Author: TestAdmin

  • Cyber Insurance: A Quick Guide

    Cyber Insurance: A Quick Guide

    Cyber Insurance: A Quick Guide

    In the face of escalating cyber threats, cyber insurance has become a critical component of business operations. 

    This article discusses cyber insurance, highlighting its importance, coverage, market trends, key features, and strategies to avoid claim denial.

    The Necessity of Cyber Insurance

    Technology is complex, and people make mistakes. Even the most robust cybersecurity measures can falter. Eliminating all risk is both challenging and costly. Therefore, reducing the risk as much as possible and transferring the remainder through cyber insurance is advisable.

    A competent cyber insurance partner will cover the residual risk and collaborate with you and your technology team to mitigate your overall risk. Your cyber insurance provider is also ideally positioned to understand your risk and assist you in designing systems to mitigate it.

    Deciphering Cyber Insurance Policies

    Insurance policies vary in their coverage. 

    Your insurance policy is likely t fall into one of the following categories:

    • General/Commercial Liability and its riders are no longer tailored for cyber coverage and are typically quite limited. 
    • Technology Errors & Omissions (Tech E&O) protects a company if a mistake or oversight results in client harm, but it does not shield you from attackers. 
    • Cyber Liability safeguards your company against cyber-attacks.

    Cyber Insurance Coverage

    A cyber insurance policy primarily covers the following situations:

    • Data breaches – The insurance covers breach response and remediation, including legal fees, customer notification and tracing, IT forensics, crisis media relations support, and any necessary liaison work with regulators and authorities.
    • Business interruption – If a cyber-attack disrupts your operations, the insurance will cover the cost of operating your business again. This includes bricking costs (where devices have been critically damaged), loss of earnings, digital asset damage, and costs incurred in staff overtime.
    • Cyber extortion – In the event of a ransomware attack, the insurance will cover the cost involved if you are held hostage. This includes paying ransom and the services of legal or specialist IT experts.

    Current State of the Cyber Insurance Market

    The current cyber insurance market is beginning to see a tiered system develop among carriers. 

    Some carriers offer superior policies while imposing more requirements. Other carriers have fewer requirements but do not offer the best policies, particularly regarding premiums, deductibles, or pay-on-behalf policies (which are highly recommended).

    Features of a Good Cyber Policy

    A good cyber insurance policy will have a decent premium and deductible. 

    It will be a “pay-on-behalf” policy, meaning the carrier pays for the incident costs upfront instead of reimbursing the customer later. 

    Two of the most significant factors affecting your premium will be your industry and your size (by annual revenue).

    Current Requirements for Best Policies

    The best policies currently require Offsite/Cloud Backups, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR/MDR/XDR), and Employee Cyber Awareness Training. 

    Customers often see premiums 8-10% more expensive from carriers that do not require MFA. Particularly for mid-market customers (determined by yearly revenue) and high-risk industries, EDR/MDR/XDR is required.

    Ensuring Your Claim Isn’t Denied

    The MOST likely reason a company is denied a claim on their cyber policy is when they fail to follow the cybersecurity requirements they attested to implementing when applying for insurance. 

    If all cybersecurity requirements are being implemented, it is tough for a carrier to deny a claim. So, do you have good records of the tools and technologies you said you had in place when you got your insurance?

    Understanding the coverage, market state, ideal features, and how to avoid claim denial is crucial to making the correct business decision.

     

  • Preparing for Your Power Virtual Agent Chatbot – A Comprehensive Guide

    Preparing for Your Power Virtual Agent Chatbot –  A Comprehensive Guide

    As a small business leader in professional services, you’re likely looking for ways to streamline operations and improve customer service. One solution that has gained significant attention recently is the Power Virtual Agent (PVA) chatbot. 

    This article will guide you through critical preparatory steps for creating a PVA chatbot, provide awareness of its limitations, and discuss scenarios where the PVA solution would include other Microsoft technologies.

