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Ensuring Network Security: Best Practices Guide

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In the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital world, network security has become an indispensable concern for businesses and individuals alike. With cyber threats growing in sophistication and frequency, it’s crucial to implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive data and maintain the integrity of your network. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the best practices for ensuring network security that will not only protect your systems but also help you outrank other websites in Google’s search results.

Understanding the Importance of Network Security

Network security is the foundation of a safe and reliable digital environment. It encompasses a wide range of strategies, policies, and technologies designed to defend against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats. Here’s why it should be a top priority:

Data Protection

Data is the lifeblood of any organization. Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data is paramount. Network security measures help prevent data leaks, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential.

Business Continuity

A security breach can disrupt operations, leading to downtime and financial losses. Robust network security safeguards your business’s continuity by minimizing the risk of such disruptions.

Reputation Management

A data breach can tarnish your brand’s reputation. Implementing strong security practices not only protects your data but also maintains the trust of your customers and stakeholders.

Best Practices for Network Security

Now that we’ve established the importance of network security, let’s explore the best practices that will help you fortify your network and outrank competing websites on Google.

1. Conduct Regular Security Audits

To identify vulnerabilities in your network, conduct regular security audits. This involves evaluating your network’s infrastructure, software, and policies to pinpoint weaknesses. Address these vulnerabilities promptly to minimize the risk of cyberattacks.

2. Employ Strong Authentication

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance user login security. MFA requires users to provide multiple forms of verification, such as a password and a one-time code sent to their mobile device. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

3. Keep Software and Hardware Updated

Outdated software and hardware are more susceptible to security vulnerabilities. Ensure that all your systems, applications, and devices receive regular updates and patches. This keeps potential entry points for cybercriminals up to date and secure.

4. Educate Your Team

Human error is a common cause of security breaches. Educate your employees about security best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts and using strong passwords. Regular training and awareness programs can go a long way in strengthening your network’s security.

5. Implement Network Segmentation

Divide your network into segments to limit the potential impact of a breach. By isolating sensitive data and critical systems from the rest of your network, you can contain security incidents and prevent them from spreading.

6. Employ Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

IDPS continuously monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and intrusions. They can automatically block or alert administrators about potential threats, allowing for rapid response to security incidents.

7. Back Up Data Regularly

Data backups are a crucial part of network security. In the event of a ransomware attack or data loss, having up-to-date backups ensures that you can quickly recover your data and minimize downtime.

8. Create an Incident Response Plan

Prepare for the worst-case scenario by developing a comprehensive incident response plan. This plan should outline the steps to take in the event of a security breach, ensuring a swift and effective response to mitigate damage.

Network security is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating the best practices mentioned above to protect your organization’s digital assets effectively. By prioritizing network security, you not only safeguard your data and operations but also enhance your online presence and outrank competing websites on Google. Remember, a secure network is the foundation upon which trust and success are built in the digital age.

Firewall Setup & Optimization: A Comprehensive Guide

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In today’s digital age, where the internet plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern. With cyber threats evolving constantly, protecting your digital assets and sensitive information has never been more critical. That’s where a robust firewall setup and optimization come into play. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the world of firewalls, exploring their importance, types, setup procedures, and optimization techniques to ensure your online safety.

Understanding the Significance of Firewalls

Firewalls, in the realm of cybersecurity, act as a shield between your network and potential threats from the internet. They are your first line of defense, monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic and allowing or blocking data packets based on a set of predetermined security rules. Here are some key reasons why firewalls are indispensable:

1. Protection Against Unauthorized Access

  • Firewalls prevent unauthorized access to your network or computer. They scrutinize incoming connection requests and only allow access to trusted sources, safeguarding your sensitive data.

2. Malware and Virus Defense

  • By examining data packets for malicious code, firewalls thwart malware and viruses from infiltrating your system. This is especially crucial in today’s world, where malware attacks are rampant.

3. Network Privacy

  • Firewalls enhance network privacy by concealing your IP address and making it difficult for hackers to trace your online activities.

4. Regulatory Compliance

  • For businesses, adhering to various regulatory standards is mandatory. A well-configured firewall ensures compliance with data protection regulations.

Types of Firewalls

Before diving into the setup and optimization process, it’s essential to understand the different types of firewalls available:

1. Packet Filtering Firewalls

  • These firewalls inspect individual data packets and determine whether to allow or block them based on predefined rules. While simple, they lack the sophistication of more modern firewall types.

