Windows Server is used to host many business-critical services and applications, and whilst innovation enables newer and more improved versions of Windows Server to be released, support for older versions ends as outlined in the Microsoft product roadmap.

Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 Extended Support will end on October 10, 2023, and after this date these products will no longer receive critical security updates or bug fixes which may lead to potential compliance gaps and exposed vulnerabilities for workloads that still rely on these versions.

If you wish to keep your on-premises servers running and still want to receive bug fixes and security updates, Microsoft and Utilize recommend upgrading to a more recent and supported version of Windows Server.

If you need to continue running Windows 2012 due to legacy application requirements, Microsoft and Utilize recommend migrating your workloads to Azure Virtual Machines, which will provide you with extended security updates for three years after the end of support at no additional cost.

When moving to Azure, businesses benefit from a variety of compliance certifications, infrastructure optimisation and built-in multi-layered security controls.

Below we examine some of the additional business benefits that making the move to Azure can bring:

Scalability: Azure allows organisations to scale their resources up or down as needed. You only pay for what you use which is beneficial for organisations that experience fluctuating workloads.

Flexibility: Azure offers a wide range of services, including virtual machines, storage, databases, and more, allowing you to choose the best options for your specific needs.

Cost savings: By using Azure, organisations can reduce their capital expenditures on hardware and software and instead pay for resources on a pay-as-you-go basis. This can lead to cost savings over time.

Improved security: Azure has several built-in security features, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and compliance support, that can help to protect your data and meet regulatory requirements.

High availability: Azure offers several options for ensuring high availability of resources, such as load balancing and automatic failover. This can help ensure your business’s services are always available to your customers.

Better collaboration: Azure works with tools such as Office 365, that can help organisations collaborate more effectively, both internally and externally.

Disaster recovery: Azure provides several options for disaster recovery such as Azure Site Recovery, Azure Backup, and Azure Arc. This way you can have a secondary location to recover your data and services and be able to easily recover them in case of a disaster.

Automation: Azure provides a number of tools and services that will enable your business to automate various IT processes, such as infrastructure provisioning, software deployment, and monitoring.

Global accessibility: Azure has data centres all around the world, which means that your business can easily access and use its resources from anywhere.

Environment friendly: Azure is one of the first Cloud providers to be carbon neutral and offer clean energy options. Eco-friendly options such as Azure Arc for Kubernetes and Azure Policy ensures your infrastructure is running in the most energy-efficient and sustainable way.

As trusted Microsoft partners and Azure Specialists, Utilize can help you to review your options and migrate or upgrade your workloads to facilitate your digital transition seamlessly.

Email us today and speak to a member of our team by clicking here.

You can read more on Windows Server end of support here.

Careers

As businesses have adapted and changed over the last two years, one thing has become more apparent – flexible working is now a standard, not a luxury. For most businesses, offering a form of remote/work-from-home option is important if they want to attract new talent and retain their current workforce.

When we add into the equation looming transport strikes, recent weather problems and the rise in the cost of travel, it becomes apparent that flexible working also provide resilience to a business. Being prepared and equipped to work remotely, especially when a situation arises unexpectedly, will allow your business to operate in any circumstance.

Enabling your employees to work remotely brings with it some serious considerations, such as questioning how secure your remote workers’ devices and connections are. Are they updating their devices with the latest software and patches? How do you ensure that your corporate data remains secure when devices and users are remote?

Increasingly businesses are utilising contractors, temporary staff, consultants and other ‘non-core’ team members who require access to their data on a device that isn’t owned by their business. How do you manage that challenge? These are considerations that businesses must tackle now, often for the first time and with no real idea where to start.

Luckily, there are many fantastic features and capabilities already available to most businesses included with their Microsoft 365 subscription. Something they already pay for but perhaps haven’t unlocked the full potential of.

It never ceases to surprise me that when we engage with a new client, they have not always had these benefits explained.

