windows: Ctrl + F6
    • Flick through the sheets in the whole workbook: Ctrl + PageUp/PageDown

    Get started with Excel and 365 Today

    These tips will help you become an Excel master and truly enhance your workflow, and show how powerful and useful Excel actually is in the modern world. With so many features, it’s no wonder that so many companies still utilise Excel daily.

    Getting started with Microsoft 365 is a great way to take your business to the next level. Including Excel, 365 has all of the programs any modern office needs to keep up with the current business world, and has many tools that will make your workplace truly shine. 

    Get in touch today and see how we can help you get started!

  • Mobile Device Management Challenges and How to Solve Them

    Mobile Device Management Challenges and How to Solve Them

    Whether it’s simply to take calls on the go or to send and receive important information, mobile devices are part of every business. Mobile Device Management can help.

    However, they can bring significant challenges for businesses. These challenges are common, but some of these issues cause bigger problems if left unchecked.

    In this article, we’re going to explore these issues — and explain how your organisation can solve these challenges with ease.

    Security & Compliance

    By nature, mobile devices can be a risk for any company. This is because of the way mobile devices can take information outside of the workplace’s system and infrastructure. With this, in mind, this can potentially lead to a breach of important information.

    This is why it’s crucial to develop thorough security measures to ensure that mobile devices are safe:

    • Restricted access: Restrict important information behind biometrics or other forms of authentication.
    • Mobile Device Management (MDM): Implement Mobile Device management (MDM) software to ensure that all devices have the same security features.
    • Compliance: Ensure that each employee is compliant with the rules and requirements set for mobile device use.

    Bring Your Own Device

    Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs allow employees to use their own devices at work. While this has productivity benefits, it also comes with a host of challenges of its own:

    • Security Risks: Both with the device and the user, BYOD creates many risk factors. Bad password management, operating system vulnerabilities, and unauthorised applications are just some of the issues that can arise from this.
    • Compliance Issues: Even if the device is secure, BYOD has compliance issues. Due to the personal nature of the device, it’s not unusual for BYOD employees to break security compliance. This is due to having control over their own devices.
    • Vulnerability to attacks and malware: Unlike a managed device issued by your organisation, an external BYOD device can be vulnerable to external threats such as malware and other attacks, due to lower security.
    • Lack of device management/control: It’s unreasonable and unrealistic to expect BYOD employees to give you full control of their personal devices, which means that you’ll never get the same level of security as on work-issued devices.

    However, implementing hard restrictions on your employees’ personal devices with MDM software isn’t a good thing either. Instead, utilising a Mobile device management solution that can distinguish different rules between work-issued devices and BYOD devices is a great way to ensure that this isn’t an issue.

    For example, Microsoft Intune allows you to implement on-premises functionalities of your security network to your BYOD program, meaning that you can implement security features throughout your company’s BYOD setup without having to worry about over-restricting your employees’ use of their devices.

    Patch Management

    The software can — and often will — have vulnerabilities that need to be patched by the developers. This is a vulnerability that isn’t exactly in your control, but it’s vital that you ensure to install patches and fixes as soon as they become available for your organisation.

    It can be easy to delay or forget to install patches throughout your organisation, but this is crucial to patch up any vulnerabilities and exploits within the software that you’re using. 

    Using MDM software to manage and deploy patches throughout your organisation means that you can easily stop powerful vulnerabilities from being exploited. If you don’t make sure to keep on top of this, you’re putting your organisation at risk.

    Lost & Stolen Devices

    Mobile devices are incredibly vulnerable to being misplaced or stolen, which has a few consequences for your organisation:

    • Security: If a device is stolen while not being properly secured, it can cause a security vulnerability and become a breach point for your data.
    • Cost: Replacing stolen and lost devices can get quite expensive, especially if it’s a regular occurrence.
    • Management: Having to remotely remove a device from your organisation without having access to it can be a pain when using some Mobile device management solutions.

    Network Access Control

    Internal data breaches are becoming more and more common with the implementation of mobile devices into the business infrastructure. Network access control will mitigate this, and minimise the risk of an internal breach.

    The most commonly used control technique is the principle of least privilege (PoLP). This is ensuring that people only have access to the data that they need to be able to work, restricting unrequired access throughout your organisation. With this, you can ensure that data is only available to those who need it. 