2. Stateful Inspection Firewalls

  • Combining packet filtering with an understanding of the state of active connections, stateful inspection firewalls offer improved security by tracking the state of connections and making decisions based on the context.

3. Proxy Firewalls

  • Proxy firewalls act as intermediaries between your network and the internet. They forward requests and responses, adding an additional layer of security by hiding your network’s internal structure.

4. Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW)

  • NGFWs are the latest evolution in firewall technology. They incorporate deep packet inspection, intrusion detection, and application-level filtering to provide comprehensive security.

Firewall Setup

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of setting up a firewall for optimal protection. While the specific steps may vary depending on your chosen firewall hardware or software, the following are general guidelines:

1. Selecting the Right Firewall Solution

  • Choose a firewall solution that aligns with your needs. Consider factors like scalability, ease of management, and the level of security required. Popular choices include hardware firewalls, software firewalls, and cloud-based options.

2. Network Segmentation

  • Divide your network into segments, separating sensitive data from less critical information. This reduces the attack surface and limits potential damage.

3. Rule Configuration

  • Create firewall rules that dictate how traffic should be handled. These rules should be based on the principle of least privilege, allowing only necessary traffic and services.

4. Regular Updates and Patch Management

  • Ensure your firewall software and firmware are up-to-date. Manufacturers release updates to address vulnerabilities, and staying current is essential for security.

Firewall Optimization

Optimizing your firewall is just as important as setting it up correctly. Optimization ensures that your firewall operates efficiently and continues to protect your network effectively.

1. Performance Tuning

  • Regularly monitor your firewall’s performance and adjust settings as needed. This may include fine-tuning rule sets, optimizing bandwidth usage, and load balancing.

2. Logging and Monitoring

  • Implement robust logging and monitoring procedures to track network activity. This will help you identify suspicious behavior and potential threats in real-time.

3. Security Policy Review

  • Regularly review and update your firewall’s security policies. As your network evolves, so should your firewall rules to adapt to new threats and requirements.

4. User Education

  • Educate your employees or users about safe online practices. Even the most secure firewall can be compromised if users unwittingly click on malicious links or download infected files.

To sum it up, a well-configured and optimized firewall stands as your first and most formidable line of defense against cyber threats in today’s interconnected world. By understanding the various types of firewalls, diligently following proper setup procedures, and continually fine-tuning your firewall’s performance, you can ensure the safety and security of your digital assets. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and maintaining vigilance is paramount in safeguarding your network and sensitive information.

ISG Technology Recognized on CRN’s 2023 Security 100 List

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Overland Park, KS, March 15, 2023 — ISG Technology, today announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, will feature ISG Technology to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Security 100 category for 2023. CRN’s annual MSP 500 list identifies the industry-leading service providers in North America who are driving a new wave of growth and innovation for the channel through forward-thinking approaches to managed services, helping end users increase efficiency and simplify IT solutions, while maximizing their return on investment.

MSPs have become a vital part of the success of businesses worldwide. MSPs not only empower organizations to leverage intricate technologies but also help them keep a strict focus on their core business goals without straining their budgets.

The annual MSP 500 list is divided into three sections: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and largely focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on- and off-premises services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premises and cloud-based security services.

“We continue to see increasing demand for our managed services, especially our managed security offering.” “Unfortunately, too many companies are experiencing breaches and then getting ahold of us to remediate the situation. It’s keeping our incident response team busy, but we’d prefer to help companies get proactive with their cybersecurity efforts and their overall IT operations.”

Brent McCollum, COO of ISG Technology

“Managed services offer a path for businesses of all sizes to remain efficient and flexible as they grow,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The solution providers on our 2023 MSP 500 list are bringing innovative managed services portfolios to market, helping their customers win by doing more with the IT budgets they have and freeing up resources to focus on mission-critical activities to drive future success.”

Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company

The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2023 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/msp500.

About ISG Technology

ISG Technology helps organizations unlock possibilities so they can realize their full business potential. They do it by providing a unique combination of managed IT services, technology consulting, professional services, and cloud/data center solutions.