Imagine, for example, being able to manage end-user devices automatically, roll out updates and new applications and ensure that packs and patches are installed. Add to that the ability to control what happens with your business data, so that those remote or non-core users can’t accidentally email your confidential pricing to a client, copy it into their private storage like Dropbox, or even forward or print your confidential information.

That is the kind of control that can be implemented with ease, possibly already available to you with the licenses you already own.

As part of our Ascend offering, these features and many others can be mapped onto a bespoke business strategy, then delivered and implemented with minimal fuss and no large capital outlay. All of which are major business benefits in our current economic choppy waters.

Why not book an exploratory call so our team can look at what is achievable with the tools your business may already have at its disposal?

Click here to email our team today.

To contact us click here

It’s been reported that 66% of organisations were hit by ransomware in 2021*, demonstrating just how relevant it is to ensure you are implementing robust security measures.

Cyber criminals use tools like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to access networks making early detection very difficult. Trusting solely in these tools is not advised and can lead to a host of issues including compromised networks for both your business and potentially your clients.

Here are some network security tips to enhance your protection.

Micro-segment your network
Micro-segmenting allows you to detect and block threats attempting spread across your network. Create small zones and connect them via managed switches and a firewall to apply anti-malware and IPS protection between segments.

Replace remote-access VPN with a Zero Trust Network Access solution (ZTNA)

ZTNA removes the inherent trust and broad access that VPN provides. It uses the principles of Zero Trust: trust nothing, verify everything. To learn more, read Sophos helpful article about the benefits of ZTNA here.

Implement the strongest possible protection

• Firewalls should have TLS 1.3 inspection, next-gen IPS, and streaming DPI with machine learning and sandboxing.
• Remove remote access or RDP system access through VPN, NAT, or port-forwarding, and ensure that any traffic flows are properly protected.
• Endpoints should have the latest next-gen protection capabilities

Patch and update all software and firmware

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Ensure every user and device repeatedly verifies their identity before accessing your network.

Adopt a strong password policy – Consider implementing authentication solutions like Windows Hello for Business.

Quick response in the event of a cyberattacks

Implement and utilize automation technologies and human expertise to accelerate cyber incident response and remediation.

Ensure your network security infrastructure is set up to automatically respond to and active attack, a combination of automation technologies and cyber security expertise will allow you to isolate and contain an attack before it can cause any serious or further damage.

24/7 fully managed detection and response service

We advise investing in a 24/7 fully managed detection and response service. Engaging with specialist Cyber security experts enhances your protection against threats that technology solutions alone cannot prevent.

For more information about any of the security measured addressed in this article or to discuss your business specific cyber security needs, contact us today and one of our cyber security advisors will be delighted to help.

Learn about Managed Security

More young people are realising the value of apprenticeships and are choosing them over the traditional academic route of going to university. As an apprentice, you benefit from hands-on experience, a salary and the opportunity to train while you work. The cost of your education and training is covered by the government so you’re left with zero debt- a big bonus!

Here are 5 top reasons why you should consider an apprenticeship:

1. Cost-effective: IT apprenticeships typically provide on-the-job training and experience, allowing individuals to earn a salary while gaining practical skills and knowledge. This can be a more cost-effective option than paying for a university degree.

2. Relevant experience: IT apprenticeships provide real-world experience and hands-on training, which can be more valuable than theoretical knowledge gained at university. This can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge that are in demand in the industry.

3. Flexibility: IT apprenticeships often offer flexible learning options, allowing individuals to study and work at the same time. This can be a good option for individuals who want to gain experience and qualifications while still working and earning a salary.

4. Better job prospects: IT apprenticeships can provide a direct route into the industry, with many employers offering permanent positions to successful apprentices. This can be a better option than graduating from university and having to compete for entry-level jobs with other graduates.

5. Professional qualifications: Many IT apprenticeship programs offer professional qualifications, such as certifications from industry organisations or vendor-specific training. These can be valuable for individuals looking to advance their careers in the IT field.

