4 Ways Cloud Computing Improves Your Business Productivity & Efficiency

Are you still storing your data in physical servers located within your office building? Perhaps due to internal factors, many businesses try to put off cloud migration for as long as possible. However not only is cloud computing becoming the new normal, it also offers a number of advantages for your business. So if you’re still relying on physical data storage, you may be missing out on some great business opportunities. 

Check out these cloud computing advantages.

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1. Cloud Computing Takes the Stress out of IT Management

When you leverage cloud computing for your business’s needs, you’ll find that it makes many of your daily IT processes easier. Consider:

• New software and applications. Thanks to cloud computing, you no longer need to wait for your IT team to install or update new software and applications. All the apps you need can be easily accessed from the cloud via desktops, laptops and mobile phones. With your apps stored in the cloud, worrying about system overload from new installs and updates will be a thing of the past – your cloud storage and functionality can easily scale to meet your needs. And partnering with a cloud solutions provider means your installs and upgrades will be taken care of – helping your IT team alleviate the responsibility to focus on more high-value tasks.

• Updates. Thanks to the power of the cloud, you can take care of updates quickly and efficiently, with less downtime. You can also set up updates so that they occur automatically, which means that you won’t have to worry about missed updates that could cause problems with your daily operation  or leave holes in your security. 

• Security. Security is becoming more important to your business than ever. These days, 58% of cyber attacks are levied against small businesses. Keeping your business secure–not just compliant, but as secure as possible against cyber threats – requires a great deal of specialisation and attention. Particularly for small businesses where IT support and resources are limited, the inability to prepare, detect or respond to cyber attacks would be detrimental financially and reputationally. The cloud provider you partner with is equipped to put in place security designed to protect and prevent unauthorised breaches.

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2. Cloud Computing Enables Your Staff

When you opt for cloud computing services, your staff can access all of their apps and data from anywhere. They aren’t restricted to a physical location or a single device. This makes it easier for your staff to work remotely, whether they need the option to work from home as part of their regular schedule or they’re out on the road. The ability to work from any device and from anywhere means team members can also collaborate regardless of their physical locations – the perfect solution for businesses spread over wide geographic areas or with team members on the go. 

3. Eliminate the Loss of Valuable Data

Rather than relying on local drives, a centralised cloud storage reduces the risk of data loss. Storing information in the cloud protects valuable data from theft and aged hardware that breaks down. Rather than relying on local drives, a centralised cloud storage reduces the risk of data loss. Storing information in the cloud protects valuable data from theft and aged hardware that breaks down. Does your business have a business continuity plan in place in the event of natural disasters? Even with data backed-up, your business would experience downtime, which means your daily operations would be affected.  

When you store your information in the cloud, you can also control data visibility, offering specific permissions to individual users – so you don’t have to worry about employees accessing information they shouldn’t.

4. Increased Uptime

When you leverage cloud computing, your vital files and apps are always available. With 99.9% uptime, including no loss of access, your staff will benefit from easy accessibility to the data they need, when they need it. This provides a greater level of staff flexibility, allowing your team to choose the way they work while still meeting business needs.

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Are you interested in learning more about cloud computing and how it can transform your business? Let’s talk.

EOFY: 7 Ways to Maximise your Business Hardware & Software Tax Deductions

End of Financial Year (EOFY) provides you an excellent opportunity to review your finances in detail and implement smart financial practices. Take time to assess your business’ financial position so you can plan smarter for the coming financial year. 

While at it, be sure to investigate what deductions you may be able to claim to lower your tax liability. Areas worth looking at for possible tax deductions include:

• Diesel fuel expenses
• Travel expenses
• Running your business from home
• Use of office equipment
• Software tax deduction
• Hardware tax deductions
• Business websites
• Car expenses

Here are 7 strategies to maximise your small business tax deductions:

1.Seek Capital Gain Concessions (CGT)

While selling a small business asset, such as shares, exposes you to capital gains tax (CGT),you may also be eligible for CGT concessions if you meet certain criteria.. For example, you may defer CGT on an asset for a year by not including the gain in your revenue unless circumstances change, causing a CGT event to take place. Disposing of assets may also result in capital losses, which may be big enough to offset capital gains registered.

