When Microsoft introduced Windows 7 to the general public on
October 22, 2009, it made a commitment for product support of Windows 7 for 10
years. On January 14, 2020 the product
support for Windows 7 will end, this will include both updates and technical
support.
What does this mean for you if are still using Windows 7
after January 14, 2020. For starter it
may be a good idea to move to Windows 10 as soon as possible. When product support ends there will no
longer be updates for Windows 7. You can
continue to use Windows 7, but you will be taking a risk with no updates your
computer will be vulnerable to security risks and viruses, there will no longer
be security updates from Microsoft.
How to prepare for Windows 7 end of life: Microsoft highly recommends an upgrade to Windows 10. When upgrading make sure the Windows 7 PC is compatible with the Windows 10 software. The minimal requirements for upgrade:
Processor: 1 giga hertz (GHz) or faster
processor or SoC.
RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB or
64-bit.
Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS, 20 GB for
64-bit OS.
Graphic card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0
driver
Display: 800×600
For those that have a Windows 7 PC that isn’t compatible
with Windows 10 software, it is highly recommended that they purchase a PC with
Windows 10. PCs today are much faster
and lighter than when Windows 7 first come on to the scene, and less expensive
also then they were. It maybe time for an entire PC replacement.
If you run a business that still uses Windows 7, then you
have a dilemma. Upgrading all your PCs to Windows 10, and retraining staff,
might prove tricky before Windows 7’s End of Life on January 14 2020.
However, you don’t want to risk running an operating system
that doesn’t get security patches. The good news is that Microsoft will be
offering Windows 7 Extended Security Updates, which will continue to deliver
updates and patches for Windows 7 business users after January 2020.
However, the updates will come at a price on a per device basis, just how much it will cost for support for Windows Enterprise users using Windows 7: For the first year after the End of Life date (January 2020 – January 2021), the cost is $25 per device. This rises to $50 per device for year two (January 2021 – January 2022), For year three $100 per device (January 2022 to January 2023).
It appears that at the moment Microsoft is hoping by 2023, Windows 7 use will be small enough to stop offering the extended security updates.
No matter which route you take it is advised that you safely back up your documents. Whether you are upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 or moving to a Linux or a Mac make sure you have your documents backed up to transfer to your new operating system.
Customized Computer Services, Inc. (CCSI) has been serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Area for 29 years. We have helped our business clients to migrate to Windows 10 seamlessly, as we move towards the end of life for Windows 7. Contact us to help your business upgrade to Windows 10.
When choosing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) you are going
to incur an operating expense there is no sugar coating that. But the benefits of having an MSP will be
worth the expense. The benefits, increased
efficiency, better operations, improved production, improved services and
reduced costly risks which lead to an overall increase of Return on Investment
(ROI). Just what should one look for
when choosing an MSP? Its not an easy
decision to turn your IT over to a provider.
The MSP should meet criteria that your company requires and the MSP
should be able to deliver on most if not all the requirements. Here are somethings to look for when choosing
a Managed Service Provider:
Longevity: You
want an MSP that has been around for a while and can provide references from
its clients.
Good references:
Get references from clients of the MSP.
This way you will have a better idea of just what the MSP company can
handle in terms of IT capability. You will get a sense of how satisfied a
client of the MSP company is. From the
reference you will find out how reputable the MSP is that you might use for IT
services.
Industrial
Experience: Does the MSP have industrial specific knowledge. If the business you are in is a Medical practice
does the MSP know the compliance that is required and do they know how to deal
with trouble shooting issues that arise from software that is used. If you run a restaurant you may want an MSP
that has experience dealing with restaurants. Making sure that the company
deals with clientele that is similar to your business.
Designing an IT
system: Does the MSP design an IT system that Supports the company’s
growth, there are many service providers out there that are more interested in
their bottom line as opposed to creating a symbiotic relationship. The IT system that is designed should
consider where the company the MSP is providing services to today, where it
will be tomorrow and beyond.
Remote Management and
Monitoring (RMM) and Onsite Support: One of the must haves in choosing an
MSP company is do they have 24 hours 7 days a week and 365 days a year Remote
Management and Monitoring (RMM). The MSP
should be able to manage and monitor your entire IT infrastructure remotely. The MSP also should provide onsite support as
well. When it is time to switch out parts or to handle onsite issues that can’t
be done remotely. A good MSP doesn’t leave your side when you need them the
most; they should make the necessary house calls to make sure everything is
running smoothly.
Consultation Service: The MSP company should offer consultation
service to its clients making suggestions as well listen to suggestions that
will improve efficiency for the company as well as for the MSP. Making IT purchase can be costly a good MSP
should be able to guide you on the proper route and help to minimize
unnecessary expenses and provide customized solutions to meet your needs.
