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  • Screen Time Can Harm Your Business: Why and What to Do About It

    At TechHouse, we help people use technology to improve their lives. But sometimes, technology can be a problem instead of a help. We want to make sure technology helps your business, not hurts it. Did you know that excessive screen time can make it physically more difficult for your team to make good decisions? This is a critical issue for business leaders to address.

    Recognizing and Addressing Screen and App Overuse in Your Business

    Many apps and devices use tricks like notifications and rewards to keep us hooked. These tricks release dopamine in the brain, making us feel good. This is the same feeling we get from eating our favorite foods, exercising, or getting praise. Unlike eating, which has natural breaks, screen time can just keep going. Apps are made to keep you engaged for as long as possible, leading to long periods of dopamine release. (To learn more about these software strategies, check out Kathy’s article)

    Why Screen Time Can Lead to Addictive Behavior

    • Continuous Engagement: Screen time can go on and on, unlike eating, which has natural breaks.
    • Behavioral Conditioning: Frequent and unpredictable rewards from screen time make users keep checking their devices, like gambling.
    • Disruption of Daily Life: Too much screen time takes away sleep and social interactions, continuing the cycle of dependency on digital devices.

    Impact on Your Business

    • Impact on the Brain: Too much screen time can change the brain, thinning the cerebral cortex, which helps with memory and decision-making. It can also reduce gray matter, which is important for movement, memory, and emotions.
    • Productivity: Digital distractions can hurt concentration and focus, lowering productivity and increasing stress.
    • Time Spent: The average American adult will spend 44 years looking at screens.
    • Prevalence: Nearly 48% of internet users in the United States think they are addicted or somewhat addicted to their digital devices.

    Practical Tips for You and Your Team to Reduce Screen Time

    • Set Screen Time Limits
      • iOS: Use the Screen Time feature to set daily limits for apps. Go to Settings > Screen Time and set your limits.
      • Android: Use Digital Wellbeing to track your usage and set app timers. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls to set daily limits.
    • Turn Off Notifications
      • iOS: Go to Settings > Notifications and turn off notifications for apps that aren’t important.
      • Android: Go to Settings > Apps & notifications and manage your notification preferences for each app.
      • Windows: Go to Settings > System > Notifications. Turn off notifications for non-essential apps.
    • Use Focus Mode
      • iOS: Use Focus Mode to customize settings for different times like work, personal time, or sleep. Go to Settings > Focus and set up your modes.
      • Android: Turn on Focus Mode through Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls. During focus mode, you can pause apps.
      • Windows: Go to Settings> Focus or > Do Not Disturb  and turn on or schedule to reduce distractions.
    • Schedule Regular Breaks: Taking regular breaks from your devices reduces stress. Try the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Use a timer on your phone or desk to remind you to step away from your screen.
    • Limit Social Media and Streaming Usage: Move social media apps off your home screen to reduce the temptation to open them. Review your social media habits and see how they affect you.
    • Using Blue Light Filters
      • iOS: Turn on Night Shift through Settings > Display & Brightness > Night Shift.
      • Android: Use the Blue Light Filter or Night Mode through Settings > Display.
      • Windows: Go to Settings > System > Display and turn on the Night light. You can adjust the strength and schedule of the blue light filter.
    • Using Color Filters or Grayscale
      • iOS: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters. Turn on Color Filters and select Grayscale.
      • Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen with two fingers, tap the pen icon, find Grayscale, and drag it into your tiles list. Tap the icon to enable Grayscale.
      • Windows: Go to Settings > System > Color Filter and turn on the Color Filter.

    Conclusion

    TechHouse is committed to helping customers and employees lead healthier, more balanced lives. These strategies can help you control screen time and improve your overall well-being and business health.

    TechHouse

    Innovative Solutions. Practical Software. Friendly Support.

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  • Consolidating Your IT Stack with Microsoft 365 Business Premium

    Small and mid-market businesses always have to be careful about spending and try to squeeze every bit of value out of every cent. This approach frees us up to grow and survive times of uncertainty or downturns. Whether times are good or bad, we always want to ensure we’re spending our money in the most cost-effective way possible.

    Sometimes, it can feel like a bit of a guessing game. Do we have the right tools in place? Do we have the right amount of each tool? Are we possibly buying the same thing twice? It’s not always clear. This blog post is intended to provide a framework for consolidating your stack for relatively non-technical people. If you’re an executive or leader within your organization, wondering what you should think about and ask about to ensure meaningful consolidation, this blog post is for you.