2. Claim Tax Deductions for Your Home Office

Are you a 24/7 home-based enterprise, or do you sometimes operate your business from home? The expenses you incur in such enterprise operations may qualify for tax deductions. These include:

• Heating, cooling, and lighting
• Cleaning expenses
• Capital costs for buying home office equipment (such as computers), furniture, and fittings
• Operating expenses, such as buying computer or printer consumables and home business phone and internet costs 

Any home-based small business equipment with a capital cost of $300 or less qualifies for an immediate tax deduction. For item costs more than $300, you may claim a deduction for its gradual drop in value.

3. Speed Up your Tax Deductions for Prepaid Expenses

You can reduce your tax liabilities in this financial year by accelerating deductions for prepaid expenses you’ll incur the following year. It’s a rewarding tax planning strategy for a small business with some cash to spare.

4. Donate to a Charity

Give your tax refund a boost when you make a charitable donation worth more than $2. For a donation to be tax-deductible, the beneficiary must be an organisation recognised as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).

You can check whether your charity of choice is a DGR organisation by searching the Australian Business Register.

5. Buy a Depreciating Asset to Qualify for the $20,000 Instant Tax Write Off

If your business has a turnover of $10 million or less, you may qualify for instant tax deduction from asset purchases below $20,000. 

This includes office furniture, company vehicles, and IT hardware. The government will write off the entire depreciated cost immediately, rather than gradually over several years.

6. Claim Sole Trader Tax Write-Offs

If you’re a sole proprietorship, you may qualify for tax deductions specific to your business structure and industry. You can claim these write-offs in your personal tax returns for the past 12 months. Note that you must base such claims on expenses directly related to your business operations.

Sole traders’ operating costs that may qualify for tax deduction include:

• Marketing and advertising
• Bad debts
• Vehicle expenses
• Business travel insurance
• Business communication costs (telephone, internet, etc.)

You may go to ATO’s myDeductions app to work out your sole trader deductions for the current financial year. Record your business revenue and expenses for the tax year in the application.

7. Document Business Expenditure to Maximise Your Tax Deductions

The ATO will require evidence of business expenditure before it can approve your tax deduction claims. So, be sure to document all relevant outlays. Have your receipts (including for that work briefcase you bought), utility bills, bank/credit card statements, and other written evidence ready to back your claims.

It’s equally important that you reach out to a tax adviser. Speaking to a qualified financial expert can help you be smart in preparation for the upcoming tax season. With professional assistance, you can quickly identify tax planning opportunities and maximise your business hardware or software tax deductions.

Free Guide: 10 Steps to go paperless

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Getting your current EOFY obligations right is essential to transitioning into the coming year on the right footing. It helps to secure your business’ financial position as you strategise to get the most out of your deductible tax expenses.

Want to learn more about how we can help grow your business? Let’s Talk.

7 Benefits of Engaging Forum – an Australian-based Business with Local Support Centres

In today’s global economy, customers value businesses with reliable customer support. You need to engage with one that can meet and even exceed your expectations.

For many, customer support centres are synonymous with a bad rep for unhelpful, faceless agents from halfway across the world. And when there is an urgent technical issue that’s hindering you from office productivity, you wouldn’t want to wait in a long phone queue.

At Forum Group we value and understand the importance of building relationships with our customers. From tailoring solutions for your business to resolving technical issues, we will support and guide you every step of the way. And with our support centres located in major cities across Australia, our experts are equipped to escalate and resolve any issues quickly.   

Read on to find out how you can benefit by choosing Forum Group.

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1. Service You Can Rely On

When you partner with Forum Group, you get access to our highly experienced service staff trained by our manufacturers to the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standard. This means you can focus on the important things and we’ll take care of your hardware and software issues – stress-free. 

From time to time, your hardware parts and consumables may need replacing – we’ll supply you with genuine replacements approved and warranted by the original manufacturer.  

2. We’re Constantly Evolving

We value your feedback. Not only do our service staff and support agents direct your feedback to our customer experience, you’ll also have the option to participate in our Feedback Family Program – Let’s Talk. Our surveys are attributable, meaning your CRMs are personally accountable for improving your experience with us.

On top of this, we deep dive into the survey results and address areas that need improvements. Based on the last few surveys, our initiatives have made a positive impact on our service – processes have become more efficient resulting in quicker response time, escalation and issue resolution. 