    Preparatory Steps for Creating a PVA Chatbot

    Before you start creating your first PVA Chatbot, you will need to consider its primary use and intended function, determine the best tool for developing your chatbot, and collect all the information it will require to fulfill its purpose.

    To prepare to create a PVA Chatbot, you should – 

    1. Identify the purpose – The first step is to identify the purpose of your chatbot. What tasks will it perform? How will it benefit your business and customers? For example, a chatbot can provide customer support, answer frequently asked questions, or help customers navigate your website.
    2. Define the user experience – Consider how users interact with your chatbot. What questions will they ask? How will the chatbot respond? Will the public interact with the tool, and therefore, the bot has to respond to many possible scenarios, or will it be used by a specific team that understands the constraints of the bot and, therefore, the scope of required responses is tighter? What tone should the bot respond in? Are multiple languages required?
    3. Choose the right technology – Microsoft’s PVA is a powerful tool for creating chatbots, but ensuring it fits your needs is essential. Will the conversations require more advanced customizations and experiences that require configuration via the Bot Framework Composer or direct calls to Azure Open AI or other Azure Cognitive Services?
    4. Prepare your data – Your chatbot will need data to function effectively. This could be customer data, product information, or other relevant data. Ensure the data your bot will reference are accurate and applicable. Leverage metadata to help the engine identify the right information. It may be time for spring cleaning your SharePoint document libraries and website content.
    5. Plan for integration – Consider how your chatbot will integrate with other systems. Will it need to access your CRM? Will it need to pull data from an external database?

    Limitations of a PVA Chatbot

    While PVA chatbots offer many benefits, it’s essential to be aware of their limitations – 

    1. Limited to text-based interactions – PVA chatbots primarily interact through text. They typically don’t handle tasks that require visual or auditory input. However, these features are evolving and are available with more complex development projects than most small businesses would benefit from.
    2. Dependent on data quality – A PVA chatbot’s effectiveness largely depends on its access to data. Incomplete or inaccurate data may lead to incorrect or misleading answers.
    3. Require regular maintenance – Like any technology, PVA chatbots require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function effectively.

    Integrating PVA with Other Microsoft Technologies

    A PVA chatbot can be even more powerful when integrated with other Microsoft technologies. 

    Here are a few scenarios – 

    • OpenAI in Azure – If your chatbot needs to perform complex tasks or make predictions, you can integrate it with OpenAI in Azure. This lets your chatbot leverage machine learning models to provide more accurate responses.
    • Power Automate – If your chatbot needs to automate tasks, you can use Power Automate. This could be anything from scheduling appointments to sending follow-up emails.
    • Dataverse – If your chatbot needs to access and manipulate data, you can use Dataverse. This lets your chatbot pull data from various sources, ensuring it has the most up-to-date information.
    • Azure SQL & SharePoint – If your chatbot needs to store or retrieve data, you can use Azure SQL or SharePoint. This ensures your chatbot can access the data to provide accurate responses.

    In Conclusion

    While creating a PVA chatbot requires careful planning and consideration, the benefits can be significant. 

    By understanding the preparatory steps, being aware of the limitations, and knowing how to integrate with other technologies, you can create a powerful tool that enhances your business operations and improves customer service.

  • Understanding Power Virtual Agent Chatbots: A Guide for Small Business Leaders

    Understanding Power Virtual Agent Chatbots: A Guide for Small Business Leaders

    In the rapidly evolving world of technology, businesses are constantly looking for ways to streamline operations, improve customer service, and stay competitive. One such technology that has gained significant attention is the Power Virtual Agent (PVA) chatbot. 

    This article aims to demystify critical terms related to PVA chatbots and provide a basic understanding of their role in the broader bot/AI landscape.

    Bots vs. Virtual Agents

    Before we delve into the specifics of PVA chatbots, let’s clarify the difference between bots and virtual agents.

    Bots are software applications that run automated tasks over the internet. These tasks are typically simple and structurally repetitive, operating at a much higher rate than would be possible for a human alone.