If you think an apprenticeship could be the perfect option for you why not check out Utilize apprenticeships programme.

Click here to get in touch

Microsoft Power Platform is a suite of low-code/no-code tools that enables users to build custom business applications and automate processes. It includes PowerApps, which allows users to create custom apps, Power BI, which enables data visualisation and reporting, and Power Automate, which allows users to automate workflows and business processes. It also includes Power Virtual Agents, which allows users to create chatbots for customer service and support.

It’s included with some Microsoft licenses, such as Office 365 E3 and E5 plans. It is also available as a standalone subscription or as part of certain Microsoft Dynamics 365 plans. Power Automate specifically is the tool that allows businesses to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic tasks.

With Power Automate, businesses can create automated workflows that trigger actions based on specific events, such as receiving an email or updating a database entry.

Here are just some of the common business processes that can be automated with Power Automate:

1. Data entry and information management: Automating the process of entering data into a database or spreadsheet, and updating records as needed.

2. Document and file management: Automating the process of organising and storing files and documents, as well as sending them to relevant stakeholders.

3. Email and communication management: Automating the process of sending and receiving emails, as well as tracking responses and managing communication with clients and customers.

4. Project management: Automating the process of tracking project progress, assigning tasks, and communicating updates to stakeholders.

5. Sales and marketing: Automating the process of tracking leads, sending marketing materials, and tracking customer engagement.

By automating these processes, businesses can save time, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. Power Automate allows businesses to customise their workflows and set specific triggers and actions, ensuring that their automated processes align with their business goals and objectives.

So how do you uncover workflows that can be automated with Power Automate:

1. Identify repetitive tasks and processes within your organisation. These are typically tasks that are done on a regular basis, such as data entry, sending emails, or generating reports.

2. Identify tasks that require input from multiple people or systems. These tasks may involve gathering information from multiple sources, such as databases or web services, and then combining that information into a single output.

3. Evaluate the feasibility of automating these tasks using Power Automate. Consider factors such as the complexity of the task, the number of steps involved, and the availability of data and resources.

4. Create a detailed workflow diagram that outlines the steps involved in each task. This will help you visualise the flow of information and identify potential areas for automation.

5. Test and refine your workflow using Power Automate. Use the built-in tools and features to automate each step of the process and monitor the results to ensure that the automation is working as expected.

6. Continuously evaluate and update your workflow as needed. As your business evolves and new processes are introduced, you may need to adapt your workflow to accommodate these changes. Regularly review and update your automation to ensure that it remains effective and efficient.

Working with an expert who can help your business with Power Automate can help to ensure that you have the support and expertise you need to make the most of Power Automate and achieve your business goals.

Utilize consultants work with our clients to gain a deep understanding of their challenges and goals. We frequently help them uncover and implement automation solutions for time consuming and labour-intensive workflows and processes. We work with organisations to foster a culture of continuous IT adoption to improve productivity and profitability.

If you would like to know more about how we can help your business transform through automation click the link below.

Get in touch today

A technology strategy is important in a business because it provides a clear plan and direction for the use of technology to achieve business goals and objectives. It helps align technology investments with the overall business strategy and ensures that the technology being used is in line with the needs and goals of the organisation.

Having a technology strategy also allows for better resource allocation and management, as it provides a framework for prioritising technology projects and allocating resources accordingly. It also helps ensure that the technology being used is secure, reliable, and efficient.

Additionally, a technology strategy helps a business stay competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing technological landscape. It enables the organisation to identify and take advantage of new technologies that can improve operations, increase efficiency, and drive growth.

Overall, having a technology strategy is essential for businesses to effectively leverage technology to achieve their goals and stay ahead of the competition.

How to develop the technology strategy in your business

Collaborate with your IT provider to create a comprehensive technology plan that includes short-term and long-term goals and objectives.