3. Our Extended Network Across Australia

We’re proud of the network we’ve established with our vendor, manufacturers and specialist partners. This means that when our in-house support agents or field technicians are unable to fully resolve your issues or fulfil the job, our partners will help escalate to ensure downtime is kept to a minimum. 

Working in a remote office with limited access to our support network? We have an extended dealer network across Australia, ensuring you receive the same level of support system no matter where you are. 

4. Guaranteed Service & Support

Your partnership with Forum Group includes a Service Level Agreement (SLA) establishing your expectations to the service and support our team will provide. Depending on the level of impact on your business operations, any issues raised will be attended to within an estimated response time.

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5. Things Only an Aussie Could Know

Research shows that nine out of ten Australians prefer local call centres. With customer service centres in Australia, you’ll be dealing with a provider that has the knowledge of what businesses in Australia need.

At Forum Group, we recognise the importance of delivering a seamless experience to customers. And unlike providers that partner with offshore call centres, our local support agents understand the political and economic challenges faced by Australian companies. Our agents are experts in the industry equipped with knowledge of the business landscape and how we should provide support to ensure our customers succeed. 

6. Help Support the Australian Economy

When you engage an Australian customer support centre, you are also supporting the local economy. Helping other local businesses will not only keep jobs within Australian shores but also create new employment opportunities. 

7. All Bundled in One Contract

We are a managed-services company offering a range of innovative solutions to enable business growth. For a monthly fee, your fully managed agreement gives you access to service from our dedicated support team, so you can focus on the important things and we’ll ensure the tools you need for your business operations run smoothly.

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Forum Group is the Way to Go

If you’d like to learn more about us and the solutions we offer, simply fill in the form below and let’s talk.

Top 10 Critical Security Considerations When Starting Cloud Computing

Efficient, scalable, and affordable, cloud computing still stands out as the best solution for businesses in every sector. More and more entrepreneurs are moving to cloud computing to increase flexibility, productivity, and profitability. According to IBM, 51 % of IT executives have deployed a hybrid cloud strategy and 69 percent of businesses are already migrating their data to cloud-based storage. 

Many companies, however, may be quickly jumping onto the bandwagon without fully understanding common cloud security concerns. And most importantly, how to best implement a cloud strategy that’s tailored to specific business requirements. Without formal protocols and procedures in place, this could have devastating impacts on your operations and bottom line.

So what are the key considerations to look out for? This short-read has all you need to know about the data security challenges of cloud computing.

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Major Security Considerations for Cloud Computing

Although the adoption of cloud computing is on the rise, the security of sensitive business data remains a growing concern for many organisations. How then do businesses take advantage of cloud technology and ensure their sensitive data is safeguarded? 

Below are the potentials Cloud Security risks: 

1. Data breaches – These are all too common in the modern world where hacking techniques have become more sophisticated. Compromised data can attract huge financial loss to a business as well as brand reputation that may be impossible to recover. Since most of the cloud computing services are offered by vendors, there is a need for an organisation to review the security measures put in place by service providers. This is to guarantee data security from any eventuality of unauthorised access.

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2. Data loss – Loss of info can result from malicious attacks, deletion, or an unprecedented natural calamity wreaking havoc on servers run by the cloud service provider. A worst-case scenario is where there are no measures deployed to recover the lost information. To curtail such an eventuality, a sturdy network layer with proactive recovery systems should be implemented to recover lost data and protect it from intrusion.

3. Insecure access points – For multiple devices to access data from any location, they must interact with certain interfaces like API. Hackers can exploit existing loopholes and exploit them. Such vulnerabilities should be identified, and patches developed to seal the loopholes in the system. Also, a rugged firewall with an integrated encryption capability can help to protect systems against malicious attacks and suspicious traffic. 

4. Notifications and alerts – Rather than reacting to a security breach in a cloud network, prompt network security should provide warning beforehand of any identified threat. On-time updates offer a chance to mitigate the threat before it is too late.

5. DDoS attacks – Similar to most web developers, cloud service providers can also be victims of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that restrict access to cloud servers. Depending on the costs and time necessary to get the network back to operation, a business can incur heavy losses. So your provider should have advanced security protocols in place. This is an effective way of hindering potential DDoS attacks.

6. Regulatory compliance – As cloud computing becomes widely recognised and a frontier in business operation, governments and authorities have established specific regulations to govern its operations. Laws have been enacted to create a regulatory framework that guarantees data protection and adherence to privacy policies. Your chosen service providers should comply with the set regulations to ensure streamlined operations.