    On the other hand, virtual agents are more sophisticated. They are AI-driven programs that interact with users in a natural, human-like way. Virtual agents can understand and respond to user queries using Natural Language Processing (NLP), a branch of AI that allows machines to read, understand, and derive meaning from human language.

    What is a Power Virtual Agent?

    Microsoft’s Power Virtual Agent is a platform that allows you to create powerful chatbots without needing extensive coding knowledge. It’s part of Microsoft’s Power Platform, including Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate.

    PVA chatbots can understand and respond to user queries in a natural, conversational manner. They can be integrated with various data sources and services, making them a versatile tool for businesses of all sizes.

    Use Case Scenarios

    Let’s look at some use case scenarios to understand how PVA chatbots can benefit small businesses, particularly those in professional services.

    Healthcare

    In a healthcare setting, a PVA chatbot can handle routine inquiries such as appointment scheduling, medication reminders, or providing information about clinic hours and services. 

    This improves patient experience and frees staff to focus on more critical tasks.

    Education/Training

    For educational institutions or training providers, a PVA chatbot can assist with course enrollment, provide information about courses, handle FAQs, and even offer personalized learning recommendations based on a student’s interests and progress.

    Consulting/Legal

    In a consulting or legal firm, a PVA chatbot can help with client onboarding, provide quick answers to common legal questions, and direct clients to the appropriate resources or personnel. This can improve client satisfaction and allow consultants or lawyers to focus on more complex tasks.

    In Conclusion

    Power Virtual Agent chatbots represent a powerful tool for small businesses looking to improve efficiency, customer service, and overall competitiveness. As AI technology evolves, the potential applications for PVA chatbots will only grow.

  • Streamlining Client Onboarding and Record Management

    Streamlining Client Onboarding and Record Management

    Streamlining Client Onboarding and Record Management

    Managing client onboarding and records can be a challenging task. It often involves tracking down clients to get questions answered, collecting documents, and scheduling status updates. 

    But what if there were a more efficient way?

    Making Use of Microsoft 365

    We’ve utilized Microsoft 365 subscriptions to automate many aspects of records management, from collecting information to archiving files for completed projects and purging old records for our clients.

    Examples of Automated Solutions

    Let’s look at some solutions we’ve created for our clients. 

    In a financial advisory firm, when a new client comes on board, Microsoft 365 automatically creates a folder for them. This folder contains subfolders for each step of the onboarding process and templated questionnaires for the client to fill out.

    In another scenario, we’ve designed e-forms sent to customers before their first intake meeting. This ensures all necessary information is collected in advance.

    We’ve also configured Power Platform’s portal to capture customer information and provide them with updates. This keeps customers informed throughout the process.

    The key technology components we used are Power Automate, SharePoint, and PowerApps/Pages. We configured Microsoft 365 Security features to protect the solution, including Identity Management and Data Loss Prevention.

    The Outcome

    These solutions helped speed up client onboarding, improve accuracy, and facilitate collaboration between teams and clients. By making these processes more efficient, you, too, can improve your clients’ onboarding experience and allow your team to focus on their core tasks.

    Ready to streamline your client onboarding process? 

    Contact us today to learn how our tailored solutions can empower your clients and free up your team to focus on what they do best.

  • Enterprising Women Award

    Celebrating Women in Tech: TechHouse CEO Kathy Durfee Wins Prestigious Award

    In the world of technology, where innovation and leadership are paramount, it’s always inspiring to see individuals who stand out and make a difference. One such individual is Kathy Durfee, the CEO and Founder of TechHouse, who has recently been named a winner of the 2022 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards.

    A Tribute to Top Women Entrepreneurs

    The Enterprising Women of the Year Awards is an annual event commemorating the world’s top women entrepreneurs. It’s a platform that recognizes women who have demonstrated exceptional business growth, actively mentor other women and girls in entrepreneurship, and are community leaders.

    This year, at the 20th Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration and Conference, Kathy Durfee was recognized for her outstanding IT leadership. The conference brought together dynamic women worldwide to share business insights, expand their networks, and deepen mentoring commitments.