Part of the Twin Valley Family of Companies and a fourth-generation family business, ISG Technology has grown and evolved into the recognized leader in the Midwest by aligning its success with the long-term success of its clients. They are consistently recognized in CRN’s Top IT Providers in the nation, most recently as part of the Tech Elite 150 for excellence in managed IT services.

ISG is headquartered in Overland Park, KS, with 8 locations across the Midwest including a regional network of SOC II Certified data centers. For more information please contact Scott Strickler, Director of Marketing, ISG Technology, 913-826-6058.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com

© 2023 The Channel Company LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Channel Company Contact:

Natalie Lewis

The Channel Company

nlewis@thechannelcompany.com

Webinar: Cyber Insurance. And The War On Ransomware.

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Cyber insurance is a must-have weapon for all organizations trying to mitigate modern security threats. But the exponential increase in ransomware has created an industry chain reaction – Insurance providers are leaving the market, premiums are on the rise, more security controls are being required, and organizations are left scrambling.

Prepare For The War On Ransomware

In this executive panel discussion, you’ll get actionable advice directly from an industry-leading cyber insurance provider as well as the technology/solution providers actively fighting the war on ransomware. View the full webinar here

What You’ll Learn:

  • The rise of ransomware and industry chain reaction
  • The role of cyber insurance in incident response plans
  • Evaluating your current policy (Good? Bad? Or Ugly?)
  • The increasing controls insurance providers are requiring
  • How business and IT leaders must partner together

7 critical questions you should ask when choosing a cloud computing provider

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There’s no question that cloud computing is on the rise. More and more businesses are turning to cloud computing as their default setting. But with so many options to choose from, how do you select the right provider for your business?

Here are seven critical questions you should ask when choosing a cloud computing provider.

1. What cloud computing services do you provide?

Produced in Partnership with VMWare

There are many different types of cloud services such as a public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud. If you already know what type of service you want, your first step is to make sure your potential provider offers that service.

More than likely, though, you know you want to move to the cloud, but aren’t sure which type of service would work best for you. A good cloud computing provider should not only be able to explain the services they offer, but help you to determine which cloud computing services would best meet the needs of your business.

2. How secure is your cloud computing?

Security should be at the top of any list when data and networking is concerned.

Cloud security, just like network security, ensures your data stays safe. Ask potential providers what network and server-level security measures they have in place to protect your data. Security measures to look for include encryption, firewalls, antivirus detection and multifactor user authentication.

3. Where will my data be stored?

Produced in Partnership with VMWare

Since cloud computing involves the storage of data at off-site locations, the physical location and security of those data centers is just as important as online security.

SSAE 16 and SOC 2 Type II certifications are the best indicator that your provider’s products, systems and data are compliant with industry security standards.

4. How will my business be able to access the cloud?

One of the benefits of cloud computing is its flexibility and ease of access. You’ll want you understand how you will be able to access your data on the cloud and how it will integrate into your current work environment.

If your company is poised to grow in the near future, you may also want to ask about scalability and your provider’s ability to meet your growing needs.

5. What is your pricing structure?

Pricing for cloud computing can vary greatly, so make sure you understand how and for what you will be charged.

Ask about upfront costs and the ability to add services as needed. Will services be charged hourly, monthly, semi-annually, or annually?

6. How do you handle regulatory compliance?

Produced in Partnership with VMWare

Understanding the many laws and regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCCI, that pertain to the collection and storage of data can be intimidating. That’s why one of the benefits of hiring a cloud computing provider is having security experts take care of regulatory compliance for you.

You’ll want to make sure your provider is constantly working to stay up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations that may affect your data.

7. What customer support services do you offer?

Cloud computing never sleeps and neither should your provider’s technical support. Getting help when you need it is important, so you’ll want to ask your provider if they provide 24-hour technical support, including on holidays.

Ease and availability of reporting problems is also important so ask about phone, email, and live chat support options. You may also want to ask about your provider’s average response and resolution times.

Asking these questions can help you find the right cloud computing provider for your business. And getting the right answers is only a phone call away—call your managed IT services provider to start the process today.

Produced in Partnership with VMWare

Your guide to developing a risk management framework

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From cybercrime to unscheduled downtime, risks and threats are just as much of a problem for small and medium-sized companies as they are for large corporations. Here’s why developing a risk management framework is so vital to staying in control of your business – and here are some tips for drafting your own strategy.

