Having an efficient and reliable communication system is crucial for the success of any small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). Outdated telecom systems can hinder productivity, increase costs, and limit the flexibility required to adapt to the evolving needs of your business.
The importance of technology in education has increased in recent years. Schools rely on technology for teaching, learning, and administrative purposes.
The cloud has become an increasingly popular method for businesses to access IT services. Cloud services enable businesses of all sizes to access computing resources, such as servers, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence, through the internet. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of cloud services that SMEs […]
Microsoft Office 2013 has been a staple productivity suite for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) around the world. With its comprehensive set of programs including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and OneNote, it has aided businesses in various tasks. However, support for Microsoft Office 2013 has finally come to a […]
SMEs around the world are increasingly reliant on computer systems to carry out day-to-day operations. However, this dependence on digital systems comes with the ever-present threat of malware. In this article, we’ll explore what malware is and how you can implement simple computer security measures to protect your SME against […]
Just like their larger competitors, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a myriad of online threats that can compromise their sensitive data, disrupt operations, and even lead to a complete shutdown. Implementing robust IT security measures is crucial to safeguarding your business from these threats. In this article, we’ll explore […]
Ransomware has become a prevalent and concerning threat in the digital landscape, posing a significant risk to businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In this article, we’ll explore what ransomware is and the impact of ransomware on businesses.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, technology plays a crucial role in the success of any organisation, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In Oxfordshire, where technology adoption is rapidly growing, it becomes imperative for SMEs to leverage IT support to stay competitive.
Strong passwords are a key aspect of maintaining strong computer security. It acts as a barrier against unauthorised access and helps safeguard your SME’s valuable assets. In this article, we’ll discuss five essential tips to help you create robust passwords that can enhance your cybersecurity posture.
The year 2025 will mark a major shift as BT is scheduled to begin the turning-off of the national PSTN and ISDN networks. This change comes as a result of the widespread migration from analogue to digital networks and the phasing out of legacy systems. In this article, we’ll discuss […]
It is crucial to be aware of changes in the software landscape that could impact your business. A major change from Microsoft is the ending of support for Microsoft Office 2013 which officially ended on 11th April 2023. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it has significant implications […]
If your business is using Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012 R2, it’s essential to be aware that Microsoft will end their support for these operating systems on the 10th of October 2023. This means they will no longer receive security and non-security updates, bug fixes, or technical support […]
Today’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) need all the help they can get to compete with their larger international competitors. Secure and efficient IT systems can help to streamline operations and reduce costs, but obtaining this goal can be a challenge without a dedicated IT department. At Vantage IT, we […]
If you’re planning an office relocation in 2023, then you’ll need to consider what steps to take in order to safely and securely move your IT equipment to your new location. This is vital so that your productivity and data are not affected. It’s all too easy for things to […]
In order to keep up with the competition, every business needs to incorporate technological elements into its operations, but to make sure everything is running efficiently, you may need help with the IT side of your company.
When you’re considering IT-managed support for your business, it’s vital that you approach it with a clear plan. After all, a good IT provider will act as a strategic partner and enabler to your business; providing you with the vital IT support and infrastructure that your business needs to thrive […]
We all know schools don’t have spare cash, but with advancements in technology constantly improving, there can actually be a financial benefit to setting aside some of the budgets to invest in effective IT services. To find out more about how IT support services for schools can help staff and […]
For SMEs, the right IT infrastructure, services, and strategy are key to success. After all, IT solutions underpin every element of organisations today – from internal corporate services to e-commerce. But for most SMEs, it simply doesn’t make sense to try to resource a full in-house IT team. To access […]
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in 2018 and gives people far more control over their data. It also enforces strict limitations on how organisations can use personal data. UK GDPR compliance is important, so if you are unsure what is required for GDPR compliance or how […]
Data loss is something that no business wants to experience, but with the right backup and recovery procedures in place, you can greatly reduce the risk of data being lost. So, what is data backup and recovery, and how can you benefit from it? Read on to find out more.