    A Passion for Positive Change

    Kathy Durfee isn’t just a business owner; she’s a leader and a role model. “Owning and operating TechHouse isn’t just a job for me. It’s a vehicle for positive change in my community and the world,” says Durfee. Every new client at TechHouse is an opportunity to empower people to make the most of their talents.

    About TechHouse

    TechHouse is a Microsoft Partner with over 25 years of experience. They specialize in solving problems in cybersecurity, data analysis, business processes, and more. TechHouse creates custom-fit MSP (managed services provider) and CSP (cloud solution provider) solutions for small and midmarket organizations across the US.

    About Enterprising Women

    Enterprising Women, with headquarters in Cary, North Carolina, is the nation’s only women-owned magazine published exclusively for women business owners that chronicles the growing political, economic, and social influence and power of entrepreneurial women. The magazine provides a friendly meeting place, a public forum, and a national stage for the critical issues confronting women’s businesses and daily lives from the unique perspectives and experiences of entrepreneurial women. Published in both print and digital editions, the online edition of the magazine reaches one million readers in 185 countries. For more information, please visit https://enterprisingwomen.com or call (919) 362-1551.

    Women entrepreneurs bring a unique passion and drive to the table. Kathy Durfee’s recognition at the Enterprising Women of the Year Awards is not just a personal achievement but also an inspiration for other women entrepreneurs.

     

    Inspired by Kathy Durfee’s story? Learn more about how TechHouse can empower your organization with its IT solutions. Visit TechHouse today or call (941) 328-8601.

    Press Release – TechHouse CEO Kathy Durfee, Named a 2022 Enterprising Women of the Year Award Winner

  • Accounting Made Easy with QuickBooks Online and More

    Accounting Made Easy with QuickBooks Online and More

    [fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” align_content=”stretch” flex_align_items=”flex-start” flex_justify_content=”flex-start” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” container_tag=”div” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” border_style=”solid” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” absolute=”off” absolute_devices=”small,medium,large” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_transition_offset=”0″ scroll_offset=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ admin_label=”Article Content” margin_top=”50px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”4_5″ type=”4_5″ layout=”4_5″ align_self=”auto” content_layout=”column” align_content=”flex-start” content_wrap=”wrap” center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” order_medium=”0″ order_small=”0″ margin_bottom=”0px” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_position=”all” first=”true” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_text content_alignment_small=”center” content_alignment=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” font_size=”17px” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″]

    While an influx of vendors move to the Cloud, will you stay with older tech tools they are no longer updating? How does your budget or mindset affect how you update systems and processes?

    Time spent manually navigating invoices, payments, and payroll can strain any team member. If you are using Excel, migrating to QuickBooks Desktop can get your organization into an accurate accounting system and introduce accounting automation.

    Automation can also help your organization capture, store, and communicate critical business information effortlessly. If you already have QuickBooks Desktop to track and send invoices and pay off your vendors, moving to QuickBooks Online will give you the benefits of Intuit’s security without the additional cost of implementing that security yourself.

    While QuickBooks Online may be outside your budget plan, it can become an investment that helps you easily manage what you may now do manually.

    In other words, aside from easy automation and visibility, QuickBooks Online can offer your organization more security at any time or place.

    Cyber threats increase on what seems to be a daily basis. What systems will you have in place? Bad actors improve their infiltration of small and medium-sized businesses mainly because SMBs do not increase and refresh their security. Cyber threats plaguing SMBs are outside your control, but you can decide what defenses to implement.

    QuickBooks Online can help your organization optimize accounting and automation. You can easily view QuickBooks Online and all your systems within a single dashboard. As a QuickBooks partner, we can tighten your security and create clear visibility of your various systems to enhance your organization’s productivity.

    Accounting: Easy as 1,2,3 and Do-Re-Mi

    Stop running off computers from a data center; we can help you transition from QuickBooks Desktop into the Cloud.

    If your accounting software is not from an accounting vendor, for example, your organization uses Access or Excel, moving you to QuickBooks Online is still possible.