Service Contract:
Does the MSP list all the services that they will provide on the contract and
details of contract work as well as noncontract terms. The last thing a company wants is to be stuck
in a contract with an MSP that cannot meet the needs of their client. Make sure
that the terms are agreeable and there is flexibility which will allow you to
add or remove services.
Response Time: Having an MSP that has a good response time
is important for both parties. An MSP should be able to provide a time frame of
when they will be able to address any issues that may arise.
Are They insured: It is important to verify if the MSP is
insured and has a current policy in place to protect your company from any mistakes
on the MSP’s part.
These are just some of the items to look for when choosing a Managed Service Provider. Hiring an MSP for your IT can be a difficult task. Choosing an MSP that is right can help a business become efficient and profitable, by allowing the company to concentrate on the things that matters the most growing the business.
Customized Computer Services Inc., (CCSI) has been serving the DFW area for 29 years. Our staff has over 20+ years of experience. We provide services to all facets of industries from Architecture firms, Aviation, Government facilities, Medical practices, Manufacturing industries and Restaurants. Contact us to set up an initial consultation and find out what CCSI can do for your company’s IT.
When a company’s business critical information gets larger,
the questions that arises is how to manage the vastly growing amounts of data,
for many, colocation has emerged as a possible solution. Colocation is no
longer just available to large businesses it is available to medium and small businesses
as well. What are the benefits of outsourcing your data to a colocation?
Affordability: Colocation can save your company money, they help in
reducing capital investment costs, as the company data base grows the
colocation has enough space to accommodate the growth. Outsourced colocation makes financial sense in
almost all cases.
24/7/365 Monitoring and Support: Having a skilled technician
watching over your Data 24/7/365 lets you sleep well at night knowing
everything is running smoothly.
Security & Compliance: With cyber threats becoming a
major player in today’s world it is imperative that secure access and 24/7/365
monitoring are in place. Colocations must meet the standards imposed for
security as well as be compliant with standards imposed by HIPPA, PCI and SSAE
standards.
Expertise: Data center operators provide limited services, which allows them to hone their skill sets to what matters the most making sure your data is accessible at all time, the colo is cooled properly, the data is protected.
Disaster Recovery Preparedness: Having your data at a
colocation gives the business peace of mind, knowing that their data will be
available to them and should there be a natural calamity, the colocations will
provide redundancy in recovering data. Making Data Recovery one of the primary
reason to consider a colocation.
Room for growth: Colocation
allows you to expand your infrastructure to fit the needs of your company’s
growth without having to take on capital expenditures. If you’re company grows,
your IT infrastructure can expand to support it quickly and with less
investment.
Better connectivity: Colocation data centers have fully
redundant network connections ensuring that customers’ business critical
applications always run uninterrupted.
Colocation provider for management of critical information and assets, allow businesses to have complete control of their hardware and software, but it will be housed in a facility that will optimize its performance through careful monitoring, risk mitigation, heightened security, and stability. More and more companies from large scale to small scale are turning to colocation, small business enjoy the feature of a large IT department without the capital investment. Medium to large business have the ability to expand their infrastructure without costly expenses such as construction or facility leasing.
Customized Computer Service Inc (CCSI) we have been serving the Dallas- Fort Worth area for over 28 years. Contact us and ask us about our colocation services.
As business grows it is vital for data to be readily available to the employees and saved in a central location. Having a computer network helps information travel through a centralized location to those who have access to the data where ever they maybe. A computer network that is well set up is akin to a business running like a well-oiled machine. There are many benefits of having a computer network all which help a business to be more efficient.
What are the benefits of having a computer network?
• Communication and collaboration: It’s very difficult for people to work together if no one shares what anyone else is doing. A computer network helps create a team environment which help to get everyone on the same page. A network allows employees to share files, view other people’s work, and exchange ideas more efficiently. In any office you can use e-mail and instant messaging tools to communicate quickly and to store messages for future reference. • Data protection and Management: A network makes it easier to back up all of your company’s data on an offsite server, a set of tapes, CDs, or other backup systems. Having a central point of data backup allows data to be readily available in case of a disaster. Making disaster recovery easier, than having individuals backing up their data where it can be lost, misplaced or stolen. • File sharing: A network makes it very easy for everyone to access the same file and prevents people from accidentally creating different versions of the files. • Organization: Having a centralized scheduling system allows for businesses to prepare and employees to stay aware of assignments. From scheduling assignments to scheduling availability a centralized IT Network is an invaluable tool in today’s business world. A variety of scheduling software is available that makes it possible to arrange meetings without constantly checking everyone’s schedules. • Hardware sharing: With a network, several computers can share the same printer. Although you might need a more expensive printer to handle the added workload, it’s still cheaper to use a network printer than to connect a separate printer to every computer in your office. • Remote access: Having your own network allows greater mobility while maintaining the same level of productivity. With remote access in place, users are able to access the same files, data, and messages even when they’re not in the office. This access can even be given to mobile handheld devices. Increased security by using VPNs ensuring that your data is safe and accessible only to those given credentials to.
