We like tech, it’s what we do. As the holiday shopping season kicks into overdrive, we are bringing you 12 of the most requested, most wanted tech gifts for 2017. Check back each business day between now and December 19th for another must-have tech item and why you should check it out. This USB drive has connectors for both USB-A and USB-C, to make it simpler for transferring data between computers and even some newer Android phones with USB-C. Laptops, Android phones, Macs, and PCs are all utilizing the USB-C connection. With this, there’s no need to worry which type of flash drive you have. The Dual Drive comes in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB sizes. The 32GB can be found for less than $20, while the bigger sizes will run you a bit more money. Happy Holidays and good luck on the tech hunt from all of us here at {company}!

Personal safety is something we all take very seriously. No one likes to be in a situation where they feel threatened or unsafe, no matter how pertinent the fear may seem. This is something many of us deal with. Walking alone late at night, in a parking garage with just one or two other people, situations such as these can make you feel unsafe and hyper-aware of your surroundings. This is especially true for women of all ages, as more and more stories of kidnapping and missing girls are seen in the news. Apple has decided to address their users concerns about personal safety by adding a new emergency feature in the iOS 11 update. The update features emergency SOS activation that is simpler to use and provides a quicker response in the case of an emergency. To activate the feature there are two possible methods depending on which iPhone you have. For the iPhone 7, 7 Plus, and other older models the emergency feature is activated by rapidly pressing the lock button 5 times in a row. For those with the iPhone 8, 8 Plus or iPhone X this feature can be accessed by pressing and holding the side button along with one of the volume buttons at the same time. Performing either of these actions based on your iPhone model will bring you to the power down screen, where the option of Medical ID and Emergency SOS are displayed. This screen displays these options in a manner which allows the user to choose what they would like to do. This is in place so that you do not accidently call emergency services by leaving your phone in your pocket or by giving your phone to a small child. This iPhone update also has an Auto Call option which you can enable to call as soon as you do the required action. To enable Auto Call you first must go into the setting application on your phone. From here you scroll down the list until you reach the “Emergency SOS” option. Select this option and then swipe the Auto Call toggle to be on. It should be all the way to the right. To turn the Auto Call off simple slide the switch back to the left. When Auto Call is enabled your phone will automatically dial 911 or other emergency services if you are in another country. This feature would be useful if you are in a situation that would stop you from sliding the appropriate option on your screen. Don’t worry though, if you enable and make an auto call accidentally, there is an option to set a three second timer that would allow you to stop the call before it is made. The iOS 11 emergency setting also has a feature which allows users to list emergency contacts in the case that one is needed. Emergency contacts are set up in the health app. You must choose the medical ID option and then select edit which is located in the top right corner. Scroll down to the emergency contacts section and select the “+” button to add a contact. You can add multiple contacts and even choose what relation they are to you. It can be useful to add an emergency contact in case you find yourself in a situation where you are unconscious or incoherent and are unable to make decisions for yourself. The emergency contact feature further takes iPhone users safety into consideration, and can be a comfort to individuals. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to help another person, you can use their iPhone to not only alert authorities and the correct personnel, but to also let their listed emergency contact know what has happened to them. This is useful so that you may gain any important information on the person such as health or medical concerns and risks. This makes the Medical ID tool useful in more ways than one. One side effect from enabling the emergency SOS or Medical ID services is that your phone will be temporarily locked. This means that you will not be able to unlock your phone with your finger print or facial scanners, and instead you must input your passcode. This keeps the information you have on your phone safe, even if you may not be in a very safe situation or location. Something that makes this feature notable is that it is compatible with emergency services you may not even know exist. This means that with the new iOS 11 software update iPhone users can remain safe while traveling at home or abroad. With the ability to place emergency calls so quickly, iPhone users can rest assured in knowing that they will be able to reach the right people in a timely fashion. This new development in personal safety shows people that they are cared for, and they can rely on Apple products even more.