    Privileged access management (PAM) will also help ensure that you can outline the restrictions and authorisations for each unique device on your network. This means that you can ensure that only the devices that are authorised to access said data can access it, instantaneously blocking other connections.

    How We Can Help

    Mobile devices can create some of the worst vulnerabilities and challenges for modern businesses. Ensuring you are prepared and equipped to deal with these challenges will save significant amounts of time and stress on your business’s resources and IT.

    By implementing the aforementioned security and management solutions that are necessary for your network, and ensuring that the importance of compliance is emphasised throughout your team, the struggles and challenges of utilising mobile devices throughout your organisation will be greatly reduced.

    Are you looking to help improve your organisation’s security posture? Get in touch with us today, and see how we can help!

  • Should you be using Gmail for business?

    Should you be using Gmail for business?

    If you’re using a Gmail email for business marketing, you could be in trouble.

    If you’re using a Gmail email for business marketing, you could be in trouble. The reason? It’s easy to get confused between personal and professional emails when they all come from the same address. This can lead to some embarrassing situations and even legal problems if someone thinks that they are communicating with an individual when they really aren’t.

    Having a personal email and a business email can be confusing, especially if they have the same name. It’s even more confusing when your website has the same name as your personal account and vice versa–and then there are all those other accounts you may have in addition to these two!

    It might seem like an easy fix: just use different emails for each of your accounts. But then what happens when one person wants to contact another person? Or when someone wants information from one company but needs help from another? If all the emails are different, how will anyone be able to find what they’re looking for?

    Is Gmail the best choice for business email?

    If you’re using a Gmail email for business, it’s time to make a change. In fact, if you have any kind of marketing campaign going on that involves an email address that ends with @gmail.com or @yahoo.com (or even @hotmail or @aol), this article is for you.

    Why? Because if someone wants to contact your company and can’t find the right one on Google due to your choice of email provider–or worse yet, has trouble receiving emails from customers because their ISP blocks them as spam–you could lose business by default.

    ‌

    YOUR BUSINESS EMAIL ADDRESS MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

    Make the right first impression about you and your business

    Gmail is a great tool for personal use, but it’s not the best choice for business email. If you’re looking for something more professional, then chat with our friendly team today and we can talk through the options of setting you up with a professional email address.

    Whether you’re looking for work, expanding your network, or managing your own small business, a professional email address is a must.

    Let’s cut to the chase: you need to have you @yourdomain .com

    If you are looking to create a professional look for your business then get in touch to see how we can help.

  • Why is it important for businesses to have IT support?

    Why is it important for businesses to have IT support?

    In today’s fast-paced digital world, technology is critical to the success of any business. The right IT infrastructure can increase productivity, streamline processes, and help businesses stay ahead of the competition. However, with so many different technologies and systems to manage, it can be challenging to keep everything running smoothly. This is where IT support comes in. Here at The Unite Group, we are proud to provide complete Managed IT services. So, you can relax knowing your covered by a team of highly-skilled professionals.

    IT support is an essential service for businesses of all sizes. It provides technical assistance and advice to help companies manage their IT systems and infrastructure. As businesses continue to rely more and more on IT infrastructure for the day-to-day running of their business, it is essential to ensure you have the correct support in place. If something were to go wrong.

    In this blog, we cover why IT support is so important for businesses:

    Maximizing Uptime:

    Downtime is a business’s worst nightmare, as it can lead to lost revenue, decreased productivity, and even reputational damage. IT support can help to prevent downtime by providing proactive maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of IT systems. This ensures that issues are identified and resolved quickly, minimizing the impact on the business. Our clever monitoring systems, means we often can fix a fault before you even know it’s a problem. Hugely reducing the risk of downtime due to an IT fault.

    Increased Security:

    Cyber threats are a constant risk for businesses, and the consequences of a data breach can be severe. IT support can help businesses to implement the latest security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and data encryption. This can help to protect against cyber threats and ensure that sensitive data is kept safe. We offer various cyber security options to further protect our customers. One being support to achieve a Cyber Essentials certification. This scheme is said to protect businesses from 80% of the most basic cyber threats. Click here to learn more about the Cyber Essentials scheme.