7. Increasing productivity – One of the main benefits of moving to the cloud is enabling your staff to work anywhere at anytime. With instant access to files and applications for staff on the road or working remotely, productivity and retention will be positively impacted. Prior to your migration however, proper security strategies should be integrated into the design framework. This way, any problems associated with an ever-growing database can be mitigated.

8. Employees – Staff members could also be a crucial factor to consider before adopting cloud computing. Some of the risks include insider threats and the improper management of systems, thus leading to security threats. To prevent these scenarios from crippling your entire system, you should consider having restricted access and user permissions in place. By adding an extra layer of security from the inside, you’re proactively ensuring that your business is not left in a vulnerable position.

9. Attacks – Malicious attacks on a cloud server or network can be in many forms. From malware, DDos, spyware, phishing attack, and ransomware, there is so much to consider before migrating to the cloud. Malicious programs can be injected into a cloud-based network to extract or damage sensitive information. Also, malware can be deployed to take control of data and servers, rendering them inaccessible.

10. Insecure Application Programming Interfaces (API’s) – API’s form an integral component that facilitates access to data, so they are a crucial consideration when shifting to a cloud network. When insecure, they may fail to authenticate the users of the cloud service effectively. An API may be prone to external intrusion, and unintended parties can access databases, customer information and application logs. Your preferred system should protect you from this, and all the other risks.

Stay ahead of the game with Forum Group

Cloud computing is a crucial factor that would impact your competitiveness and business success in Australia’s current digital revolution. Whether yours is an established entity or just starting up, you can benefit from the new infrastructure by working with Forum Group. 

Forum provides the basic foundations of a working cloud computing system – efficiency, productivity, ensuring you are set for success. We can also help you focus on IT as your core business strategy, ensuring IT is scalable and contemporary.

By hosting your data on a private cloud, we can provide an effective and secure cloud solution that matches your business needs – you will have uninterrupted access to your data resources. This could eliminate the problems of onsite servers, cut unnecessary IT costs and improving workplace operations. 

You do not need to invest in costly on-site data systems that require extra staff to manage. We can provide a cloud infrastructure tailored to fit your business needs while you concentrate on things that matter most – your business. With advanced backup systems and state-of-the-art technology incorporated in our cloud infrastructure, your data is highly secured from cyber-attacks and can be restored in the nick of time in case of disruptions. These represent just a section of the many reasons to partner with Forum.

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Want to learn more about how Forum can ensure you are set for future tech changes? Let’s talk.

How Technology Will Shape the Future of Work

It is a fact that innovation and new technology are fundamentally changing the way we live and do business. According to tech experts, these will continue to rock the modern workspace in the next decade – workstations will be unrecognisable to how they are set up today. Not to mention, workforce dynamics and the nature of work will change drastically in tandem with new technology. 

To maintain relevance and earn a competitive edge, you need to know how emerging technologies will change the business environment. You should also think about how your business can leverage  innovations to strategically attract top talent, boost efficiency, and improve your bottom line.

We have done the hard yards to have a look into the expected trends and how tech will affect your business in the future.

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Technological Trends in Business & The Future of Work

These emerging technologies for business will play a key role in transforming your operations:

Internet of Things (IoT)

We live in a digital age where almost everything is connected. From smart devices like sensors and appliances, the IoT is essentially a complex network of interconnected ‘things’. This giant web of interconnectivity has changed the way we interact with our surroundings as well as how businesses build relationships with customers. From a business perspective, you shouldn’t simply be ‘jumping on the bandwagon’ because all your competitors are using it – leveraging this source of technology should begin with a goal in mind, not the tech itself. What does your business want to achieve and how will this affect current operations? Importantly, how will you enhance system integration, data storage and security?