1. Identify the current and future needs of your business. This includes assessing the current technology infrastructure and determining areas for improvement or potential new technologies to implement.
2. Develop a plan for implementing new technologies. This includes researching and comparing different technology options, setting a budget and timeline for implementation, and identifying potential challenges and solutions.
3. Communicate the technology strategy to all stakeholders. This includes providing clear and concise information about the benefits of the new technology, as well as the timeline and expected impact on the business.
4. Develop a plan for ongoing support and maintenance of the technology. This includes identifying the resources and personnel needed to support the technology, as well as establishing processes for monitoring and updating the technology.
5. Monitor and assess the effectiveness of the technology strategy. This includes regularly evaluating the performance of the technology and making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal results.

Its important to work with an IT provider who will take the time to understand your businesses challenges and goals. By working in partnership with you they can help develop a comprehensive and clearly defined strategy and roadmap that aligns to your business needs, budget and timescales.

Click here to learn about Strategy & roadmapping

If your business has already made, or is about to make the move to Hosted Voice – it’s important to make sure that you are fully benefiting from the value of the available integrations and communications from your existing CRM or from within Microsoft Outlook.

Adopting a unified communications software suite that fully integrates with your own existing technology ecosystem can help you to streamline your business practices allowing your teams to work more efficiently and collectively, accessing information about callers quickly and accurately.

By integrating your Cloud phone system with your CRM, collaboration, and business productivity applications — all in one unified platform – You can help empower employees, elevate customer experiences and boost profitability.

Onboarding a powerful unified communications suite such as Horizon Integrator is not only cost-effective it is also very easy to maintain and install.

(Click here to read Michael Prior’s helpful guide to Gamma’s Horizon Hosted phone system and Horizon Integrator.)

If you would like to know more about how you can get more from your Hosted Voice setup or Horizon Integrator, why not contact Utilize Telephony Advisor – Michael Prior, who will be happy to talk you through your options. You can email him directly below.

Click here to email Michael Prior

Horizon Hosted Phone System

Horizon is a complete communications service that provides a range of fixed and mobile telephony capabilities via an easy-to-use web portal. It allows you to manage your calls whilst enabling your employees to maximise their productivity.

The key benefits are:

• Cost – Minimal capital outlay due to no onsite hardware and extremely competitive on-net rates over a business-grade network.
• Greater control – Take complete control of your phone system with an extensive range of call handling and management features, all operated through an easy-to-use web interface. Ideal for home workers or multiple sites.
• Improving customer service – Enhance the service you can provide to your customers at all times with dynamic call handling, pre-recorded messages, and seamless transfers at the touch of a button.
• Reliable and secure – Full support provided, including training, number porting, provisioning, and 24/7 UK-based assistance giving you complete peace of mind.

A guide to Horizon Integrator Integration features

There are several ways of integrating with Horizon:

Standard Integrations
For standard integrations Gamma has partnered with a leading CRM developer, allowing them to use their open API’s to facilitate the integration.

Controlled Integrations
Controlled integrations are typically integrations that have limited or no support from the application developer and therefore future releases or updates might not be available.



The integration add-in is not available by default within the Horizon Integrator client and must be enabled by a Horizon Integrator Developer at the time of installation. Controlled integrations are provided on a company-by-company basis and each instance carries a fixed installation fee.

Standard Select
Standard Select integrations are Standard integrations that can only be installed by a qualified installer. Standard Select integrations are governed by an additional set of conditions the installer is contractually obligated to comply with, through enrolment in the Select installer program. Standard Select integrations attract an additional activation and annual support fee.

Add-ins
An Add-in is a program that is written to link the Horizon Integrator client to a specific business application. The Add-ins are included with and configured from within the Horizon Integrator client and provide a range of set integration features from the list below:

• Caller Preview
  Displays the caller’s name in the Preview or Phone window when a match against it is found in the integrated business application(s).
• Contact Popping
  Take complete control of your phone system with an extensive range of call handling and management features, all operated through an easy-to-use web interface. Ideal for home workers or multiple sites.
• Contact Searching
  Concurrently searches the integrated business applications and enables Contact Popping or Click to Dial from the results.