We like tech, it’s what we do. As the holiday shopping season kicks into overdrive, we are bringing you 12 of the most requested, most wanted tech gifts for 2017. Check back each business day between now and December 19th for another must-have tech item and why you should check it out. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 has an all-glass design with four speakers and a High Dynamic Range (HDR) ready display. HDR offers better contrast and a better color range than regular HD does, making this the tablet of choice for all your streaming needs. The speakers are positioned in the corners and the sound moves accordingly when the device is rotated. The tablet also comes packaged with a revamped Samsung S-Pen stylus. If you are one who enjoys taking notes on your tablet or prefer doing a lot with a pen, this stylus writes smoothly and never has to be synced or charged. Besides writing, the S-Pen adds precision to coloring, drawing, and more. There’s also an add-on keyboard ($130) for those who want to use theirs as a word processor or for using the internet. The Tab S3 uses a USB-C connection for fast charging, has a fingerprint sensor on the home button, and uses an all-glass design, rather than aluminum like most tablets do. Unlike your iPhone, this tablet is equipped with a standard headphone jack, so that you can use your current headphones with it. The Tab S3 really shines when playing video. The screen is crisp and sharp, and the sound is loud and clear thanks to the four-speaker setup. It is the first and so far, the only, HDR-ready tablet on the market. If the sticker price doesn’t give you pause ($599), then the Galaxy Tab S3 is the tablet to get this Christmas. Happy Holidays and good luck on the tech hunt from all of us here at {company}!

We like tech, it’s what we do. As the holiday shopping season kicks into overdrive, we are bringing you 12 of the most requested, most wanted tech gifts for 2017. Check back each business day between now and December 19th for another must-have tech item and why you should check it out. Microsoft’s thin laptop/tablet hybrid two-in-one PC arrived on the market a couple of years ago and became an instant must-have item. This year’s models are no different. The 13-inch model comes in several variations of hard drive space and RAM and starts at $1499. Joining the fray is a 15-inch version with just as many memory options, but starts out at a hefty $2500. The biggest difference between the two (aside from screen size) is the video graphics card in each one. The 15-inch is equipped with a more powerful video memory card, allowing it to act as a mobile gaming machine. Whether you’re playing Gears of War 4 or Cup Head, the machine isn’t likely to lag or slow down. Both models come with a detachable screen, USB-C port, 17 hours of battery life, SD card reader, and offer touch screen with surface pen support. The pen allows you to sketch, write, and compose easily with virtually no lag. Part tablet, part PC, and part gaming machine, the Surface Book 2 stands atop the laptop landscape this holiday season. Happy Holidays and good luck on the tech hunt from all of us here at {company}!

We like tech, it’s what we do. As the holiday shopping season kicks into overdrive, we are bringing you 12 of the most requested, most wanted tech gifts for 2017. Check back each business day between now and December 19th for another must-have tech item and why you should check it out. You’ve purchased the new Xbox One X or a PS4 Pro, and now you can’t wait to get gaming. Or maybe the console purchase was for a spouse and/or child. Sure, your run-of-the-mill HDMI capable TV that adorns your living room will connect. But you didn’t get all that new and great 4K power just to force it onto a standard high definition television, did you? Of course not. You have 4K now, so that demands a great 4K experience. The folks over at Samsung hear you and have just the screen in mind. The Samsung Q7F is the perfect TV for your 4K movies or games. It’s great for media consumption, with four HDMI ports and three USB ports. These can be used individually, or you can connect all your devices to the Samsung One Connect Box, which acts as a hub for HDMI connections and feeds into the TV via a single cable. Super convenient when you have multiple systems. Recommended by the folks over at Xbox, this premium screen will run you minimum $2,800 for the 55” model and as high as $6,000 for the 75” version. Available at most retailers, the best deals are usually hiding on the store’s website. Happy Holidays and good luck on the tech hunt from all of us here at {company}!