    Improved Efficiency:

    IT support can help businesses to identify and implement the best technology solutions for their needs. This can help to improve efficiency by streamlining processes, automating tasks, and reducing manual labour. By optimising technology, businesses can work more efficiently, save time, and reduce costs. Our team of highly qualified engineers will be able to offer recommendations for software to reduce the amount of time your staff spend doing mundane, routine tasks. Instead, being able to offer solutions to speed up processes.

    Access to Expertise:

    IT support provides businesses with access to a team of experts with a wide range of technical knowledge and experience. This means that businesses can get the help they need to solve complex IT problems, without the need to hire an in-house IT team. IT support can also help businesses stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends, ensuring that they remain competitive in their industry. Here at The Unite Group, we provide a price per user, not per device. Therefore you can be assured our team of experts will assist no matter what the issue your team faces.

    In conclusion, IT support is an essential service for businesses that rely on technology to operate. It can help businesses to maximize uptime, increase security, improve efficiency, and access technical expertise. With the right IT support, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and succeed in the fast-paced digital world. To learn more about how your businesses could benefit from Managed IT support from The Unite Group, contact our friendly team today. Or alternatively visit our IT support page to learn more!

  • We celebrate Safer Internet Day!

    We celebrate Safer Internet Day!

    safer internet day

    Today marks Safer Internet Day. This day promotes the responsibility of both adults and young people in creating a safer space online.

    Each year, people from all over the world come together to spread awareness and celebrate Safer Internet Day.

    In today’s day and age, people of all ages move towards a more digital way of life. From mobile phones to work laptops and gaming devices, electronic devices are intertwined with our daily lives.

    Now more than ever, safe internet use and cybersecurity have never had such importance. So much of our personal and professional data can be accessed through the internet. This means internet safety and cyber security should be at the forefront of our minds.

    Although technology keeps us entertained and makes our lives easier, it also has its complications.

    Whilst individuals must follow best practices to protect themselves, businesses must do this to protect sensitive data. Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to reflect on how we can all promote the responsible use of technologies.

    Does your business operate on safe practices?

    Horizon WIFI

    Is your public WIFI secure?

    As the provider of public WIFI, do you have the correct measures in place? If not, this could leave you accountable for any illegal or inappropriate activity on your account.

    Horizon public WIFI is traceable. This means you can provide a public wireless solution to your customers with peace of mind you are fully protected. If someone looks at inappropriate material, you can provide this information to the authorities. Furthermore, using content filtering you can prevent these people from ever getting access.

    Here at The Unite Group we offer safe public Wi-Fi solutions. Our Horizon public WIFI product is secure, intelligent, and perfect for direct marketing.

    Visit our website to learn more about Horizon WIFI or contact us on 0191 466 1050.

    Phishing Emails

    It’s always important for both individuals and employees to be on the lookout for phishing emails. Phishing emails are categorised as a cybercrime that contacts its target via email. The sender uses this form of attack to gain and exploit personal or sensitive business information.

    There are 3 types of phishing emails to look out for:

    Spear phishing – an attempt directed at a particular individual or company.

    Clone phishing – hackers use a legitimate, previously delivered, part of online correspondence to create almost identical emails.

    Whaling – an attempt directed specifically at a senior executive or high-profile target within the business.

    For businesses, it’s important to make sure employees are aware of phishing emails and how to spot them. As an individual, never click any links or give any personal information to a sender you are unsure of.

    Weak Passwords

    We understand that when it comes to creating a password, you want to make it something memorable. But if it’s easy for you to remember, it’s also easy for a hacker to guess.

    A lot of people make their passwords something personal, for example, the name of a beloved family pet. However, we need to keep in mind that this information is easy to find. A lot of our personal information is easily accessible online via social media.

    Strong passwords are essential in keeping private or sensitive data safe.

    In the spirit of Safer Internet Day, why not double-check that your passwords comply with best practices?

    We suggest you create strong passwords by following the below steps:

    • Use a combination of upper-and lower case letters.
    • Include numbers.
    • Include special characters (symbols).
    • Never include any personal information.
    • Never use the same password for different applications.
    • Ensure your passwords are at least 12 characters long.

    Cyber Essentials

    More now then ever cybersecurity is a vital part of any business. With cyber attacks happening more and more frequently it is essential to ensure you have the correct measures in place to protect your data.

