Posts

3 of the best online meeting platforms

Online meetings are only as good as the platform you use for them. An easy-to-navigate, well-designed platform can make online meetings a breeze. A platform that doesn’t fit for you will make them torture.

And there are so many to choose from. It can be difficult to know which one will work best for you.

If you’re searching for the right online meeting solution, we can help. Here are three of the best options out there right now.

The online meeting revolution

First things first. Before diving into our recommendations, it’s important to have a solid understanding of why online meetings are helpful.

An online meeting makes use of your internet connection to seamlessly connect participants from any location. This makes conducting business with people in different states or countries much easier and more efficient.

And that’s the benefit. All the collaboration of a face-to-face meeting within the time, expense and hassle of travel. For teams located in different cities and states, it’s an invaluable option.

Now, on to the recommendations.

  1. Adobe Connect Pro

You know Adobe’s name. The company is famous for Photoshop, their industry-standard image editing application. But you may not have heard about Connect Pro, their online meeting platform. It’s a great option for online meetings.

On the plus side, the interface is beautiful and it’s certainly feature-rich. But this option has a higher learning curve than your other options. It may not be well suited for novices.

One appealing aspect of this software, however, is the fact that it is completely secure. Not only that, but it can host meetings of up to 200 people. Also, people can easily connect via their smartphones or tablets.

  1. Cisco WebEx

Cisco’s WebEx software is the oldest and most commonly used online meeting services in the market. The options are solid, with all the features you’re likely to want or need. The interface is also very user-friendly, making this an online meeting service just about anyone can jump straight into.

You can install the WebEx plugin on any desktop computer. It allows you to quickly join or host meetings and makes screen-sharing convenient and easy. You can even pass the “presenter” role to others who are connected to the meeting so that anyone can take the lead.

It’s a dynamic, well-rounded option, and one you should certainly consider.

  1. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting can support meetings of up to 15 people and allows you to record the meeting, chat between participants and screen share. If you choose the corporate version of this software (which costs a bit more), the potential meeting size goes up to 25 participants.

One of the most appealing features offered by GoToMeeting is the fact that it is very easy to use and extremely intuitive. As a result, it’s not going to take much time to get to know the features and capabilities of the program.

One of the biggest downsides, however, is that before meetings can start, everyone participating has to download the client. This may take some time, which can delay meetings if folks aren’t prepared ahead of time.

Which meeting platform is right for you?

When it’s time for you to choose a meeting program, you need to consider your options carefully. Make sure you factor in things like security and find a way to back up any information shared.

All this will ensure that your meeting is both safe and successful.

If you need more information about what online meeting service to use, then it may be a good idea to reach out to a managed IT service provider.

Critical Cisco Systems Vulnerability: Patching Needed

On January 31st, Cisco Systems disclosed a vulnerability allowing up to complete control of a device from the Internet, affecting Cisco ASA Software that is running on several Cisco products.  The purpose of this blog post is to:

  • Help you understand the issue
  • Point you to trusted resources to explain it in more depth
  • Determine how you can protect yourself against it

The Issue

Cisco Systems released an advisory and a patch for a vulnerability allowing up to complete control of a device from the Internet.

What You Should Do

Check the following systems for the webvpn configuration, and if enabled for external communications, the systems need the patch from Cisco.

Vulnerable Products[1]

This vulnerability affects Cisco ASA Software that is running on the following Cisco products:

  • 3000 Series Industrial Security Appliance (ISA)
  • ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliances
  • ASA 5500-X Series Next-Generation Firewalls
  • ASA Services Module for Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches and Cisco 7600 Series Routers
  • ASA 1000V Cloud Firewall
  • Adaptive Security Virtual Appliance (ASAv)
  • Firepower 2100 Series Security Appliance
  • Firepower 4110 Security Appliance
  • Firepower 9300 ASA Security Module
  • Firepower Threat Defense Software (FTD)

What ISG Is Doing

Currently, the ISG Data Centers are following our normal process for patching, with additional analysis for the critical configuration problems.  Our service engineers are available to assist any customer with any Cisco product help in regards to this issue and any other issue.

References & Further Information

Please view the Cisco advisory linked below for more technical details on the products and vulnerability.  Ars Technica also produced a story about the issue: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2018/01/cisco-drops-a-mega-vulnerability-alert-for-vpn-devices/

[1] https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20180129-asa1 

ISG Achieves CISCO Video Surveillance Authorization

SALINA, KS; June 2, 2009:  Cisco Systems Inc announced today that ISG TECHNOLOGY INC has achieved Video Surveillance Authorized Technology Provider (ATP) status from Cisco. This designation recognizes ISG Technology as having fulfilled the training requirements and program prerequisites to design, resell, install and maintain a full range of video surveillance and access-control solutions.

Cisco physical-security solutions provide network-centric capabilities to video surveillance, Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, electronic access control and other groundbreaking technologies by converging voice, data and physical security into a single appliance. This enables clients to preserve existing investments in analog-based technology and to use the network as a platform upon which more collaborative and integrated physical-security systems can be built. As clients converge physical-security infrastructures and operations and begin using the network as a platform, they gain rapid access to relevant information and increase interoperability with other IP-centric systems. This enables higher levels of situational awareness in environments where intelligent and timely decision making is crucial.

To qualify for the Video Surveillance ATP Program, ISG Technology had to meet a number of requirements, from having staff who fulfill specific job responsibilities. Those requirements are designed to help a partner maintain high levels of client satisfaction.

ISG TECHNOLOGY INC, with headquarters in Salina, Kansas, specializes in business solutions for all areas of communication and technology, including data and voice network integration, security, storage, virtualization and telephony solutions. The company has over 25 years experience serving businesses in the Midwest and operates nine facilities throughout Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Awarded CISCO Client Satisfaction Gold Star

LENEXA, KS; MAY 5, 2009: Cisco Systems Inc announced today that ISG TECHNOLOGY INC has achieved Cisco Channel Client Satisfaction Excellence.

Client Satisfaction Excellence is the highest distinction a partner can receive within the Cisco Channel Partner Program. Cisco will display a special Client Satisfaction Excellence Gold Star indicator on the Cisco Partner web site. ISG Technology will be identified as having achieved outstanding client satisfaction as part of Cisco’s worldwide assessment process.

Cisco’s Channel Client Satisfaction Excellence is based upon client satisfaction results captured from Cisco’s online survey tool. Each quarter, Cisco acknowledges partners that have the highest client satisfaction within a geographic region.

ISG TECHNOLOGY INC, with headquarters in Salina, Kansas, specializes in business solutions for all areas of communication and technology, including data and voice network integration, security, storage, virtualization and telephony solutions. The company has over 25 years experience serving businesses in the Midwest and operates nine facilities throughout Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.