    The initial move to the Cloud requires us to create a standard location for you to handle receivables and payables and get your financial reporting out. Then you can move similar things into the suite, such as taking care of electronic payments.

    As you consolidate, things become a bit more helpful. Instead of files, or piles of paper reports, enjoy a quick and easy view of your invoices in one place and a record of when payments are made.

    When you move accounting to the Cloud, you can put your tracked receipts into the QuickBooks Online platform, or you may make it part of your overall M365 document management, where you currently keep receipts.

    Both have pros and cons, so speak to a TechHouse advisor about the right strategy for where you want to keep your supporting documentation, such as Excel spreadsheets that show the backup for any adjustments made in your accounting software.

    You need to keep your documentation somewhere, so how do you structure it, and how do you amplify safety in your Cloud files? Your email and files should be in the Cloud. After this foundation, you can add payroll, handle security payments, automate invoices, and track expenses.

    QuickBooks Online offers easy and friction-free tools that will automate sending your sales team a spreadsheet that shows all the sales from the prior week or all the sales from the preceding month. If you have a team member responsible for collections, you can send them an outstanding balance spreadsheet at the end of every day, so they can see what invoices have and have not been paid.

    Most banks can be connected to the environment, and you can set up rules. Rules such as a transaction from your utility provider can automatically get booked to your utility account. QuickBooks Online matches it and sends it right through.

    Say goodbye to manual recording, automation helps take care of transactions.

    Ramp Up Your Security before Cyber Threats Rock You

    QuickBooks Online offers security within its platform.

    A helpful feature allows your organization to assign custom rules. For example, with multiple people in your accounting software, sales won’t have to deal with vendors and vice versa. You can decide who has access — helping you segment responsibility and visibility to specific roles.

    However, it behooves you to implement additional security to mitigate risk over your entire environment. Unfortunately, many SMBs understand the severity of cyber threats but aren’t proactive in what they know. Responding too late has already resulted in 60% of small businesses going out of business after they’ve experienced cyber-attacks.

    We help organizations mitigate risk with various solutions, one being Safety Plus. When you move to the Cloud, Safety Plus implements robust security, which allows us to restrict insider risk, reduce OPEX, and substantially minimize traditional hardware failures and downtime. Know that sometimes your computer isn’t moving slowly “just because.”

    Safety Plus Cybersecurity includes monitoring, hardening, Cloud alerts, and training. Your team may know about cybersecurity, but our training helps your organization reduce security threats. Our hands-on training programs help your organization maintain a consistent security posture.

    Phishing attacks can be clever. Using our Phishing Net software, we send phishing simulations to your team, and they are asked to complete training if they fall for the attack – a real-world scenario without real-world consequences.

    Bad actors are like viruses: they adapt to what’s used to decimate them and respond in a new, hopefully undetectable, form.

    In other words, implementing security is not enough. You must manage what you secure:

    • SafetyPlus™ Hardening gets our tech experts into your system monthly to tighten up your security – closing any cracks bad actors may wiggle through.
    • SafetyPlus™ Cybersecurity Awareness sends monthly training to your team, keeping your organization familiar with rising threats.
    • SafetyPlus™ Remote Monitoring and Management pays close attention to your system and alerts our team when it detects something unusual, especially invasions you may not see. Our tech experts promptly respond to alerts to ensure your organization hasn’t been breached.

    Files sent through email, documents stored in SharePoint or OneDrive, and your QuickBooks environment will have around-the-clock watchdogs. Your environment safely captures data, but how do you understand how the business is going?

    Better Visibility and KPI Tracking Using Apps and Analytics

    Imagine the possibilities of KPI tracking and decision-making when you don’t have to connect information from scattered systems manually. Now that your critical business information, such as your financials, is in the Cloud, what other opportunities can reveal themselves?

    Automating accounting and moving to the Cloud helps various systems communicate. Our Data Toolkit then aggregates data across multiple systems to represent all your systems within a single dashboard for easy understanding.