    We believe businesses should go the extra mile when it comes to cyber security. One way of doing this is to obtain the Cyber Essentials certification.

    A foundation-level certificate protects your business from 80% of the most basic cyber security breaches.

    You don’t need to be an experienced information security professional or have any technical knowledge to become Cyber Essentials certified; we can help! Our in-house qualified Cyber Essentials assessors are here to assist you throughout the entire process. Giving you peace of mind that you have protection against the most basic cyber threats.

    Chat to our friendly team today to see what measures we suggest you put in place to protect your business.

    Happy Safer Internet Day!

  • 5 reasons to outsource your IT support

    5 reasons to outsource your IT support

    outsourcing your IT support

    Could your business continue to run if you were to have an IT issue? For many, the answer is no! Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you have the correct measures in place to be sure that your businesses can continue to operate smoothly. In this blog, we cover 5 main reasons we recommend outsourcing your IT support to the experts – just like our team here at The Unite Group.

    Reduce Costs

    In 2023, more than ever it’s vital for businesses to cut costs wherever possible. Having an in-house IT support team can be costly with the average wage between £30-£40k per annum as well as all the added stress that comes with employment. By using an external provider, such as ourselves, you can enjoy affordable IT support. Here at The Unite Group, our prices start at just £25 per user covering all devices they may use.

    Moreover, with no hidden fees, you can easily manage your IT expenditure. Our Managed IT Support is covered through a monthly set cost. We are transparent about our prices right from the first conversation. Meaning you won’t have any surprises or hidden fees to pay at the end of the month!

    Improve Efficiency

    Here at The Unite Group, we have a team of experienced engineers on hand to provide you with the highest standard of service and solve any queries that you may have. Our team are all highly qualified and participate in continuous professional development to ensure they are always up to date with the latest technology.

    Therefore, you can be sure when you raise a ticket with us, your issues will be dealt with in a timely manner. Reducing the effect of any issues you may face on your business.

    Prevention Services

    Professional IT service providers have measures in place to actively monitor your IT systems to prevent issues before they even occur! Here at The Unite Group, we proactively manage and monitor your systems to prevent issues. Meaning we often deal with issues without you even knowing about them.

    Furthermore, we also conduct regular software updates and we proactively patch your hardware to improve or update it. Ensuring all devices run on the latest versions is essential to avoid issues wherever possible. We understand that your day is often too busy to remember to check for software updates. That’s why our team of qualified engineers can complete and plan out-of-hours maintenance to keep your devices up-to-date and protected.

    High-Class Service

    If you have an issue you want to speak to a friendly individual rather than a bot right? Statistics suggest 90% of people prefer to speak to a live person rather than a bot simply answering frequently asked questions. Here at The Unite Group, our friendly team are on hand to answer an queries you may have. Simply enter a support ticket and a member of our team will be in touch to resolve or advise any issues you may be facing. Excellent customer service is at the heart of everything that we do. For this reason, our engineers are both responsive and reliable. Meaning you can relax knowing your IT support is in the hands of professionals.

    Planning for the future

    As your business grows, so must your IT infrastructure. Once you are a customer of ours here at The Unite Group, we strive to ensure that your IT services are planned to your business goals. Therefore,  taking into consideration your timescales and cost planning. We ensure that your roadmap us is prepared and aligned with your business needs.

    In regular meetings with our account managers and yourselves, we can discuss technology recommendations that can help grow and benefit your business and adapt your services accordingly. As well as discussing cyber security to help safeguard and protect your business. Again aiming to prevent any issues wherever possible.

    Are you looking for a reliable IT provider to outsource your IT support to? Contact our friendly team today to learn more about our services and how we could support your team.

  • Are your Microsoft 365 mailboxes backed up?

    Are your Microsoft 365 mailboxes backed up?

    are your mailboxes backed up

    In today’s business world, email is the backbone of communication. Complete365 reports that Microsoft Office 365 Email is the most popular 365 product among medium-sized companies. Ontech claims emails contain 60% of business-critical data. 

    No doubt, emails are incredibly important, so having a robust system for storing your email data in case of catastrophe is a good idea. In fact, emails may contain sensitive information that shouldn’t be lost or destroyed under GDPR. 