Why a risk management framework is important 

The reality is that downtime costs, on average, between $300,000 and $400,000 per hour. According to recent studies, however, at least 51 percent of costly downtime is avoidable with the right risk management strategy. Risk management is so important, then, because it allows you to plan for disasters and other downtimes. 

With careful planning, you can mitigate the financial and reputation costs associated with downtime, cybercrime, and system failures. It all comes down to your risk management framework.

Steps to creating your risk management framework 

Creating your risk management framework is simpler than it seems. To help you get started, here are some of the key steps you should be following.

Set goals

Establish clear objectives for your risk management framework. Understand what you’re trying to achieve and why it’s important. This helps to keep your framework relevant to your business and your specific needs. 

Identify your major threats

Consider the risks and threats that your company faces. These risks may vary by sector; for example, if you’re in healthcare, data breaches are a major possible risk. Once you’ve identified the risks facing your company, you can move on to the next stage. 

Rank the risks and prioritize them

Some disasters are more likely to affect your business than others. For example, if you operate in a region prone to earthquakes or natural disasters, safeguarding your data and your infrastructure is a major concern.

Establish processes 

Decide how you’ll tackle each threat and establish processes for dealing with them. For example, if cybersecurity is a major concern, set up regular network monitoring and ascertain how you’ll keep your security software up to date.

Undertake procedural testing

Risk management strategies are only effective if you know that they work. Test your threat response time if, for example, malware infiltrated your systems, or a fire broke out. 

Finally, make sure employees understand what to do if they discover a problem. Don’t leave anything to chance – there’s no such thing as overpreparing for risks. 

Review regularly 

The final step for creating a basic risk management framework is establishing an audit and review procedure. You must review the risks affecting your business at regular intervals, and particularly before and after periods of growth or transition. 

You should also establish a procedure for auditing your existing security and risk management protocols, and amend them if they’re no longer working. 

Finally, make sure you have a proper reporting procedure in place. Keep your managers and key personnel informed of any updates to your risk management protocols, and ensure they’re fully aware of any potential or emerging risks and how to deal with them. 

Take action 

Risk management is critical for any business. An effective risk management framework can help you streamline your operations, minimize downtime, and reduce wasted resources. For more information on risk management and developing a framework for your business, contact us today.

5 steps to prepare your business for Windows 7 end of support

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It’s official: Microsoft is soon retiring support for its Windows 7 platform. Windows 10 has been slow to gain popularity with Windows users since its release in 2015, and even now, just under 40% of these users still run Windows 7.

If you’re still holding on to Windows 7 and wonder what its End of Life means for your business, here’s everything you need to know — including why you should upgrade to Windows 10 sooner rather than later. 

Windows 7 End of Life — when it’s happening

Microsoft has announced that it’s withdrawing support for Windows 7 from January 14, 2020, but what does this mean?

  • You can still use Windows 7, if you want to. Your OS won’t simply stop working
  • Microsoft will no longer offer tech support for Windows 7
  • There won’t be any more security upgrades or patches developed for Windows 7

The good news is that you can run Windows 7 for as long as you want to. But the question is: do you want to?

Keeping Windows 7 versus Upgrading to Windows 10

You’re probably wondering if it’s really worth the upheaval of installing new software, and maybe even buying new hardware, when Windows 7 still works from January 15, 2020. Here’s why it’s worth the upgrade.

Reduced cybersecurity

Since Microsoft won’t provide Windows 7 users with cybersecurity support from January 15, 2020, you’re more at risk. Hackers may well take advantage of these unsupported systems and target confidential data contained in the connected devices.

Loss of revenue

System downtime, particularly downtime caused by cybersecurity issues, costs money. On average, just one breached record costs SMBs $148 and 69 days’ worth of downtime.

Without the latest security patches available, Windows 7 devices will be especially vulnerable.

Inefficiency

If your OS crashes more frequently because it’s unsupported, then the workplace is less efficient. What’s more, you’ll miss out on any new efficiency features that Windows 10 has to offer.

Preparing for Windows 7 End of Life: A 5 Step Guide

If you’re making the switch to Windows 10, here are 5 tips to get you started.

1. Plan to succeed

Set out a timeline for phasing out Windows 7 and introducing Windows 10. Take an inventory of your current infrastructure and set a budget for making changes. Stagger the replacements by, say, only upgrading a handful of devices at a time. That way, there’s a chance to sort out teething problems without causing much downtime.