We like tech, it’s what we do. As the holiday shopping season kicks into overdrive, we are bringing you 12 of the most requested, most wanted tech gifts for 2017. Check back each business day between now and December 19th for another must-have tech item and why you should check it out. Nintendo knows how to get people excited, and excited they are to get the newest Nintendo console, the Nintendo Switch. The biggest draw might be the ability to play on your TV at home then remove it from its docking station and continue playing on the go as a handheld system. The console seamlessly transitions from one mode to the other, allowing you to take the game with you. Attached to your TV, the Switch docking station connects via HDMI and gives you true HD gameplay. The controller, the Joy-Con, separates into two controllers for multiplayer or the two can be attached to the sides of the console for gaming on the go. The Switch comes with a tiny 32GB of internal storage, but that can be easily upgraded to 2TB with a micro SD card. Unlike previous Nintendo consoles, or even the Xbox and PlayStation, the Switch doesn’t use discs. Instead, it uses small cartridges, like the games on the 3DS handheld system. At only $299.99 it’s an affordable piece of hardware with a unique array of software already available for it. It doesn’t play DVDs or Blu-rays, but it makes up for it with fun and exciting games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo has said that they are doubling their production on the Switch, so it should be in ample supply this holiday. Happy Holidays and good luck on the tech hunt from all of us here at {company}!

We like tech, it’s what we do. As the holiday shopping season kicks into overdrive, we are bringing you 12 of the most requested, most wanted tech gifts for 2017. Check back each business day between now and December 19th for another must-have tech item and why you should check it out. Google has been hitting the market over the past year with their own devices to rival their competition in the tech market. One of these innovations is the Google Home Mini. The Mini is considerably smaller than their standard Google Home device ($129) and sports a smaller price tag accordingly. The Mini is built with families in mind and works in conjunction with Chromecast to control your TV, stream movies, and send music to your speakers. You can also have the Google Mini play from the device itself. It recognizes your voice, so multiple users can access their own playlists, calendars, and more with just their voice. It also features hands-free calling for those times when too busy to hold a phone to your ear. The mini can control your lights, thermostat, and more with a voice command, but those require external devices and/or apps. Overall, for only $49 it does a solid job of bringing your entertainment into the next generation without depleting your rainy-day fund. Happy Holidays and good luck on the tech hunt from all of us here at {company}!

