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| NEW VAULT Feature! - UAG Launch - Access from anywhere using any PC/Laptop Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:20:34 |
Continuing our commitment to improving VAULT based on your feedback, it is with great excitement that we launch our new Universal Access Gateway (UAG) Service.
As we all start to rely more on VAULT, we require access to everything from anywhere using almost anything. UAG makes this possible.
Using UAG you can securely access your VAULT sessions using any PC or Laptop from anywhere in the world, providing the machine has a current Virus scanner running.
Now you no longer have to worry about access to your files if you don't have your PC/Laptop.
To access UAG please contact our Helpdesk. |
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| NEW VAULT Feature! - VFX Launch - Secure File Transfer Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:09:07 |
Over the past 18 months we have asked you to tell us how to make VAULT better, what functionality can make business easier for you.
You said you wanted easier access to VAULT and we delivered iPad access. Today we want to announce another exciting development that has come from your feedback – VFX.
VFX is a secure file transfer application that allows you and your clients to safely transfer large files that are too big for email. Many of us have tried Drop Box type offerings and although have found them handy they still can prove to be a security issue as you never quite know where your data is and who can access it.
You asked us for a secure alternative to be built into VAULT and VFX is the answer.
VFX is part of VAULT and is FREE for all VAULT users and their clients.
To start using VFX contact our helpdesk. |
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| Follow Us and Tweet us back! Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:08:18 |
| We have entered the twittersphere! You can follow us using @builtontrust. |
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| Connect to VAULT using your iPad Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:09:54 |
| With the release of the new iPad, we are having our clients asking us how to best use their shiny new device. Good news for our VAULT users, you can access VAULT directly from your iPad and have the same desktop experience as you would from any PC or Laptop. |
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| Refer a client……..Get an Apple! Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:32:30 |
We would like to share your experiences with Strategic Group with your colleagues and friends and to reward you, we will give you a shiny new Apple iPad.
For the details you need, please goto www.strategicgroup.net.au/referral |
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Blogs |
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| You can like, link, poke or tweet! Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:00:00 |
Social Networking has exploded into our everyday lives, and many businesses are trying to decide if Social Networking may be the right medium to promote their business.
Everyone has their opinion on this, so here is our 2c to throw into the pile.
Before you even start to work on a Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or now Google + page for your business you first have to decide who your target market is and what information you are trying to get across.
Social Networking sites are great for putting photos of your life to share with family and friends, but are these going to benefit your client base?
Most professional businesses have no place on Social Network sites like Facebook or Twitter because they are just that, “social”, but if you choose to have your business on these sites, following these simple steps can help you succeed;
• Just because you build it, that doesn’t mean they’ll come - You have to promote to your client base that you now exist on this medium and you have something to offer, use your experience to provide information that people will want to read
• Separate your business and personal online lives - Yes we all like to talk about our plans for the weekend but does everyone really need to know if you have a hangover?
• Don’t just link to webpages – have an opinion, all because you now sit on the scary Internet does not mean that you should not continue to speak as you would in person
• It’s not all about you – the main reason why you have a client relationship is that you can offer them some help in their interests, remember that a Social Website is not about your business its about providing information that can help your clients and keep them coming back
Happy poking, tweeting and liking
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| Come, Join.Me! Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:55:48 |
Although we have written about connecting to remote computers before, (LogMeIn). There is a great FREE website that we had to share with you.
Join.me (the website is www.join.me) is perfect for connecting to the remote computers of clients, colleagues and friends computers.
It works by you both going to the website and starting a session, the user whose computer you are connecting to will click on “share” where a small program will download and run on the PC. The download is very quick and all traces of it are removed once the session is over.
Once the download is complete a 9 digit number will appear which you will give to the person who you want to connect to your computer. Once they put this number in your screen will appear to them!
You can now share your screen, give control or start a voice conference, all very simple, and FREE |
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| Look out, scammers about! Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:02:05 |
There have been recent reports of phone calls being made to home or businesses where the caller states that there has been a virus detected on a computer and asks for details on how they can access the computer and ”fix” the virus.
As good as technology is, there is no way for someone external to your network to detect that your computer has a virus. These phone based scams prey on the fear that computer viruses can create and uses this against an unsuspecting user to access their computer to get your private files and details.
At no point should you ever give your username and password details to a person who “calls out of the blue”. If you have an IT company who looks after your home/business, hang up on the current caller and contact your support company so you can verify who you are talking to.
Not all computer threats come from the Internet! |
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| Hey, I can see you! Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:50:28 |
Video conferencing (VC) is a technology that has varied in its popularity and it seems that most small/medium business have had a love (or hate) affair with Skype.