2. Identify what can’t be upgraded

It might not be financially or commercially possible to upgrade all your hardware at one time, or install Windows 10 on every device. Prioritize what must be upgraded and enlist the help of IT specialists to keep your Windows 10 devices running on a separate server from Windows 7 models. 

3. Backup your files

There’s always a chance you’ll experience compatibility issues or a technical error when switching software. Before you make any changes, backup your existing files and store them somewhere safe. The cloud is a convenient and scalable storage option that’s compatible with Windows 10.

4. Change your hardware

If your hardware is between 3-5 years old, it’s probably worth switching replacing them with newer models so they have the space and tech specifications to handle Windows 10. You can always keep some Windows 7 computers as backups.

5. Train your staff

Since it’s a new OS, there will inevitably be staff training needs. Start the process as soon as possible so that staff have time to learn the new hardware and software. This is also a great time to ask IT service providers for help with managing the transition.

If you’re still unsure how Windows 7 End of Life planning affects your business, we’re here to help. Contact us today for more information and advice on Windows 10 integration.

A 6-part checklist to setting up VoIP

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VoIP technology is hardly a new thing.

In fact, it’s easily the current standard for forward-thinking businesses. But there are plenty of small businesses that have yet to make the move to VoIP. And even if you currently have VoIP phone service, it’s never a bad idea to re-evaluate your current plan to ensure it fully meets your needs.

But this isn’t something you want to plunge into without any prep work. Instead, there are some critical questions you should answer before you make a single change—and that’s what we’re going to cover in this article.

“. . . finding the right VoIP solution for your particular situation can be one of the more complex business IT decisions you’ll face.” – PC Mag

Why you need a VoIP plan

Whatever you use for telephone service, either POTS or a VoIP solution, we’re talking about an important part of your business communications.

Even with the rise of email and IMs, there are still plenty of times when the best communication option is still a phone call.

As soon as your SMB graduates beyond the point that a single phone line meets your needs, you have a whole new world of options.

There are all kinds of advanced features available out there, along with providers and plans that run the gamut in terms of service quality and pricing.

The worst thing you can do is just pick one. Instead, we recommend a strategic approach.

Related: Why VoIP is absolutely worth it for SMBs

Your VoIP-readiness checklist

The checklist below will help you decide exactly what you need and will help ensure the VoIP partner you work with is a good fit for your business.

And if you feel you’d be more comfortable with a little help, reach out to your managed IT services provider. They already know your network and should be able to provide you with consultation and support.

✔ Determine your needs

First things first.

Decide how many users you’ll need VoIP service for and what bare-minimum features you’ll need (like voicemail and the ability to transfer calls).

Why?

The number of users is important because that number will help you hone in on the service plan you’ll need from any VoIP providers you shop. The minimum features are important for a whole different reason.

VoIP services come with a lot of bells and whistles. So many that it’s easy to get lost in the options. Start by deciding what your minimum requirements are so you don’t accidentally talk yourself into advanced features you don’t really need later.

Strategic add-ons are smart. Features that sound nice but don’t really bring value should be avoided.

Related: Crafting the perfect voicemail greetings

✔ Decide if you want or need hardware

VoIP phone systems can be entirely software based. If you opt for omitting hardware, you can run your entire phone system with headsets connected individual workstations and/or smartphone apps.

There are pros and cons to this approach.

You’ll definitely save money, but there’s a learning curve, too. And some of your employees may not be crazy about the idea of wearing a headset instead of picking up a receiver, which feels familiar.

✔ Make sure your internet connection is up to par

Most likely, your internet connection is just fine for VoIP service. Most business plans provide more than enough bandwidth to support voice calls as well as standard internet traffic.

That said, what if your internet traffic is higher than the average? Or what if you have a particularly slow business plan for internet service? Or what if you have a bandwidth cap?

Know what you’re working with before you start researching specific options. If you need to upgrade your bandwidth first, take care of that.

✔ Decide on a budget

Make note of the fact that so far, we haven’t suggested you start comparison shopping. There’s a good reason for that. The first four items on this checklist should all happen before you start shopping—including setting your budget.

There are options all over the map in terms of features, requirements and budget. Decide what you’re actually prepared and able to spend before you give serious consideration to any options.