The case for abandoning break-fix, volunteer-based IT support Elementary schools are very busy places with a variety of moving parts and different departments. Administrators face a big task in making sure the needs of students, families, teachers and support staff are met. Considering this long list of responsibilities, IT support often takes a back seat to other critical tasks. In fact, there is a growing trend in the education industry that is seeing elementary schools rely on casual, volunteer-based IT support. Instead of laying out a deliberate plan and partnering with a managed IT service provider, educational administrators are simply using break-fix, as-needed models of support, provided by volunteers or tech-savvy team members. “Bill Can Probably Fix That” – Why Casual IT Support Doesn’t Make Sense We get it. For busy elementary schools, IT simply isn’t the top priority – and it shouldn’t have to be. School administrators have more important things to be worrying about than making sure email is up-and-running and library computers are working. So, they get in a habit of only dealing with tech issues as they arise. Volunteers are called in on an SOS basis to address problems as they happen. However, looking at the big picture, this approach can actually result in more work and stress for school administrators. Setting up a proactive plan with a team of strategic IT professionals can keep school networks secure and functional while making the lives of administrators easier. It must be noted that tech volunteers can be extremely qualified professionals. It’s not at all to say that volunteers aren’t reliable or don’t know what they’re doing – it’s just that they can’t provide the same consistency and robust support that a managed service provider can. So, even though volunteers may be pretty good at answering your SOS calls, it just makes more sense to be proactive – especially in an increasingly digital world. Let’s look at the leading ways schools can benefit from abandoning volunteer-based, break-fix IT support: Security & Peace of Mind The cyber climate is more dangerous than ever and it’s evolving by the day. As cybercriminals get more sophisticated, it’s critical that organizations get more vigilant. While your school may have anti-virus and firewall solutions in place, and volunteer support may be able to mitigate minor threats, there’s something to be said for a robust and layered security strategy. Managed service providers rely on industry best practices to implement proactive cybersecurity strategies and strategic monitoring tools. This kind of security strategy takes pressure off administrators and avoids potentially disastrous situations when volunteers are unavailable. Having a constant eye on the school’s network provides unparalleled peace of mind for busy administrators. Consistency & Predictability Some of the concern around abandoning volunteer IT support is the potential impact on the budget. Education budgets are already stretched thin and there are rarely surplus funds to finance elaborate technical support. However, partnering with a fair and valuable IT service provider is actually cost-effective in the long run. First, with managed IT services, schools avoid the downtime associated with tech failures or waiting on volunteer support. With a team of tech experts on standby, problems will be handled more quickly and employees in every department will remain productive. Second, partnering with a managed service provider offers huge cost predictability potential. Administrators work with providers to determine what’s needed and then they have a predictable monthly cost, which ensures systems stay consistently secure and functional. No surprising tech costs or guesswork when pricing out equipment – an IT partner works to support organizational budgets. Strategic Optimization Partnering with an MSP provides more than security and support. Teams of IT professionals have extensive experience optimizing tech resources to meet the unique needs of any organization. By examining how a school operates and understanding department workflows, IT providers can help administrators streamline processes and increase efficiency. For example, email platforms can be optimized to streamline communication between office and teaching staff. Calendar integration tools can help administrators and educators organize meetings and events and keep track of important deadlines and dates. Cloud platforms can help schools organize data, collaborate on projects and reach out to students and families. The possibilities for optimization are truly endless, and having a strategic IT partner to drive that optimization makes all the difference. Continual Development Finally, in a constantly evolving world of technology, it’s critical to acknowledge that things move fast. In order to keep up, schools need to embrace new resources for learning and educational administration. Partnering with a managed IT service provider is a way of keeping a finger on the pulse of tech development. A strategic IT partner can continually consult with school administrators to re-evaluate tech strategies and ensure the latest tech capabilities are being utilized to support educational goals. From smart-boards to learning software, having a technology partner on standby helps schools stay consistently connected with technological development. Making the Switch: How to Transition from Volunteer IT Support to Proactive Managed Services Understanding the benefits is one thing, but making the transition is an entirely different beast. Many school administrators have understandable concerns about finding a reliable service provider who will meet their needs without overselling. However, there are a few simple strategies that can help administrative teams make informed decisions when it comes to more formal IT support. Really, it’s is all about creating a ‘needs inventory.’ What does the current infrastructure look like and what does the school need in terms of technology resources? Is there already a reliable network infrastructure or is there a need to start from scratch? Are there dynamic software solutions in place for employees or is there a more casual and scattered approach? Once a school determines what they need from technology, choosing the right provider and resources will be much easier. However, for administrators who are completely lost on where to start, it’s a great idea to reach out to local IT service providers to get their input on how to best

Digital photography is becoming easier to do with your smartphone, some phone cameras even rivaling some of the lower end cameras. But for those purists out there, it’s tough to beat the value you get with the Sony Alpha 6000. The camera is a mirrorless design with interchangeable lenses and takes photos at 24 megapixels, that’s double what the iPhone X offers. The body design is the perfect size for the average human, not too small nor too large. It fits just right in your hand. It offers fast, continuous shooting (up to 11 frames per second) all while maintaining autofocus and auto exposure, and is sports a quicker autofocus than the leading DSLR camera. The A6000 also shoots video in 1080p and comes equipped with HDMI output. A great camera for the price, you can snag one with a 16-50mm lens for around $550. More lenses are available but will quickly run up the price.