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Blockchain

The adoption of this trend has the potential to boost data protection and cybersecurity. The digitally encrypted ledger groups data publicly in ‘blocks.’ It has a decentralised database that only allows ‘chain’ members to view or verify the info. This gets rid of go-betweens or the need to seek third-party validation. As a result, it will lead to more efficient financial transactions across borders and aid proper talent acquisition and management.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Automation and AI are fundamentally reshaping organisations and contributing to growth while enhancing productivity. Not only are these technologies transforming the workplace itself but also the nature of work. Repetitive tasks will be handled by machines and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) designed to perform with greater efficiency and accuracy . When tools like RPA are combined with document capture and management tools, huge gains in efficiency through automation are created This will create more opportunities for entrepreneurs, society, and the economy. While this may be a cause for concern regarding job redundancy, it actually means workers can focus on more meaningful tasks that grow revenue and deliver better customer experiences.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

More than just technologies designed for gaming and the entertainment industry, we expect to see businesses increasingly adopt VR and AR as tools for workplace training, presenting, prototyping and designing. From the creation of 3D models to digitising the workplace, this innovation continues to unlock an extraordinary precedent and indefinite scaling potential. The virtual reality and augmented reality market is projected to grow to more than $120 billion by 2022, at a 75 percent compound average growth rate.

Cloud Technology Adoption

The rapid transformations in the digital world has led many businesses to venture into the cloud. In fact, your company may already be using some type of cloud service for relatively simple tasks like sharing and storing files or for analysing huge chunks of data. This innovation offers location and device independence, allows for offline accessibility of information, as well as scalability. To pursue a competitive advantage, your future employees must have the right skills to leverage this opportunity for maximum benefit to the business.

Software as a Service (SaaS), Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and Outsourced IT

With Cloud technology revenues predicted to grow past $278 Billion by 2021, Software as a Service (SaaS), Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and other cloud based IT outsourcing models are changing the scope of work that companies manage internally. Leveraging the scalability and power of the cloud is delivering cost savings and efficiency gains to those willing to move to the cloud.

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How these technology innovations will affect businesses and the future of work

 Emerging technologies and innovations will not only boost efficiency across your organisation but will have even more long-term positive impacts. For instance, AI-enabled innovations designed to  handle repetitive tasks, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), would open up new job opportunities and enable workers to focus on more meaningful work. Cloud computing, on the other hand, will lead to improved data management and security, while enhancing communications and access to information.

Highly efficient machines with AI integration could increase productivity while maintaining a manageable team of employees with optimal output. 

Having grown up with the tech evolution, millennials and Gen Z job seekers are digital natives. They expect to work with companies with the latest and greatest tech advancements that enable a flexible and collaborative working atmosphere.  Companies should stay ahead of the curve by staying up to date with the technological changes if you want to attract and retain the best talent.

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Stay ahead of the game with Forum Group

With the changes in tech, you need to direct your focus on transforming your IT for you to stay ahead of time. Some crucial steps to take include moving to the cloud and adopting automation for most processes within the business.

With Forum Group, we can set you up for the transformation, earning you a competitive edge. We will help you succeed  by focusing on improving your IT as a business strategy. Not only will you improve your efficiency, but you also stand to increase productivity while enjoying the benefits of a scalable and contemporary IT system.

To learn more about how we can prepare you for future changes in tech, let’s talk.

Top 12 Reasons for Hosting on the Cloud over On-Premises

As the modern workspace continues to evolve rapidly, business owners have to figure out how best they can stay relevant by applying technology to the way they work. Traditionally, businesses would run programs or applications from a physical server or computer within their buildings. But thanks to cloud computing, you can access the same applications over the internet from anywhere, at anytime.

Typical of any hosting platform, the cloud also has its inherent attributes, advantages, and setbacks. Before making the crucial decision on whether to change from the traditional hosting within the premise, you must understand all the benefits and drawbacks in equal measure.

This quick read should help you make an informed choice regarding the hosting for your company website.

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Difference between on-premise vs cloud hosting

It is no surprise that cloud hosting is now more popular than ever, and its promise and allure offer newfound flexibility for companies. From cutting down on the burden of maintenance for your IT team to improving scalability and agility, there is no limit to the benefits it offers.

On-premise hosting, on the other hand, has for long served as the only available offering, and it can adequately address all the needs of your business. Moreover, such applications are secure, reliable, and allow you to maintain a high degree of control which the cloud cannot offer.

Regardless, IT decision-makers should look to leverage the cloud to achieve the organisation’s goals.