“Your business might be small, maybe even downright tiny, but moving to VoIP can give you the power and presence of a much larger company.” – Forbes

✔ Comparison shop VoIP providers

Once you know all of that, then it’s time to shop.

Do your homework. Don’t get lured into anything by one slick-talking sales rep or one particularly dazzling website. Look at reviews, compare features, and read the fine print.

Make your final buying decision as dispassionately as possible.

✔ Create a transition plan

Finally, when everything else is done and in place, create a transition plan. You won’t want to move to your new VoIP service during a busy season or on the day of the week when you get the most phone traffic.

Plan to switch things over during a slower time, and have people on hand to test the new system to make sure everything is working the way you expect it to.

A final suggestion

VoIP services are a great option for SMBs, but like all business technology, you’ll get the most out of VoIP when you have solid support. If you don’t already have a managed IT services partner, we suggest that you think about getting one.

Not only will that make the switch to VoIP easier, but it will also benefit your business across the board.

Keep reading: Everything you need to know about VoIP phone systems

What’s an IP phone and why is it amazing for business operations?

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It wasn’t that long ago that a traditional phone system was one of the non-negotiables for any serious business. And by “traditional phone system,” we’re talking about a physical PBX (Private Branch Exchange) complete with actual phones on every desk.

My, how things have changed.

Today, progressive SMBs are more likely to use IP phones than traditional phone service, and for good reason. The benefits are compelling. Not only that, but there’s a good chance your managed IT services provider can help with the setup and maintenance of an IP phone system, making the transition easier than you might expect.

What is an IP phone?

First things first, though. What is an IP phone?

IP phones are most often referred to as VoIP phones. VoIP stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol,” and it’s basically what it sounds like—a phone connection over the internet.

An IP phone system makes use of VoIP technology instead of traditional phone service, sometimes referred to as POTS, or “Plain Old Telephone Service.”

“Voice over IP (VoIP) has gone from alternative technology to the primary way that businesses and many homes implement voice communications.” – PC Mag

VoIP or POTS?

As mentioned above, POTS was the standard just a few years ago. Stable, reliable VoIP service is a relatively new technology, but it’s quickly outpacing POTS. An IP phone system can deliver far more value than POTS, giving SMBs options that used to be limited to enterprise-level companies.

We’re going to get into the specifics below, but for now, there’s one key distinction to hone in on. VoIP systems give you more. More options. More ways of staying in contact. More value for the expense.

POTS is still an option, and some SMBs will still opt for it, but we strongly recommend IP phone systems for SMBs that are growth-oriented.

What IP phones do for SMBs

We’ve talked up IP phones. Now it’s time to share why we believe VoIP phone systems are better for SMBs. Below are several specific advantages of IP phones, but this list is not exhaustive.

If you really want strategic insight into what an IP phone system can do for your business, we recommend talking to a VoIP expert.

“Today companies seeking a new communications solutions are more likely to consider a cloud-hosted VoIP system over a traditional phone service.” – TechRepublic

Ditch the hardware

VoIP phones are software-based, which has the potential to benefit small businesses in two ways. First, it means you won’t have to make a hefty investment in new equipment to go from POTS to VoIP. Second, it means you won’t have to worry about the costs associated with maintaining physical equipment.

If you prefer having a physical phone at each desk, there are phones designed to work with VoIP service. Alternately, you can just use a headset connected to your computer or use an app on your mobile phone.

Boost your scalability

Because IP phones don’t require hardware, they’re scalable in a way traditional phone systems could never be. Adding a new line can be as simple as making a couple of quick changes to a web-based dashboard. No need to call in a specialist to install a new physical phone.

For a growing SMB, this is crucial. It’s one less thing you have to deal with when onboarding a new team member.

Take your phone with you

Mobile apps make it possible to have your work phone on you all the time . . . without having to give out your personal cell phone number, carry two phones or pay for an extra mobile line.

Whether you do a lot of traveling for your business or just have the occasional meeting across town, the portability of IP phones is a huge plus.

Go beyond voice

IP phones are integrated with all kinds of features that go beyond voice-only communication. Everything from video conferencing to file sharing is possible, making collaboration at a distance easier than it’s ever been.

Plus, the advanced features that used to be so expensive only enterprises could afford them are standard in many VoIP packages.

For a fraction of what it used to cost, you can give your SMB a big business feel.

Related: Crafting the perfect voicemail greeting

Deliver on value

Speaking of cost, SMB leaders are universally interested in the bottom line.