Network switch and ethernet cables, Data Center Concept.
There are many more reasons to have a Computer Network for your business. Once you have a computer network you will find more uses for it and wonder why you didn’t implement one sooner. Customized Computer Services Inc. (CCSI) has been serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over 28 years. We have provided our expertise to businesses small and large implement new networks or expanding on their existing network. Whether you are implementing a new computer network or expanding an existing network Customized Computer Services Inc (CCSI) can help. Contact us at (817) 459-4000.
The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to bring people, processes, data and things together in a variety of environments. From enterprise spaces to entertainment venues, the IoT is expanding to include a host of intelligent devices such as LED lighting, security cameras, and WiFi access points. As more of our devices are become intelligent devices, Contractors and IT professionals are turning over to Power over Ethernet cabling (PoE). As means of powering and also controlling the multitude of intelligent devices connected to their network.
What is Power-over-Ethernet? Power-over-Ethernet is a means of carrying power and data to a device using copper communications cabling. The main advantage of Power over Ethernet (PoE) is delivery of data AND power over one Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable. PoE ends the need for AC/DC power supplies and outlets. A remote installation costs less than fiber as no electrician is required. Ethernet cable costs less and is often already installed in buildings. A 2013 study conducted by the IEEE found that Power-over-Ethernet was twice as efficient at distributing power as traditional electrical cabling, reducing the power lost in the channel by at least half.1
When should PoE be used? Power-over-Ethernet is used to power and control many types of intelligent devices including LED lighting, HVAC and climate control systems, IP security cameras and access controls, IP televisions and displays, and WiFi access points. PoE allows you to add a device in awkward or remote locations. PoE is not recommended for sending network data over long distances, or for extreme temperatures unless industrial designation is present. For building managers, IT professionals and contractors tasked with installing and managing possibly hundreds of intelligent devices, PoE offers a simple solution. Not only does it provide more efficient power and data throughput to the device compared to traditional cable setups, and a potential for cost savings as a result, but it also allows for a variety of digital devices placed throughout an environment to be powered and controlled utilizing a single communications network.
The increase popularity of PoE With the continuous development and growth of the Internet of Things and the increase in interconnected, data driven devices within an enterprise, PoE cabling has become very popular. In 2014 alone, PoE saw an uptake of 80% in VoIP applications. In the same year, a reported 30% of CCTVs, 20% of access controls and Wi-Fi access points, and 10% of lighting were powered by PoE.2
Types of Speed Offered by PoE PoE costs less than fiber and is delivering higher and higher data speeds. Thanks to widespread adoption of IEEE 802.3bz technology, manufacturers are spending more on product development. Data delivery rates are now at 1 Gbps (10/100/1000 Mbps) over Cat5e and Cat6. The new IEEE 802.3bz standard has the capacity to deliver speeds of 2.5 to 5 Gbps over 100m with an immediate view toward 10 Gbps. High-definition streaming only requires 400 Mbps. A network could easily stream a training video while others work and check email. PoE has more than enough data speed to support devices in a small LAN.
Power over Ethernet power delivery New IEE 802.3 versions for PoE have been published over time address market demands for higher power levels to be delivered to powered devices. The following shows the power delivered to the powered device (PD) for each revision: • IEEE 802.3af–2003 up to 12.95 W • IEEE 802.3at–2009 up to 25.5 W (2–pairs, medium power) – a.k.a. Poe+ • IEEE 802.3at–2009 up to 51 W (4–pairs, high power) – a.k.a. Poe+ • IEEE 802.3bt–draft 2.0 up to 71 W (a.k.a PoE++, 4PPoE)
With the growth of Internet of Things (IoT) and the continued development of interconnected, data driven devices the implementation of PoE cabling seem endless. Contact Customized Computer Services, Inc. to find out we can help your company improve its efficiency by using Power-over-Ethernet cabling to connect to the Internet-of-Things.
1. BSRIA (2015). Convergence and Big Data: The Impact on Structured Cabling 2. BSRIA (2015). Convergence and Big Data: The Impact on Structured Cabling