    Invoices that help you understand customer revenue, products sold, expenses to vendors, and payroll can now be accepted and connected to your CRM system, the system you use for operational tracking, products you assemble, or what’s in inventory.

    Sales, accounting, and operational data reflect as one view, helping you visualize how your organization is performing.

    If you have these other systems, big pictures won’t only help you, but you will have better visibility on how different leavers affect each other. We want to bring in information from all those systems for you.

    No one should discourage you from having over 20 operations to run your business – especially when you can capture information from all of them. We create dashboards that confine data from many locations because once an organization reaches about 10 or 20 people, one system typically doesn’t meet all the organization’s needs. We want to make your process of doing things your way easy. Supporting who you are as an organization, how your organization operates, and configuring what your organization needs matters to our team.

    Our experts and solutions can handle more than one application.

    In addition, by leveraging the dashboard technology, we can have artificial intelligence help you predict or understand anomalies, things that look off, and trends going in the wrong direction – ways to help guide us even more.

    Embrace data as your ally. Financials from QuickBooks are excellent, but they won’t give a complete view of your entire organization. Smart reporting helps you understand what’s going on broadly in your organization. We combine all this data from all these sources. And again, you want to make sure your systems are secure.

    Not Tech Savvy? We Make It Easy

    Your accounting team won’t need to spend countless hours doing the best they can with little hope of making progress. QuickBooks Online, hardening your security and clear visibility, makes accounting less intimidating. As a QuickBooks and Microsoft partner, we are happy to provide all the one-on-one support you and your organization may need.

    Would you feel safe saying you’re going to lock your front door even though you never actually lock it? Tightening up your organization’s security and monitoring your environment can reduce how often you may be currently looking over your shoulder.

    Jumping from one system to the next may cause you and your team to misstep. A complete view of your organization’s ins and outs will help you see and think clearly about past, current, and next steps.

    You don’t have to be tech-savvy to optimize work minutes. We are here to put solutions in place, so your team can put their skills to exceptional use.

    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Switching to Remote Work: A Simple Guide

    Switching to Remote Work: A Simple Guide

    Switching to Remote Work: A Simple Guide

    In 1995, Kathy Durfee started TechHouse. She needed to work from home due to family obligations and her job didn’t allow it. Now, over 20 years later, many of us are working from home. 

    What has TechHouse learned?

    Stay Connected

    You don’t need to be in the office to work together. 

    Use contact management systems like Dynamics 365 or Power Platform to keep track of everyone’s contact info. This becomes your central address book.

    Next, keep track of what everyone is doing. Record emails, phone calls, tasks, and appointments. This way, everyone knows what’s happening. You can even track inbound emails automatically for some contacts or employees.

    Use workflows to follow tasks and data. When one step is done, the next one starts automatically. Everyone can see where things are at and what needs to be done next.

    Lastly, use alerts and reports to keep everyone informed. This ensures everyone can see what is going well and where help is needed.

    Move to Cloud Apps

    While the cloud didn’t exist in 1995, it has certainly made remote work easier!

    QuickBooks Desktop can be moved to QuickBooks Online. There might be some issues if you use advanced features like inventory tracking or multi-company features, but QuickBooks has tools to help with the move.

    Microsoft Access apps also need to be moved. This is a bit more complex and there’s no set tool or path. You’ll need to move data and forms separately. It might be easier to start fresh with PowerApps.

    The Human Side of Remote Work

    Working remotely isn’t just about tech. It’s also about people. We need to communicate and support each other.

    At TechHouse, we stay connected in three ways:

    1. We chat for an hour every week.
    2. We meet in person once a month for a day and twice a year for two days.
    3. We make sure everyone gets a chance to speak in meetings using round-robin and similar approaches.

    Work-Life Balance

    Working from home can mix up work and personal time. It’s important to have a regular schedule and clear boundaries.

    In the end, remote work can be great for everyone if we address both the tech and human sides of it. Let’s do this together!