In the past when choosing a video conference solution it seems that we all start in the same place, we decide that we are going to increase productivity and save money in travel if we can all be in a virtual meeting at the same time. Then we are dazzled by what VC solution can offer and how much better our lives will be, but then we see the price and inevitably go back to our old confidant Skype.
But did this really address your needs? Remember the reasons that made you invest your time into finding a solution?
VC solutions have continued to change and evolve over the years, and we now have more options when it comes to getting everyone together in the virtual boardroom.
Based on your needs (and how many people you want in the meetings at one time) you can choose a number of providers who don’t require specialised hardware or big internet links just so you can see a face, hear a voice and share a spreadsheet.
Some of these, including WebEx and Microsoft Live Meeting are giving you more affordable options to address those reasons that started you down this path. |
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| LogMeIn to the Rescue! Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:14:45 |
Businesses are finding themselves needing to access their clients PC’s more and more these days, and its mostly to either access files on their PC or to use a program in order to complete some work (i.e. MYOB auditing, software education).
A great tool that we have been recommending to our clients to complete these tasks is ‘LogMeIn Rescue’.
LogMeIn Rescue allows you to create a secure connection to a client’s computer via the internet, which allows you to ‘take over’ their PC as if it was your own. We are finding it is very popular with our Accounting Practice clients who can log into their clients PC’s and complete work that they would ordinarily have to either attend site for or wait for the client to send a file to them.
The LogMeIn is installed on the destination computer you are wishing to control and only the destination machine can send the invite, which ensures that control cannot be taken when it is not required.
A safe and easy way to connect with your clients. |
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| Didn’t your mother teach you to Share? Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:14:40 |
One common question that our clients ask us is ‘what can SharePoint do for my business’, to which we respond ‘good question and well asked’.
In this blog we would like to take the time to overview some of the key features that SharePoint can give your business.
Use #1: Keep all your files in the same place
In its simplest form, SharePoint creates a central file storage area which can be accessed via a permission basis. It has a powerful search function that allows you to find any file no matter how many you have. It becomes a company Intranet
Use #2: Collaboration
Now that you can share each others files, you can work on them together and track all changes. Previous file versions can be restored if someone makes a big mistake and documents can be linked to related projects
Use #3: Task Management
Keep a central task location for assigning tasks to your team member; these tasks will automatically appear in the delegated team members Outlook To-Do List
Use #4: Project Management
Easily manage all the smaller projects for your team without having to purchase dedicated project management software
Use #5: Create Workflows
Use workflows to automate business processes such as document review, approval, and archiving. Or you can quickly create workflows to take care of routine processes on your team site, such as sending notifications or creating tasks.
Once a business starts to use SharePoint we see that they are constantly finding new ways to apply its features to do more and more with their business.
SharePoint is a great example of an application that can solve the most common problems of file centralisation to be powerful enough to be an aggregation point for your business. |
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| Lost your iPhone? The internet to the rescue! Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:14:35 |
Smartphones and Pad devices, such as iPhone’s and iPad’s, can cost up to $ 1,000.00 these days, and you can have a hard enough time keeping it scratch free without having to worry about actually losing it too.
As it’s becoming more common for iDevice’s to grow legs, Apple have released the 'find my iPhone' website, it’s free and easy to use. All you need is an iTunes account and an iPhone or iPad (one that has not been lost yet).
Setting up is done via the e-mail setting in your iDevice and selecting ‘mobile me’, use your iTunes username and password and you are done.
Once you set up this service you can log into ‘find my iPhone’ website and your iDevice will appear as a blue circle in Google maps, telling you where it is you have left it. Using the website, you can set your iDevice to display a message or play a noise even when it is on silent.
If something more sinister has happened and you have had your iDevice stolen and it has been turned off, you may not be able to find it on the map. But you have the option to erase all your data on the phone so your personal information cannot be accessed. The next time your iDevice is switched back on it will erase all data and send you an e-mail letting you know the phone has been wiped clean. Little consolation for a lost iDevice, but at least some piece of mind.
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| RSS Feeds - News that YOU want Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:14:32 |
Most people see the RSS logo and wonder what place that will take us too . Well fear not weary browser, RSS feeds will not take you to a far off place filled with pop-ups and offers of drugs you may or may not need.
RSS feeds are a great way to cut through all the noise out there on the web to receive only the info that is relevant to you. All you need to do is sign up to the RSS feed that you want and then sit back and let the information come to you, no more searching the internet for hours to only end up with irrelevant content you don’t need or want.
Once you click on the RSS logo, you will be taken to a page where you can subscribe to the blog as you would with a podcast. Once you have subscribed, any new blogs from the site will appear in your inbox as an e-mail for you to read.
Clever, simple and easy to use. You can start by subscribing to this feed using the RSS logo above. |
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| Cloud Computing myths BUSTED! Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:14:29 |
As the concept of ‘Cloud Computing’ becomes main stream, you will see more providers start to offer Cloud products, and each will be telling their own story of what the Cloud can do for you based on their offering.