     Most modern companies make regular backups of their most important data. Backing up data can make the difference between a salvageable error and a catastrophic one.

    In this article, we’re going to discuss how to make sure that your Microsoft 365 mailboxes are backed up and protected for your benefit.

    What is a backup?

    Backups are copies of data stored in an alternate location that is accessible in the case of corruption, destruction or inaccessibility of the primary data. 

    The most traditional backup is the 3-2-1 backup, which ensures there are three versions of data – one is the primary and two backups. One backup should be stored offsite, and each should be stored on different media. This ensures that the original data is always accessible, even in the event of a catastrophe. 

    With the advent of cloud-based systems, UniTrends notes that the 3-2-1 system has become a 3-2-2 system, with a cloud-based copy serving as another ‘offsite’ backup.

    In today’s modern workplace, the cloud plays an integral role in storing and protecting files and preventing data loss in the event of hardware failure. 

    Are Microsoft 365 mailboxes automatically backed up?

    The Microsoft 365 platform does preserve your email to a certain extent, but it does not back it up. Microsoft 365 provides support for protection against major events affecting their data centres; physical and network security for data centres; privacy controls to protect users; and replication, redundancy, and storage of data. 

    Email data, however, is the responsibility of the enterprise if it is accidentally or maliciously deleted. That’s exactly why you should consider a mailbox backup solution.

    Why does Microsoft not automatically back them up?

    It is important to note that, when it comes to Microsoft 365, they operate on a model of Shared Responsibility. 

    This means Microsoft are not responsible for your data. Instead for the operation and infrastructure of Microsoft’s Global Infrastructure and systems as a whole. 

    Intuitively, this makes sense. Handling your backups is a big undertaking, so they avoid automatic backups. As a result, Microsoft is free to focus on providing you with the best service possible.

    This does mean your mailboxes aren’t backed up by default. Microsoft also offers tools for archiving emails and files, and for restoring files and data after accidental or malicious deletion. 

    This means that anything haphazardly deleted can be recovered within a short period of time — if noticed within 14 days (adjustable up to a maximum of 30 days). 

    However, restoring files can be destructive. Data is restored to the same place, meaning that any additional data will be overwritten, with no rollback capabilities.

    Once these temporary backups are overwritten or cleared, any important information that is stored on these emails will be lost forever. There are no redundancies.

    Therefore, to keep your business emails secure, you should invest in a mailbox backup solution.

    Why invest in a backup solution?

    The importance of backups cannot be overstated when it comes to protecting and archiving your files, especially if they are stored in the cloud. We believe the best way to ensure your emails are kept safe is by investing in a cloud-based backup solution. 

    Here are some key benefits of a mailbox backup solution like Acronis:

    • Avoid loss of productivity: Businesses use emails to share important information, communicate with clients and collaborate. Losing this information can destroy your productivity and lead to months of lost work. Moreover, a cloud solution cuts down your recovery time from a cyberattack or data loss – as you can quickly restore emails within a few clicks. 
    • Improved cybersecurity: Many on-site email servers and backup solutions suffer from poor security infrastructure. Cloud backup services like Acronis use advanced security measures to keep your sensitive emails safe. 
    • Ensure compliance with data protection: As mentioned before, emails can hold personal information. Negligent deletion of these emails could put your business at risk of fines under GDPR.

    Investing in a backup solution also mitigates the risk of losing data when an employee leaves a Microsoft Office 365 account, which is standard procedure within most companies when an employee leaves. 

    As a result, any important data stored in that account will never be recoverable. With a backup, a copy of that data is stored elsewhere and is accessible even after the account has been deleted.

    You can also secure and encrypt your data in the cloud when you use a cloud-based backup solution so that even if you experience a hardware failure, your data won’t be lost or corrupted. 

    Get your mailbox backup strategy right with an MSP

    A cloud-based email backup solution is the best way to keep your important emails safe. Setting up backup rules and configuring your software solution can be tricky. Get this wrong and the consequences could be dire. 

    Why not leave it to the professionals? Working with an MSP affords you access to our great wealth of experience. 

    We’ll be able to walk you through which platform to invest in and guide you on how to get started!

    Are you ready to take charge of the security and safety of your data? Get in touch with us now, so we can help you deploy your Microsoft 365 mailbox backup solution.