Encrypt Your Tablet

A recent trend is evolving that encourages employers to give the green light to their employees for BYOD (bring your own device).  It is, in many instances, a cost effective and necessary approach for businesses as it encourages employees to bring in their own devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, and in so doing,  it significantly reduces the cost of purchasing expensive hardware that eventually will have to be upgraded and replaced.

There are definitely security risks associated with this approach, however.  And to protect against these risks, IT departments must install stringent security policies for their BYOD users in order to protect their network from malware and virus intrusions to the work environment.

If your IT support provider is capable of protecting BYOD users, it is essential that they understand the risks and take every precaution to avoid contamination of the organization’s system..  Users, for example, that have Androids or iOS tablets could have sensitive corporate data on their devices that need to be protected at all times. Losing that sensitive information could be extremely costly to your organization.  Securing data is essential!

Should you buy the Extra Warranty for your BUSINESS IT devices?

How does your business protect your IT network infrastructure?  Are you sure that this is the correct approach for your organization? If so, then you probably know just how important it is to work closely with your IT support provider to make certain that you have the right equipment warranty in place to ensure the safety and security of your network infrastructure.  What do I mean by this? Well, it starts by meeting with your IT provider and deciding whether or not a basic warranty is sufficient for your business, or if in fact your needs demand an additional or extended warranty (“extra warranty”). This “Best Buy” mindset is a necessary and important consideration whenever you are purchasing an electronic device.

Clearly, due to the age of, or the wear and tear of laptops, PCs, Tablets, and other electronic hardware, these devices will eventually need to be replaced or repaired. If repairs are required, these can be done by your by your IT support provider as a part of their normal maintenance service Depending on the warranty plan (regular or extra) that your business purchased initially and the capabilities of your IT service provider, it might prove more cost effective to replace an electronic device rather than repairing it. 

IT Strikes Back in BYOD Battle

In a world of increasing changes and confusion, one thing is clear: the raging debate over “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) is consuming corporate network managers. As more and more companies are allowing employees to use their personal Androids, iPhones and iPads on corporate networks, IT departments and IT Service Providers are becoming increasingly anxious over the potential security implications. On the one hand, BYOD represents a potential source of great cost savings for companies. It also provides a great means to enhancing employee productivity as they work on devices they are very familiar with. However, on the flip side, there is an alarming increase in the occurrence of security breaches, viruses and malware caused by a lack of standardized security policies for personal devices.  Other concerns over BYOD also include the notion of data ownership when the relationship between the employee and company ceases to exist. The debate rages on as companies attempt to determine which is best for their respective operations.

The smartphone market will grow by nearly 50% this year, and the number of phones in use will surpass 450 million. 

Flipboard: A New Reading Experience

I’m a big fan of the iPad. I learned a while back about a great app to make the experience even more enjoyable. I was talking with my IT department about doing some configurations for work since I use my own iPad at work. In conversation with my colleagues, they asked if I knew about the Flipboard app? I didn’t even have a clue about this free app they were talking about. I was told that it was a customized news reader. I didn’t think much of until we started the free installation. 

Will Microsoft’s Surface Land on the iPad?

I think Apple’s iPad is a very cool device. Sure, there are some features such as a keyboard that I wish the iPad would have, but it’s still the tablet winner just the way it is. My only complaint, if any, is that I wish I had a “New iPad”, but that’s a whole other story that we’ll save for comment at a later date.

This week, Microsoft unveiled “Surface,” its own version of a tablet. Without having this new device in front of me, it is difficult to comment in detail about its capabilities and appeal to the public. However, one thing I can say about the new Microsoft device is that it has a really interesting looking keyboard attached. I’m already starting to dig it!  While remaining a touch screen, it’s sleek cover serves as a keyboard, which also acts as a protective magnetic cover for the device. And, it will run Windows 8 or Windows RT, similar to the Windows phone.