Cybercrime is a mounting problem for businesses worldwide – and even the smallest businesses are at risk of an attack. In fact, SMEs are a particularly enticing target for cybercriminals because they tend to have less robust systems and easy access points for hacking. Research shows that 43% of cyber-attacks […]
More and more businesses are moving to VoIP to simplify their telecommunications – and this is hardly a surprise, given the significant cost savings and a vast array of available features. If you are not already using VoIP, there are lots of reasons why you should make the change now. […]
As technology continues to advance towards a cloud-based system, it’s not surprising that the way you use your telephones should be next. Older landlines are being replaced with VoIP phone systems – but what is VoIP and what are the benefits for your business? We take a closer look.
Are you a Hertfordshire based business seeking reliable IT support? Vantage IT can provide everything you need so that you can focus on other areas of your organisation.
Cybersecurity is a major concern for businesses of all sizes, with SMEs being an easy target for those who seek to find weaknesses in private IT infrastructures. The consequences of poor cyber security for SMEs can be devastating, so why not mitigate the threat with the support of an IT […]
Whether you are setting up a company or growing your business, choosing the right option for your IT support service is essential. Here, we explore the benefits of IT outsourcing vs inhouse IT support and how an IT outsourcing company like Vantage IT can help you.
Many of our readers will be aware that BT Openreach is withdrawing PSTN and ISDN lines. Yet what exactly does that mean – and what might this change mean for you specifically?
When you are looking to upgrade your services and grow as an SME, there is so much to consider. One thing that you can easily take off your plate is your IT support. While employing a whole IT team might be out of reach, managed IT service providers are on […]
When you are searching for the best IT managed services company to support your business, the choice can be overwhelming. We believe that Vantage IT is the best selection you could make when it comes to providing you with complete Managed IT service. Read on to find out more about […]
If you are considering choosing a managed service provider (MSP) to support your SME or larger business, you might be wondering how important this would be for your long-term success. Here, we look at how choosing the right provider can be important to help your business thrive – and see […]
When you are considering the best ways to grow your business, you may not immediately consider the impact that your software can have on this. However, IT software development could be vital for your overall growth – here we look at what software development is and the many benefits you […]
If you are looking for managed IT services, you are probably wondering what you should expect from such a service. One of the most important things to look for is outstanding security features. But why is this important for your company? Read on to find out more about the benefits […]
There is no doubt that being able to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, stakeholders and customers is key for any business. The major way to go about this is via the telecoms network you use. While traditional landline systems have dominated this area for a long time, VoIP networks have […]
Losing something is always irritating – even losing your keys can put a damper on your day. However, it is a little more serious if the thing you lose is important data. Your workflow can be substantially impacted, and it might seem like a real disaster.
Many businesses are looking to reduce their overall costs and employ outsourced IT support services. However, what does employing outsourced IT support mean exactly, and how can it save you money?
Servers are integral to the smooth functioning and operation of many businesses. However, what is a server replacement, and how do you know when a server replacement is overdue?
Being an SME business owner comes with many responsibilities and knowing how best to resource your company can be challenging. One of the areas you may be looking at is how to provide seamless IT services for your company – and here we will look at how cloud business solutions […]
Do you want to spend less time managing your IT and more time running your business? If so, then outsourcing might be the answer. In this post, we’re going to discuss the key points to know about outsourcing your IT department – who can benefit from it, what things should […]
The hospitality industry was hit very hard across 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and even today we are still seeing the significant impacts that restrictions are having on business’ turnover and customer spending. Facing more uncertainty for the future as a result of the new Omicron variant […]
These days, most organisations have embraced technology to perform many of their day-to-day functions, and schools are no exception. With blackboards and textbooks confined to history, most modern schools now use a wide range of IT facilities to promote learning and communicate with staff and parents, as well as managing […]
Running a small business can be challenging at the best of times. Whether you are just starting, or you have been running your business for a while and you’re just gaining traction, the right knowledge and help can make all the difference.