  • Building a Strong Remote Work Culture with Microsoft 365

    Building a Strong Remote Work Culture with Microsoft 365

    Building a Strong Remote Work Culture with Microsoft 365

    Welcome to the digital age! Like many organizations, you’ve probably automated new hire paperwork using a payroll system, an electronic signature system, or even a shared file folder. But let’s be honest; these systems don’t always help our team members grasp the workings of our organization.

    How can we cultivate a sense of community and culture with our remote workers when there’s no physical water cooler for casual chats? The answer is simple: Create an employee portal.

    Use an Employee Portal to Connect

    With a Microsoft 365 SharePoint Online subscription or PowerPlatform, you can create an onboarding portal for clients and team members. Instead of overwhelming new employees with documents, your portal can highlight tasks that need their attention.

    The portal also serves as a one-stop shop for employees to access up-to-date information about your organization. This includes everything from your mission statement and history to profiles of current team members. 

    Plus, with Standard Operating Procedures readily available, team members can better understand their responsibilities, improving operational efficiency.

    One of the game-changing features of creating a portal is the ability to establish online communities. These hybrid spaces offer a communication and resource-sharing platform during onboarding.

    Connect with SharePoint in Microsoft 365

    Want to learn more? Check out this guide: Onboard new employees into your organization – SharePoint in Microsoft 365.

    And when you’re ready to elevate your digital workspace, consider Microsoft’s newest collaboration product – the Microsoft Viva employee experience portal. 

    Microsoft Viva offers learning, insights, goals, and connections for a comprehensive employee communication experience. Viva Connections within Microsoft 365 provides a central hub where workers can engage and share organizational information and announcements.

    In Conclusion

    Navigating the complexities of these technologies can be daunting. It requires a deep understanding of the product and how it integrates with your existing IT ecosystem. 

    This is where the value of collaboration shines through. Working alongside a partner who has navigated these waters before can be a game-changer. A team like TechHouse brings a wealth of expertise and product knowledge to the table. Our role is to work with you, understanding your unique needs and guiding the process towards seamless integration. This collaborative approach ensures that you’re not just investing in a product but in a solution that truly fits your organization and helps you achieve your goals.

    Ready to transform your remote work culture? Contact us today for expert guidance and seamless integration of Microsoft 365 into your organization. Let’s build a digital workspace that truly fits your needs and helps you achieve your goals.

  • 3G Network Shutdown: What You Need to Know

    3G Network Shutdown: What You Need to Know

    3G Network Shutdown: What You Need to Know

    In the ever-evolving world of technology, change is the only constant. 

    One such change that’s on the horizon is the shutdown of older 3G networks. This might seem like a minor blip on the tech radar, but it could have significant implications for many of us.

    Why Does the 3G Network Shutdown Matter?

    Our daily lives are intertwined with technology. We rely on cell phones for communication, GPS for navigation, and various other devices for everything from security to health monitoring. 

    Many of these devices, especially older ones, depend on 3G networks for connectivity. With the impending shutdown of these networks, any device that only supports 3G will cease to function.

    The Evolution of Cellular Networks

    Just as 1G and 2G were replaced by faster and more efficient data transmission technologies, 3G is now giving way to 4G and 5G. 

    The capabilities of these newer networks far outstrip those of their predecessor. Telemedicine, virtual reality, mobile TV, video conferencing – all these high-speed features run off 4G and 5G networks. 

    As such, the world finds fewer reasons to rely on 3G.

    When Will 3G Networks Shut Down?

    While we know that 3G networks are being phased out, the exact date varies by provider.

    According to the Federal Communications Commission:

    • AT&T will finish shutting down its 3G network by February 2022.
    • Verizon will shut down its 3G network by December 31, 2022.
    • T-Mobile will finish shutting down Sprint’s 3G CDMA network by March 31, 2022, and Sprint’s 4G LTE network by June 30, 2022. It also announced it will shut down T-Mobile’s 3G UMTS network by July 1, 2022.

    If your provider isn’t listed above, it would be wise to check with them to see if their service will be affected.

    What Can You Do?

    The first step is awareness. 