Weighing the pros and cons of software subscription and perpetual license models With a big name, traditionally boxed products like Microsoft Office 365 being offered via new subscription licensing models and online subscription platforms like G Suite we, as IT pros, have decided to consider the subscription model and determine if and when it is right for businesses. Many of our clients rely on software platforms to get work done and have been asking us questions about subscription vs. purchase options. In some cases, like with Microsoft Office, businesses have the choice to buy boxed products, volume license deals, or subscription licenses. This is very flexible and allows us a variety of alternative options. G Suite, however, doesn’t offer the physical purchase version – online subscription licensing is the only option. As the business environment continues to evolve, subscription models of all kinds will be a growing trend –  something that the tech industry must face and understand. Why Subscribe? The Top Reasons Software Subscription Licensing is Becoming More Popular First, let’s outline some of the basic pros and cons of the subscription and purchase models. Many people, especially in IT, assume that subscriptions are designed to extract higher fees from customers. However, at its core, subscription pricing is simply a licensing approach and it doesn’t necessarily mean an increase in cost. In fact, in some cases, subscription models may result in a cost decrease. Finance Benefits: Budget-Friendly with Big Value Very simply, a move to subscription licensing means businesses are able to move from capital expenses to operational expenses which are generally regarded as a smart business move. However, the subscription model offers far more value than that. Subscription pricing gives businesses huge control when it comes to cost predictability. Using a subscription model for software needs allows businesses to more accurately predict their costs over time, with very few unexpected surprises. In the traditional purchase approach, software updates are manual and often forgotten, meaning some users would require old platforms to be updated. This would then result in expensive renewal invoices with seemingly no warning. Even worse, these costs are often followed by a spike in training costs, to help users quickly adapt to big gaps in software versions. Subscription pricing is more budget-friendly because costs normally fluctuate fluidly with employee count. This provides optimal scalability potential. As new employees are hired, businesses can predict exactly how much they will cost. Furthermore, when employees leave, subscriptions can be discontinued and cost can be reduced. The only software that is truly used is purchased. The need to overbuy in the name of predicted growth is no longer an issue with the subscription model. Subscription licensing also provides huge flexibility and supports business growth by allowing businesses to pay only for what they use, as they use it. IT Benefits: How the Subscription Model Helps Tech Departments Work Smarter Not Harder Now that we know it makes financial sense, let’s take a look at the IT benefits gained by adopting the subscription model pricing. First and foremost, IT efforts are streamlined because relationships with finance and human resources are optimized using the subscription model. This eliminates redundancies and helps make all components of business work in support of one another. But the subscription model offers far more IT benefits than that. Let’s outline some of the specific ways that the subscription model optimizes business IT: Best Practices and Automatic Updates Business IT is enriched thanks to the effective enforcement of best practices through the subscription licensing model. Businesses are often on the fence when it comes to investing in new software versions, which often results in support issues, unnecessary complexity, and frustrated users. With subscription pricing, IT is constantly supplied with the latest updates for users, which strongly enriches functionality and user experience. Simply put, the subscription model makes software optimization relatively automatic. Optimized License Management Speaking of automatic, the subscription model also enriches overall IT efforts by optimizing licensing management. The subscription model makes it far easier to determine license availability and need. Internal audits are unnecessary because the licensing process is generally handled via an authentication mechanism with the vendor. This means unless some drastic and specific effort is taken to violate licensing protocols – like cracking software or some other extreme measure – licensing accidents are very rare and easy to mediate. Customization and User Control The subscription model also offers a huge boost when it comes to customization and user controls. Some employees require a more dynamic feature set than others. In the traditional, license purchase model, complex processes would be required to designate user permissions and customize account controls. With the subscription model, licenses can be purchased at the minimum level and upgraded as needed. The model offers the ability to easily customize per user, over time, based on a variety of different needs. This makes it easier than ever for administrators to customize access and optimize user experience Okay, The Subscription Model is Great – But Should You Go Microsoft or Google? Understanding the benefits of the subscription model is just the first part. While there are many providers on the market, the clear leaders are Microsoft’s Office 365 and Google’s G Suite. While both models offer their service through a subscription pricing model, there are some key things to consider when choosing a provider to subscribe to. When it comes down to it, we’re team Microsoft. To understand why let’s break down the benefits and limitations of each platform: Microsoft Office 365 POWER Office 365 is the market champion when it comes to business software. It’s familiar, integrated and has a legacy all its own. Under the subscription model, users can subscribe to on-server versions, Cloud versions or both – making anytime work a constant possibility. Additionally, since Microsoft has been on the market so long, they’ve worked out bugs and created a truly optimized package of integrated apps. CUSTOMIZATION Customization and user control runs at optimal levels in Office 365. Licenses