When it comes to selecting a managed services provider, you may think that doing this once is enough. Once you’re all set up with your provider, why bother changing, right? Here, we will look at what managed services are and what is included, as well as how you can get […]
IT threats can be a serious issue in businesses of any size, but when you are a small business, even the smallest thing can have a major impact. Here, we will explore what is involved with IT security and how you can protect yourself from IT threats that could seriously […]
After more than 20 years’ experience in the field of IP phones, Snom is introducing a new range of deskphones with advanced functionality. Snom has drawn on their years of expertise to develop a telephone series where the main requirement was their exceptionally high quality standards. Key features include: Superb […]
If you don’t want to trip over trailing cables running to your conference telephone, why not use a cordless conferencing unit? The Snom wireless conference unit can be connected to a telephone handset and used in locations up to 50 metres away! This removes the need for either a network […]
Many people use Dropbox to store data and assume that, as it is in the cloud, it must be safe. Think again! Without a backup, data is in danger. A woman in North Yorkshire has been sentenced for deleting 5,000 files from her former company’s Dropbox account. She spent five […]
Will all your team be going back in to the office full time in the very near future? Have your IT and telecoms solutions enabled you to successfully work from home or could they be improved? With many team members visiting the office on a rota or for specific meetings, […]
The past few weeks have strained everything – people, relationships and systems at work. How have your communications survived? Keeping in touch with colleagues, customers and suppliers is vital at all times. If your telephone system isn’t helping you, stress levels rise. If you have problems with your telephone […]
It won’t be long until the government announces the end to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, but that certainly won’t mean life will return to normal. We would be foolish to imagine when the government lifts the lockdown that the world won’t have changed. We won’t all be going back to […]
Bailey is the gorgeous guide dog sponsored by Vantage IT. Training is taking place to make him a working dog and family pet. Bailey has settled very easily into life with his trainers. He has a very laid-back and cuddly personality and often attempts to give his love to Edmund, […]
The past few weeks have been unprecedented for all of us. For IT companies such as Vantage IT, there has been an immense amount of effort in a very short period of time to ensure users are able to effectively work from home. Many IT companies will be very proud […]
We recently started providing our managed IT support service to a new customer. Then within days, the country went into lockdown! Members of staff were required to work from home with remote access to the on-site systems. Unfortunately the customer had not had the opportunity to upgrade their firewall to […]
Have you considered laptop hire? Working from home while the country is in Coronavirus lockdown is only possible with the right equipment. Laptop computers are at a premium at the moment. If your team requires laptops to work from home, finding the right one can be tricky. Hiring a laptop […]
With the current Coronavirus scare, many people are either working from home or planning to. This is something we do regularly and at the moment, members of our ream are working remotely without our customers being aware! With the right security infrastructure in place, it is easy to have people […]
Come to meet Vantage IT at Red Bull Technology in Milton Keynes. The Central Business Expo will be taking place on 31st March at MK7, the superb exhibition space within the Red Bull factory. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet many local businesses in a location at the forefront […]
The Vantage VoIP Telephone System uses state-of-the-art technology to provide you with modern telephones and very cheap calls. With our hosted telephone system, you don’t even have the worry of maintaining your own in-house telecoms system. Vantage does all that for you and supplies the handsets for your desks. There […]
Vantage IT is proud to announce we are sponsoring the Tattenhoe Football Club Greens Under 7 team. One of our team is the father to a member of their team, so it is a great fit! Based in Milton Keynes, Tattenhoe Football Club has a large number of teams covering […]
Do you manage your IT internally? Have you considered outsourcing your IT management? We provide compelling reasons why you should! Data stores continue to grow and more cloud services are being introduced. The consequence is that attempting IT management internally can be a false economy. With the introduction of so […]
Has your PC got slower and slower over the years, to the point that you now have enough time to make a coffee while it boots? You might be tempted to bite the bullet and purchase a new PC, although sometimes there is another way, which might be more cost […]
IT can sometimes be perceived as an unnecessary cost, particularly where a server is concerned. But could your business operate without reliable IT? Persevering with an old server simply because it has been reliable for many years can be a false economy. Replacing servers can be dismissed due to the […]
Milton Keynes Expo 2019 is this week and Vantage IT will be there. Come down and see us at The Ridgeway Centre in Milton Keynes for this fantastic opportunity to meet many local businesses. It will be great to see you there, so please do come along to #miltonkeynesexpo. […]