    You may have more devices connected through 3G than you realize. This includes not just phones but also other devices with built-in computers, such as car GPS systems, security systems, and medical monitors.

    Once you’ve identified these devices, work with your provider or a tech consultant like TechHouse to ensure your devices and networks are compatible with at least 4G. The solution could be as simple as replacing a part or device or as complex as replacing an entire system.

    Need help navigating the transition from 3G? Contact TechHouse today for expert advice and assistance.

  • Decisions, Decisions: Microsoft’s New Licensing

    Decisions, Decisions: Microsoft’s New Licensing

    [fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” align_content=”stretch” flex_align_items=”flex-start” flex_justify_content=”flex-start” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” container_tag=”div” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” border_style=”solid” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” absolute=”off” absolute_devices=”small,medium,large” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_transition_offset=”0″ scroll_offset=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ admin_label=”Article Content” margin_top=”50px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”4_5″ type=”4_5″ layout=”4_5″ align_self=”auto” content_layout=”column” align_content=”flex-start” content_wrap=”wrap” center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” order_medium=”0″ order_small=”0″ margin_bottom=”0px” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_position=”all” first=”true” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_text content_alignment_small=”center” content_alignment=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” font_size=”17px” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″]

    Decisions, Decisions: Microsoft’s New Licensing

    Starting in January 2022, Microsoft is rolling out three significant changes to their cloud per-seat licensing, like Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365. 

    There is a temporary discount for licenses before March, a considerable price increase in March, and a new subscription model, New Commerce Experience (NCE), with vastly different payment and cancellation terms. There is a way you can delay price increases for 12 months and save 5% of the total cost. 

    We will provide you with important dates from Microsoft to avoid costly penalties as you move to their new licensing format. Let’s discuss updated NCE information and cover your options for the smoothest transition.

    Choosing the right plan

    The main takeaway is how crucial it is to plan well to ensure you have the most cost-effective and beneficial plan for licensing in 2022. 

    We have now received the final word on some of the program features. We encourage you to evaluate your Microsoft License options and make decisions before the end of February to ensure you have the best plans for your organization over the next year.

    We recommend choosing one of two options:

    If month-to-month payments and variable license counts are helpful to you: Initiate annual legacy subscriptions for all your products in February. According to information we received from Microsoft, this price will protect your subscription until the end of January 2023, when it comes up for renewal. At that time, you will have to convert to NCE, and you will also have to pay the current price for the products.

    If you are comfortable with an annual payment: Initiate an NCE yearly subscription with a Tier 1 Direct reseller like TechHouse before March. You can receive a 5% discount on the subscription price, and the reseller will have access to Microsoft partner premier support for your subscription.

    More Details on Microsoft’s New Licensing

    Temporary Discount: Microsoft will offer a 5% discount on new annual NCE subscriptions through March 10, when all new subscriptions must be NCE.

    Price Increase: Microsoft is increasing the price of its core Microsoft products by 20 percent on annual terms. For month-to-month subscription terms, there is an additional surcharge by Microsoft of 20 percent.

    Detail of licensing price changes for commercial products with NCE:

    • Microsoft 365 Business Basic (from $5 to $6 per user)
    • Microsoft 365 Business Premium (from $20 to $22)
    • Office 365 E1 (from $8 to $10)
    • Office 365 E3 (from $20 to $23)
    • Office 365 E5 (from $35 to $38)
    • Microsoft 365 E3 (from $32 to $36)

    NCE: The new NCE program has significantly more draconian cancellation fees. You can only cancel within the first 72 hours of the purchase transaction. Unlike the current subscription, the annual term will not reduce the quantity during the term. The monthly term has a significant surcharge.

    Microsoft’s NCE Timeline

    March 10, 2022: New subscriptions must be purchased in NCE
    July 1, 2022: Legacy subscriptions must be renewed into NCE

    Microsoft’s NCE is here, and we are thankful for the opportunity to inform and support you through the transition. We recognize the power of adapting and pivoting when change comes; therefore, our suggestion is to see what option best fits your organization’s needs and renew sooner rather than later.

    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]