Some VoIP providers will promise savings no matter what, but to be candid, that’s just careless. We can’t guarantee you’ll save money.

But here’s what we can promise.

You’re not likely to get the same value from POTS as you will from an IP phone system. You might be able to pay slightly less for POTS, but you’ll be taking such a big step down in features that it’s simply not worth it.

Moving your SMB to an IP phone system

If you’re interested in getting VoIP service for your company, there are two ways you can move forward. The first is to research available services on your own and plunge into a DIY solution. If you don’t mind doing some homework, this is one of those things you could handle on your own.

However, we recommend talking to a VoIP expert. First, a pro will know all about the available options and will be able to help you find the one that matches your needs best. And second, you’ll save a ton of time. There are a lot of VoIP providers out there. An expert can help you hone in on the one that works for you much more quickly than you’ll be able to find one on your own.

Either way—shopping for yourself or talking to an expert—IP phones are definitely the best communication option for SMBs.

Keep reading: Everything you need to know about VoIP phone systems

Mitigating disaster risk and downtime for hospitals

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In July 2018, Blount Memorial Hospital in Tennessee had a nightmare experience. Their electronic health records (EHR) system was offline for three days. During that time, 90 doctors were unable to access patient records.

Appointments were canceled. People didn’t receive care.

When the whole thing was said and done, the hospital’s board of directors made the decision to invest in a $30,000 backup system to ensure nothing like that would ever happen again.

What’s at risk

Hospitals and other medical services businesses are in a unique position when it comes to disaster recovery and downtime readiness. This isn’t just a matter of lost profits, damage to your reputation, or inconvenience for your employees and customers. The health and wellness of people are at stake.

As a result, every kind of medical services provider has an obligation to go above and beyond to mitigate the risk of downtime and prepare for possible disasters.

Practical measures

In advising these businesses about disaster recovery, the core of our standard advice is the same for hospitals, physician practices and other medical businesses. Prepare. Don’t just wait for disaster to strike. Have a plan.

When it comes to the medical industry, there are specific forms of preparation that are uniquely important. Below are some of the things medical providers should do to lower the risk of downtime and prepare for outages.

Expect downtime

First and foremost, let go of any expectation that downtime won’t happen to you. Your hospital isn’t exempt. Your office isn’t the exception. Downtime happens to just about every business. It can (and will) happen to yours.

That’s an important step in preparation because you won’t take a disaster recovery and downtime plan seriously if you think you’ll never have to use it.

Create a communications plan

A communications plan is essential for any disaster recovery plan. Your doctors and staff need to know whom to contact, how communications will be conducted, which channels will be used for what purpose, and what communication activity is most essential in the event of downtime.

Be specific. Spell out exactly who should be in contact with whom, and make sure everyone knows the plan well ahead of time. Update it when you have changes in your system, your policies and in your personnel, if appropriate.

Develop a downtime toolkit

Downtime toolkits “contain paper copies of clinical documents and procedures to follow when their EHR is not available.” A downtime toolkit may also include a read-only database of patient records as an emergency backup system.

This is a critical resource, but one that absolutely requires the help of an IT consultant. A doctor’s office that deals in non-emergency care may not need a full downtime toolkit, but every hospital should have some kind of system for continuing to provide healthcare, even if the entire local network goes offline.

Consider an on-site fallback generator

On-site generators can help in situations where a power outage is to blame for downtime. However, power outages are only one of several things that can take an IT network offline. While an on-site generator certainly makes sense (particularly for critical care facilities), this alone will not protect your hospital from every form of downtime.

Perform downtime drills

EHR simulation drills will give you an idea of how prepared your hospital’s staff are, and they will give your staff a chance to understand and experience what to expect when the real thing strikes.

As a recent article in EHR Intelligence notes, “Strategizing to fill gaps in care that crop up during EHR downtime simulations can help to reduce the risk of slowdowns, delays, threats to patient harm, or billing problems during real instances of EHR downtime.”

Enlist some help

Finally, no hospital should be without professional help when it comes to downtime readiness and a disaster recovery plan. If your in-house IT department isn’t fully prepared to take on this crucial task, find an IT consultant with experience supporting the healthcare industry to help you and your team.

With the right preparation, downtime won’t stop your hospital or medical practice from providing the care your patients rely on.