In tribute to ‘mythbusters’, we’re going to don our fake moustaches and bust some common myths about ‘the Cloud’
MYTH #1: Cloud Computing is not affordable
BUSTED: Cloud Computing is affordable for businesses from 5 to 100 users and beyond, across either single or multiple sites. When evaluating the Cloud you will need to compare it against replacing your current on-site server environment
MYTH #2: You still need a server at your office
BUSTED: Using the cloud replaces the need for servers, server licences and backup procedures. All that is left at your office are PC’s, Laptop or Thin Clients
MYTH #3: Cloud makes you spend more money on internal IT resources
BUSTED: Cloud Computing is a fully managed end-to-end service, you don’t need any IT expertise
MYTH #4: You need big expensive connections to the Internet
BUSTED: The cloud can be accessed via ADSL or ADSL2+. It can also be accessed using a 3G connection
MYTH #5: You still need to purchase all the software and licences to use the Cloud
BUSTED: Our Cloud Computing platform (VAULT) includes Windows server and user licences as well as Microsoft Office, Anti-virus/Anti-SPAM and all backup licences. This is another key point when evaluating a cloud platform
Cloud Computing is a technology path that will add value to your business in many more ways than listed above, but like any key decision you make in your business, the outcomes need to be relevant to you and your business needs to be ready for the transition to ‘the Cloud’
Cloud Computing is a viable option for most businesses, but, like everything you do you need to align yourself with a trusted partner who has had extensive experience in delivering Cloud solutions. |
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| Don’t take this Tablet with water… Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:14:26 |
2010 saw the launch of the iPad and it changed the way people thought about mobile computing. Now that 2011 has been dubbed “The Year of the Tablet” we are about to see many more Tablet/Slate/Pad devices hit the shelves all shiny and asking for you to buy them.
But do you really need a tablet, and what will you do with it once you have it?
A tablet device is all about mobility, giving you access to your applications/e-mails/videos/music/photos all on a light weight device that can be used for long periods before a recharge. Tablet devices have access to WiFi and/or 3G to ensure that no matter where you are, if you have a signal, you’re online.
So far, the real world example of this is the iPad launch in April 2010. The iPad was positioned as an entertainment device, it is great for displaying your photos and movies and the way it displays web pages is second to none, but unless you have a specific ‘app’ installed its business use could be limited. But regardless of this, the iPad has truly become the tech success story of 2010.
Apple’s competitors have seen the success of the iPad and a series of tablet devices are due out in 2011 to compete against the iPad, we are about to see a number of tablet devices running different operating systems (Windows/Android) to push the tablet more towards the business sector of the market. We will not only access all of our entertainment via these devices, but our business e-mails, files and applications as well.
As consumers, we will be spoilt for choice when it comes to tablets, but like anything, when making your choice you need to be sure that once the tablet is no longer shiny that it still will be used.
If the urge of buying a tablet becomes too hard to resist, be sure that it can run the business applications you need, and that it truly can be a laptop replacement. Be sure that is can be used in your everyday work life, not just the ride home on the train.
All this and the iPad2 is still to come……..bring on 2011!
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| Smart Pens, paper is so 2010 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:14:22 |
A typical business meeting, you’re supposed to be taking notes but you find yourself chatting away. You leave the meeting and promptly forget some of what was said, and now you may not be sure of something important your client required.
Enter the Smart Pen.
A Smart Pen can write on paper (just like a normal pen) but they also do a lot more. A Smart Pen stores what you have written digitally which can be downloaded to your PC for later use.
An exciting feature of smart pens is the ability to record the conversation and track conversation points with your notes. For example, you have written ‘blue fish’ on your note pad and you’re not sure why you wrote it or what it means. If you had a smart pen you could ‘touch’ your notes with the pen and it will play back the conversation from the point in time you made that note.
Smart Pen?......we think so.
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| Dual monitors = increased efficiency? Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:01:17 |
2010 was the year of multiple monitors; we found it was the most frequent request we had from our clients.
The simple reason is that we are all looking to utilize the limited desk space we have in a better way and by using multiple LCD screens you have an easy way to maximise what space you have.
There are many uses of multiple monitors and each user will customise the two or more screens in a way that is most productive for them.
The most common uses are;
- Use separate programs on each screen e.g. e-mail on one, business applications on the other
- Stretch a large spreadsheet across the 2 screens
- Copy and Paste without having to switch between applications
- Compare 2 or more documents without having to switch between applications
When considering using multiple monitors, you need to be sure that your current PC/Laptop/WYSE terminal can support more then one screen and our team can help you decide what the best path is for your business.
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