Moving IT workloads to the cloud has become a key priority for many organisations and is set to grow around 3% further between 2019 and 2022. Crucially, a successful migration relies on careful and effective planning. You certainly don’t want to introduce risks or increased long-term costs to your business. […]
How will you send an email when Microsoft withdraws support for Exchange Server? Now that Microsoft no longer includes Exchange Server software with Small Business Server, running an Exchange Server on-premise has become too expensive for most SME’s. This is where the Hosted Exchange Cloud Email service from Vantage IT […]
First and foremost, our proactive IT support contract will save you money when compared to employing a dedicated IT manager or even a pay-as-you-go service. With all our contracts, we provide a discounted hourly rate and monthly retainer, designed specifically around your requirements. This is a cost-effective way of providing […]
Attackers target IT managed service providers (MSPs) and cloud service providers (CSPs), intending to install ransomware within their infrastructure and customer base. This is reported in Secplicity, which is a leading source of information about IT and business security from WatchGuard Technologies. The report states attacks are specifically targeting […]
Backing up data is vitally important for any business. But there is a lot more you can do to achieve complete data management. Vantage IT provides a next-generation data management platform which comprises Cloud Backup, Disaster Recovery (DR) and Archiving options – all in secure UK-based data centres. Our services […]
IT security is vital for businesses of every size, large and small. Does your business have fewer than 100 employees? If so, then you are still a target for hackers and in some instances, more vulnerable. It is a common misconception that only large businesses are hacked. The fact is, […]
Are you struggling on with your laptop? As Windows 7 end of support is under a year away, now would be a good time to replace it with a new machine. The old adage that ‘you get what you pay for’ is certainly the case for new laptops too. From […]
Buddy has spent the past few months as a trainee, living with a puppy walker who has begun the process of developing him into a guide dog. He will soon be moving on to early training, but here is an update of what he has been doing. During the summer, […]
Can your business continue to run in the event of failed server hardware? How would it affect your business if you could not use any of your IT equipment for several days? Backing up your data regularly is highly advisable, although depending on your IT equipment, it could take several […]
Windows 7 is still working hard on many computers used in businesses, even though it is almost a decade old. Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system was first pushed out globally in July 2015. The new system introduced a number of changes over older versions of Windows. However, despite some […]
Company directors often understand the benefits of introducing a server to their business. However, if you run a small business or are just starting out, you could be inclined to operate without a server due to perceived costs. Indeed, you might be tempted to simply use laptops or PCs to […]
IT security is vital for all companies and this must include secure printing. Have you taken steps to safeguard your network-connected printers? An unsecured network printer can lead to a data breach in your company. Using HP’s well established secure printing solutions, Vantage IT can make security concerns a thing […]
The FormBox is a fantastic tool for education, small businesses and hobbyists. It essentially makes moulds out of shapes which can be re used to create all types of things. What can FormBox do? Choose from a world of materials – you can bring unique ideas into the real world […]
Buddy, the guide dog sponsored by Vantage IT, is making great progress. He is being trained by a puppy walker to get him ready to join a person who need him. His walker has reported that he is maturing and gaining an understanding of what he is expected to do. […]
Refurbished IT equipment sounds appealing with its cheaper price, but does it really offer benefits over buying new? Does the adage of ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ apply? When meeting new customers, we sometimes find they have purchased refurbished PCs or servers at some point. However, these are not always positive […]
Protecting the data on your company’s laptops is one of the key components for GDPR compliance. This is because unencrypted data is easy to obtain from a hard drive. Data is valuable. That is why so many large organisations sell the data they hold on us. People want to obtain […]
With the fantastic weather due to continue for the next week or so, it’s worth remembering that your air cooling systems are working harder than ever to maintain a consistent environment. Do you have a system in place to alert you of a cooling failure? If not, what do you […]
Approximately two million online fraud incidents were reported in 2017, according to the UK Parliaments Public Accounts Committee. With only 20 percent of crimes actually reported, even this dreadful figure is just the tip of the iceberg. Online fraud is incredibly lucrative for the perpetrators, meaning it will not decrease […]
Your broadband connection is vital. In recent years, the use of cloud services has increased dramatically for most businesses. You may be using a Hosted Exchange service for your emails, Xero for accounts and Dropbox for cloud storage. You may even make calls on a VoIP (Voice-Over-IP) telephone system. When […]
Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) are more normally found in portable electronic devices but APC has just released some uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) using the technology. Li-ion batteries have much improved specifications when compared to traditional lead-acid batteries found in most UPSs. These will allow for better performance at higher temperatures and […]
When storms hit, is your vital IT hardware safe? You need to know that adverse weather conditions will not affect your business. The storms in recent weeks have caused power cuts and flooding. Both of these occurrences are not favourable to sensitive IT equipment! Water ingress will clearly damage […]
Many small businesses have been enjoying the benefits of Microsoft Windows Small Business Server (SBS) since its introduction over 20 years ago. The last edition Microsoft introduced was SBS 2011 which first appeared in December 2010. Many SMEs still use the software today. However, are you aware that Microsoft will […]
Do you struggle with a small, outdated monitor on your desk? When you spend so much of your working life looking at a computer screen, you need to be sure it is the most appropriate tool for the job. If perceived cost implications have prevented monitor upgrades, you could be […]
WatchGuard, a world leader in network security products, offers advice about protecting your business from phishing attacks. Phishing attacks continue to be a major concern for all of us. In fact, 76% of businesses report being a victim of a phishing attack in the last year alone. This is not […]
How do you know what the environment is like that your critical equipment is working in? You need someone monitoring it 24 hours a day and that is what the iMeter Lite does for you. Monitoring the environment within your critical IT locations is vital. It will ensure network uptime […]
If you have an upcoming office move, we hope the following proves helpful and prevents it becoming a major headache. If you have moved office in the past, you will be aware how much there is to organise, particularly in terms of your IT infrastructure. Thankfully, this does not need […]
If your company is using an outdated email system such as POP3, you may frequently experience performance or synchronisation issues. Fortunately, Microsoft Exchange can solve a lot of your problems. Although POP3 has been old technology for some time, it has been a necessary evil for many due to the […]
Attacks on guide dogs are more common than you would realise. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has started a new #TakeTheLead campaign that calls for pet dog owners to help prevent avoidable attacks on guide dogs. For a blind or partially sighted person, a guide dog can be […]
Protecting your data is vital. It is one of the most valuable resources you have and therefore the consequences of not keeping it safe could be disastrous. Vantage IT provides the assistance you need to help you find out where your data is and that it is securely controlled. We […]
We always look for ways we can save money for our clients. We would like to share a recent example of a customer with a faulty printer where we potentially saved them £3000! Case Study – Faulty Printer A customer contacted us to say they were experiencing problems with a […]
How is your Wi-Fi? Is the connection a bit sporadic? If it isn’t as reliable as you would like, here are some tips for improving the situation. Change Your Router’s Location When routers are hidden behind other devices or tucked in a corner, wireless signals can be affected. Many routers […]
Despite the weather we have just experienced, spring is almost upon us, so why not give your PC a spring clean of its own? Why a Spring Clean? If your PC takes ages to boot up or respond to your inputs, there is a chance it requires some basic housekeeping. […]
The internet is a huge, wondrous world, but are you using it effectively? From browser choices to shortcut keys that save you time, we offer tips so you can get the best out of your internet usage. Try Different Browsers Many people using Windows PCs will make use of […]
We all want to save ourselves time, and that is what Windows keyboard shortcuts will do. Keyboard shortcuts will speed up almost everything you do on your computer. However, long lists of shortcuts can quickly become overwhelming if you’re just getting started with them. With this in mind, we […]
Many of us regularly log in to online services such as Gmail or Hotmail as well as social media platforms such as Twitter or FaceBook. However, reports suggest that many people still don’t use the available 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) features of these websites, although this is highly advisable. If you […]
WatchGuard firewalls currently block access to dangerous sites based on a feed of known malicious URLs and also allow customers to block traffic to potentially risky sites. The new service, based on technology called Strongarm, will add blocking based on known malicious domains. Furthermore, by monitoring requests at the domain […]
Adobe’s powerful suite of productivity software has been around for many years and is the preferred choice for many businesses across the world. Creative Cloud provides software for graphic design, photography, editing of videos and web development. Adobe was one of the first to move from perpetual licenses to a […]
How many times did your IT fail last year? It never ceases to amaze us at Vantage IT how some businesses seem to be so accepting of IT failures, no doubt persuaded of such ‘normality’ by their service provider or internal IT support personnel. However, IT failures should be […]
Your Christmas holiday should be a relaxing break from your busy work life. However, you don’t want to return feeling even more stressed than you did when you left! Efficient planning will allow you to enjoy your holiday worry-free, so we have put together a few tips that we hope […]