I wonder if there will be any plans for wireless connectivity such as those offered by the iPad?  Nothing can really be determined just yet, since neither the device nor its pricing has been released. Will it be comparable to the iPad?  Early indications are that Microsoft’s Surface is apparently heavier than the iPad, but if it provides iPad with the competition that Microsoft expects, then I don’t see a real issue with people clinging to their new Microsoft tablets.

In addition to basic features of the Surface, IT departments and service providers will certainly be curious about the device’s security features and how they will affect their respective network environments. We’ll all just have to sit back and wait until the official public release of Surface and see whether or not it will compete favorably with the iPad.

Written by IT Support and IT Consulting Professionals at FedSolutions.  Thanks for stopping by!

Edit Office Documents on Your Tablet

With sales of tablets skyrocketing, it will only be a matter of time before tablet sales severely hurt the laptop market.  Are you worried about using your tablet to edit office documents? It is important to be able to have a device that can support your business needs without any issue and having to comprise the functionality of a PC.

Businesses and organizations are embracing the use of tablets in the workplace and IT departments are just as enthusiastic.  Choosing the right tablet for your needs is a tough decision, but fortunately you can find useful apps for both the iPad and Android devices that are capable of editing documents created in Microsoft Office.

Here a guide brought to you by PCworld to help you get on your way: 

Office Apps for Android

Tablets are revolutionizing the world whether in work environments, education or for simply having fun!  Apple’s iPad is the biggest leader in tablets sales and becoming a standard device in the workplace, offering a large selection of office and IT applications.

Android tablets are the more affordable tablets on the market. They are differentiating themselves from the iPad and rising in popularity thanks to their growing market of work utilities.

IT departments are supporting these tablet devices in the workplace by applying their security requirements to these devices.

Pcworld.com talks about some cool apps to get acquainted with for the office:  

Google Has A New PC!

Google has a lot of different interests in technology. They pretty much run the market when it comes to doing online searches. It seems they have their interests in everything these days.

We recently saw Google’s CEO, Larry Page with  Google Glasses at a presentation in England. You have to wonder what are they thinking about next, there is always some speculation or leak in the media to get people enticed about Google’s technology and what the future holds in the tech world.

IT consulting companies and other IT support providers always are competing to be on top of their game. They are testing and thinking about the best technology to implement into their work environments, as well as, for their clients to provide quality service.

Google is now introducing two new devices on the market and it’s not a tablet or an Android phone. It happens to be a PC and it’s called a Chromebook and Chromebox!

PCworld.com talks more about these new PC devices that about to hit the market at an affordable cost: 

Office for iOS

Microsoft Office has been available for Apple for years now, but there’s been a delay for iPad users. Partially, because Microsoft will be releasing its own Windows 8 tablet soon.

iPad has been taking the tablet market by storm and even laptop sales have been significantly lower due to the iPad phenomenon. It would be in Microsoft’s best interest to get office on iPad.

Onlive offered a virtual Windows 7 and Office product on iPad but received lots of scrutiny from Microsoft. OnLive Desktop uses the same powerful network used the company’s cloud-based gaming service, which launched in the UK last year. This means the OnLive desktop app is also powerful enough to support features on the iPad that you typically needed a PC to use, including: HD video, animations and PC video games, along with multitouch gestures, handwriting recognition and the Windows keyboard.

IT providers would welcome such a familiar product in their environments since so many users are adopting iPads for their professional duties.

TGdaily.com talks more about Microsoft Office for iPad: 

Malicious QR Codes

A QR code looks different and offers more functionality. QR stands for “quick response.” Smartphones can download QR readers that use the phone’s built-in camera to read these codes. When the QR code reader application is open and the camera detects a QR code, the application beeps and asks you what you want to do next.

QR codes appearing in magazine advertisements and articles, on signs and billboards, basically, anywhere a mobile marketer wants to allow information to be captured, whether in print or in public spaces, and facilitate digital interaction. Pretty much anyone can create a QR codes.

Unfortunately, that’s where the cybercriminals come in. While QR codes make it easy to connect with legitimate online properties, they also make it easy for hackers to distribute malware. This in turn makes IT departments quiver due to people bringing their own devices to work, thus potentially harming an internal network for a business.