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Category: Remote Work

  • 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!

  • Four Ways Microsoft Azure Can Help Your Business

    Four Ways Microsoft Azure Can Help Your Business

    As a business owner, the vast array of over two hundred products and services offered by Microsoft Azure might seem overwhelming. But fear not, we’re here to guide you through the cloud and highlight four key features that can provide immediate benefits to your business:

    1. Windows Virtual Machines (WVM) 
    2. Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) 
    3. Single Sign-On (SSO) 
    4. Data Management 

    How can each of these help your small business succeed? Let’s find out!

    Windows Virtual Machines (WVM) – Your On-Demand IT Infrastructure

    What is a Windows Virtual Machine? 

    Imagine having an added computer within your primary one. That’s what a Windows Virtual Machine on Azure offers. 

    It’s a secure, isolated environment where you can run servers or entire operating systems without affecting your main system. 

    This setup is invaluable for testing and development purposes.

    Advantages of WVMs include:

    • Cost Efficiency – Save on physical hardware costs.
    • Enhanced Security – Benefit from Azure’s robust cloud infrastructure to keep your data safe and off-site.

    Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD): Empower Your Remote Workforce

    The Windows Virtual Desktop service allows your employees to access a full Windows 10 experience from any device, anywhere. 

    This integration doesn’t require additional licenses and works seamlessly with Microsoft Teams and Office.

    Advantages of WVD include:

    • Accessibility – Supply remote access without the need for added hardware.
    • Security – Azure’s security is top-notch, often surpassing on-premises solutions.

    Single Sign-On (SSO): One Credential to Access Them All

    With Azure Active Directory and our Data Toolkit, you can synchronize Office 365 credentials for Single Sign-On capabilities across various cloud applications, saving your employees from the hassle of multiple logins.

    Advantages of SSO include:

    • Efficiency – Reduce login times and increase productivity.
    • Convenience – Ideal for organizations with large teams or high turnover rates.

    Data Management: Let Azure Do the Heavy Lifting

    If your business deals with extensive reporting from systems like accounting, operations, sales, and scheduling, Azure can streamline your data management. 

    Manual data collection is prone to errors; Azure automates this process, ensuring accuracy and saving time.

    Advantages of Azure for data management include:

    • Automated Data Capture – Say goodbye to manual entry.
    • Centralized Data Repository – Access and manage your data from a single location.
    • Data Cleansing–  Trust Azure to clean your data for precise analysis.

    In Conclusion

    Microsoft Azure is more than just a cloud service; it’s a comprehensive solution designed to enhance and support your business operations. 

    From virtual machines to secure remote access, simplified logins, and efficient data management, Azure has you covered. 

    Start exploring these features today and witness Azure’s transformative impact on your business.