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How you will benefit from cloud hosting

Here is why you should opt for cloud hosting Australia:

• Enabling your staff – with the cloud, your staff can access applications and data from anywhere, at anytime. Whether you have staff working on the road or just want to provide your employees the options to work out of the office every now and then, more flexibility is one of the most sought after benefits for your employees. 
• Future proof – Most businesses still rely on old systems that cannot stand the test of time. However, cloud data is stored in secure servers that are updated regularly to ensure that crucial business data is safely kept for as long as you or your company require it. 
• Predictable costs – Cloud hosting is offered in the form of subscriptions that are paid monthly or annually. Also, Cloud hosting has a flexible billing process where you can adjust your subscriptions to match your company’s needs. This predictability makes it much friendlier to your cash flow. 
• Minimal setup costs – Hefty setup costs are a struggle for anyone running a business. With cloud hosting, however, you are not required to purchase or install servers or hardware. You will only pay for the monthly or annual subscriptions.
• Highly scalable – Cloud hosting is flexible and can be effective even with fluctuating staff  employee numbers. Your tailored cloud solution is able to support your business by growing as your business grows. 
• Saves on time – Time is a luxury that very few people have, but cloud hosting offers your staff more time to ensure increased productivity. Your IT team no longer need to worry about maintaining and replacing internally managed servers and technology, freeing up their time for high-value activities.
• Data security – In terms of data safety, cloud hosting is generally superior since it has in-built security compliance. However, it is crucial that you perform your due diligence and choose a reputable provider to help find the appropriate solution for your business. 
• Greater uptime guarantees – Cloud hosting providers provide a  minimum uptime guarantee as well as redundancy in place to mitigate the impacts of downtime, so you can be sure that your system will remain available and active around the clock, every day of the year.
• Greater support levels – You do not have to rely on your IT manager alone for assistance. Instead, your provider will offer local support around the clock. 
• Continuous updates – The beauty of cloud hosting is that your supplier ensures all programs and apps are up to date, and you are always working with the best possible system suited to your business needs. 
• Fast and smooth rollout – Cloud computing ensures faster deployment and seamless integration without changing your current IT system architecture.
• The provider handles the installation of new features – Who has time to focus on continuous improvement when there’s a business to run? Your supplier will take care of your servers while rolling out regular new features like security updates.
• Cloud hosting – All your data is on the cloud, so you can access it even when outside the premises. This increases productivity while better enables your staff.

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The pros & cons of on-premise hosting

Still, there are several reasons why small to medium businesses may choose an on-premise system. First, you enjoy more control of your site and tasks roles such as security and updates remains an internal responsibility. Since you have physical control, you have the power to customise your system, choose your upgrades and set your own timelines. You may also incur lower long-term costs, and this could help raise your bottom line. 

The disadvantages of on premise hosting make it a less than ideal option. For instance, you require significant upfront investment on computers and servers. Also, you rely on your internal IT team for the management and maintenance of the system and for system upgrades. Therefore, lacking a dedicated, skilled, and experienced team could potentially lead to security breaches, data loss, or downtime.

With data inside the premises, it becomes susceptible to theft and natural disasters. The system also lacks the scalability and agility of the cloud, and cannot be scaled up or down to meet high demand periods or adjusting to accommodate influxes of new staff and an increasing employment.

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Reliable solution to the risks of cloud hosting

Similar to on premise, cloud hosting can also be disadvantageous if you partner with the wrong service provider. Your systems could be more easily targeted by hackers and your business data could be accessed by third parties. The associated costs can also escalate if not well managed.

Forum Group is the ideal provider for cloud hosting in Australia, and we have mitigated the risks in many ways. Our private cloud solution uses a secure firewall that also has the best-practice security procedures and policies. This way, we minimise attack surfaces and ensure a secure and fully patched infrastructure. To add to this, you can also access your information and apps over secure and private internet service.

Forum Group can help determine the best hosting solution for your business. For more information, let’s talk.

Is your IT Manager Really Qualified to keep your Data Secure?

Your IT manager has a big role to fulfil within your company. Not only is this individual tasked with keeping your phone and internet systems running smoothly, they are often responsible for keeping your organisation’s data secure. The importance of data security in many businesses has increased substantially over the past several years and keeping your data secure has become a critical part of customer service, compliance, and even business continuity. Should it be your IT manager’s responsibility?