• Click to Dial
  Makes it possible to dial directly from the business application. The exact method varies between business applications Manage your organisation’s entire communications from multiple sites
  
  

TAPI Integration
TAPI is a Microsoft Windows API and stands for Telephony Application Program Interface. TAPI allows a computer to monitor and control one or more extensions on a typical business telephone system.

“Monitoring” allows information such as a caller’s number (CLI) or dialed number (DDI) to be passed from the telephone system to the computer. This enables, for example, the caller’s number to be used to “pop” a contact record in the customer CRM system.

“Control” allows the computer to make the telephone system perform functions, for example, answer a call ringing on the handset from the computer or make a call by clicking on a number on the computer screen (known as “click to dial” or “click to call”).

Who uses TAPI?
TAPI is most frequently used by business application developers so that they can build telephony features such as screen popping and click to dial into their applications. CRM, Service Desk and Accounting apps are all examples of business applications.

How is TAPI provided?
TAPI is made available to an application via a TAPI Service Provider or TSP (more commonly called a TAPI driver). The TSP is written and provided by the telephone system manufacturer or specialist CTI companies.



The TSP makes a proprietary connection to the PBX and then presents TAPI to the application either as a Windows driver or as a DLL. Horizon TAPI provides a driver only which is the most common method used. At Gamma, we support 1st party TAPI only (when the TSP monitors a single extension on the telephone system).

If you would like to know about how you can get more from your Hosted Voice telephony system or Horizon Integrator, why not contact Utilize Telephony Advisor – Michael Prior, who will be happy to talk you through your options. You can email him directly below.

Click here to email Michael Prior

For every business, technology is critical to successful operations in both good and bad times. In challenging times, it’s important to consider whether your technology spending is helping to deliver meaningful cost savings and protecting margins.

Technology is an investment, not a cost.

Gartner has forecasted that worldwide IT spending will grow 5.1% in 2023. Business leaders increasingly understand that investing in tech has become even more necessary to propel efficient, scalable, and profitable operations.

In economic downturns, you should be more careful with spending.  But that shouldn’t mean you cease to continue to invest in technology. Delaying all capital expenditure could hurt your business in ways you can’t afford during difficult times. The effects of diminished worker productivity and satisfaction due to IT operational and security problems should be considered when deciding whether to invest in technology or freeze spending.

Business critical IT infrastructure projects that help to streamline your business, drive productivity and lower operating costs should always be a priority. According to leading experts from CNBC, Gartner, and more, the top technologies that can help in times of recession are:

• Cybersecurity
• AI and machine learning
• Cloud technology
• App development
• Digital twins
• Robotics
• Data science and data engineer teams
• Digital business analysis tools
• Remote and hybrid work technology
• Cloud applications
• Workflow and management digital solutions
• Customer and brand experience technology
• AR and VR

“Investing in the right digital initiatives at the right cost can blunt the negative effects of economic pressures in the short term and build long-term competitive advantage,” Gartner said.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every business is different and requires its own strategy and roadmap when it comes to tech tools that can turn a recession into an opportunity.

But leveraging available technology to navigate business challenges with digital tools is a great place to start. Here are some examples:

1. Cloud Migration:Migrating to the cloud can reduce infrastructure spending, energy and maintenance costs, and personnel requirements. The cloud also opens endless new tools for business opportunities.
2. Reimagine and automate workflows:Changing the platforms and systems of work environments can cut costs and drive performance.
3. Predictive and insightful: Gaining greater data insights can make your organization faster and leaner, including in its decision-making.

Undoubtedly, we are experiencing challenging economic times. But challenges can provide opportunities. Working with the right IT service provider who advocates the strategic and effective deployment of business technology can not only help you stay the course but come out even stronger.

Learn more about how Utilize can help to turn your successful business into a powerhouse with ASCEND.

Speak to a member of our team today