The Standard Requirements for IT Managers

Technology plays an incredibly important role in your business–and your IT team has to be up to the task. Hiring an IT manager means looking for an exceptional individual who has a range of important skills and capabilities, from crisis management skills to the tech skills necessary to handle the day-to-day functionality of your business. The IT manager often takes on a number of important tasks:

• Developing and maintaining technology processes throughout your business
• Maintaining and updating software
• Maintaining and updating hardware as needed
• Running regular checks on network security
• Maintaining basic data security standards
• Overseeing system updates
• Dealing with migrations
• Handling outages and bringing your system back online as soon as possible
• Determining timelines and handling major projects, including upgrades
• Managing other employees within the IT department
• Helping employees troubleshoot their IT issues 

With such a wide range of skills required, it’s often critical to look for an IT manager with several years of industry experience. You will often find, however, that IT managers come to the table with degrees in Computer Science or Information Technology, not degrees and certifications in cyber security. This may mean that your IT manager has little more than a passing knowledge of data security or how to keep your organisation’s valuable information secure.

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Does your IT manager really have time to manage your cybersecurity?

Your IT manager often has a wide range of tasks on their plate–often including upgrades, tech support for various individuals throughout the building, and dealing with crises. As a result, security management may take a back seat or, in a worst-case scenario, fall through the cracks entirely. Is it really important? Consider the cost of data that isn’t properly secured.

• Client acquisition goes down with poor security. New clients want to know that their data is secure and protected in your systems. Failure to provide that security, on the other hand, can cause potential new clients to shy away from your business. 

• Client retention decreases. 70% of customers say that they would stop doing business with a company after a data breach. This holds particularly true for businesses that don’t take what customers consider appropriate measures to protect private data or to ensure continued customer security–and it can be devastating to your business reputation and revenue. 

• Legal issues arise. If you are not meeting compliance with Australian and even international standards, depending on your customers, you  may face legal costs associated with your data breach. The average cost of a data breach stands at over $7 million and legal fees add significantly to those costs. 

• Trust in your brand plummets. After a major data breach, especially one that becomes the subject of public discussion, you may struggle to maintain your reputation. Building a trustworthy and reputable brand is an expensive and difficult exercise, and trying to regain trust after a breach is a challenge that your business may never recover from.    

A single data breach can cost your company millions of dollars. Unfortunately, many Australian businesses are struggling to identify, isolate, and stop data breaches, which means you can continue to lose money throughout the process.

The cybersecurity skills shortage

Throughout Australia, cyber security faces a significant skills shortage. This skills shortage has already cost more than $400 million dollars and it’s set to cost even more in the coming years. Cyber security is a constantly growing field that has substantial implications for every business across Australia. While most cyber security professionals themselves are highly trained and have skills that cover a wide range of arenas. As technology improves, cyber security professionals are finding their skills increasingly in demand–and many of them are seeing a substantial increase in their daily workloads. For businesses, the high demand for cyber security professional means you have to fork out top dollar to have an in-house expert. 

Chances are, your IT manager already has to keep up with information from a wide range of other fields. Unfortunately, with the skills gap widening, the chances increase significantly that your IT manager does not have the specialised skills necessary to keep your business’s data as secure as possible.  Ultimately, this can result in a loss of revenue, legal implications and much worse.

Building a Solution

With the skills shortage in cyber security Australia, you may find that it’s more difficult than ever to find an effective solution to the problem. A cyber security specialist working in-house has the potential to offer your business the security it so desperately needs. The average IT manager, on the other hand, probably won’t be able to.

That’s where Forum Group comes in.

We understand the importance of cyber security in business. Furthermore, working with Forum Group is far cheaper than hiring a cyber security specialist to work directly with your business–not to mention the fact that, given the current shortage of cyber security specialists in Australia, finding a specialist to work for your business could be incredibly difficult. Not only that, you won’t have to worry about training or onboarding staff, nor will you have to suffer downtime between employees if your specialist moves on. Forum Group has the solution to ensure that your data is secure. Consider our skills:

• Remote accessibility
• Enhanced flexibility in the workplace
• Private cloud access
• A dedicated Australian support team
• Government-grade security

Leveraging the power of our private cloud solution makes it easy to scale your business and offers a higher level of security than many other solutions, which allows you to keep your data safer and protect both your clients and your private data. 

Moving to a private cloud solution not only takes away the burden of cybersecurity from your internal IT manager, but also gives back this key employee critical time to focus on other high value activities, like implementing improvements to your suite of technology and enabling your staff. Let’s talk.