    First, we need to think about the services to consider when it comes to consolidating the stack. There are six that I’d like to talk about: cloud storage, email and calendar, video conferencing and telephony, contact and sales management, data analytics, and project and work management.

    Six Cost and Time Savers

    Cloud Storage is a great one because it’s easy to understand. Many organizations have Microsoft 365, which includes OneDrive and SharePoint. Yet, they may have individuals using Dropbox, even the free version, in their company. In any case, that third-party product, whether Dropbox or something else, most likely hasn’t been secured and doesn’t have the same protections as the rest of their environment. This also refers to the shared responsibility model: you’re responsible if the environment gets hacked through your ID or the configuration is messed up. The third-party provider is not guaranteeing your environment will be safe but rather securing the areas they’re responsible for.

    Years ago, sharing files securely with external users on the Microsoft platform was difficult. That’s no longer true. At that time, it wasn’t apparent to everyone that the third-party provider they were using might not have had the required security controls.

    When thinking about security, consider on-premises servers. Some applications may have moved to the cloud, eliminating the need for those servers. We had a customer who didn’t realize they could leave the server behind and log in using the online version of Microsoft’s cloud.

    Many of us use Outlook Calendar to send and receive invitations to meetings. However, we need another alternative when we want the public to see our calendar. Microsoft Bookings, included with Business Premium, allows sharing your calendar.

    When it comes to holding meetings, Teams has made tremendous advances. A friend recently mentioned they were still using Zoom because they knew the product well and it could do transcripts, albeit only if she remembered while the meeting was being recorded. Now that they have started using Teams, they want to switch to that platform. Switching to Teams or Webex may make sense if you’re using Zoom. Teams offers an out-of-the-box version and additional features like telephone calls (domestic and international), webinars, and even town halls for up to 10,000 attendees if you want to think big 😊. Teams is the foundation for this, including collaboration tools.

    You may use SharePoint or OneDrive to store your files and another product like Salesforce to manage your contacts. But your emails, tasks, and files are all in Microsoft. Why not move the contacts there, too? With Power Platform, you can create custom workflows, cloud integrations, and more.

    With Power Platform, you can combine data from many other tools for reporting. If you’re using another platform for reports, consider Power Platform or even Power Query within Microsoft Excel.

    Device and Patch Management is a powerful feature not often used in Business Premium. If your current MSP does not offer this option today, consider exploring other options to maximize your investment.

    What is Not a Good Candidate for Consolidation?

    Some software is best served outside of your Microsoft Cloud. Although SharePoint has a recycle bin and Exchange has optional archiving, we recommend utilizing a third-party backup.

    Next Steps

    We recommend the TechHouse Blueprint process to move projects forward. The TechHouse process starts with a diagnostic—asking a series of questions to uncover the most meaningful outcome of this change. Is it reducing product costs? Increasing efficiency? Improving security?

    When you have a clear and measurable purpose, the next step is to design the consolidation. Work with someone familiar with the tools to identify how each can meet your needs. Depending on the size and scope of your needs, this could take less than an hour, a week, or more of effort. At this point, you are typically about 1/4 the way through the project. Next up: configuring the tools, migrating any information, training the team, and benefiting from the solution.

     

    TechHouse

    Innovative Solutions. Practical Software. Friendly Support.

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  • Media Literacy: Protection against AI Attacks on Business Data

    Most organizations do not have a media literacy plan, which is understandable. Five years ago, there wasn’t widespread recognition of its necessity. It’s not typically part of the technology, HR, or strategic plans, even though several tools can help protect against possible dangers. But times have changed, and we and our small and mid-market organization customers need to adapt.

    You may ask yourself, “Why does media literacy matter?” That’s a fair question. It likely wasn’t part of the strategic business plan template you pulled off the web or covered in your executive MBA class. So, why is it so important? We create business plans because we need good data to make good decisions. We all know that errors in spreadsheets or incorrect accounting numbers can lead to bad decisions by misrepresenting the health of our organization. What if the news channel your director watches says the GDP is decreasing when it’s increasing or says exports exceed imports when the inverse is true?

    Accurate data matters. Misinformation could lead to wrong investment decisions, product launches, and strategic plans.

    Why are we talking about Media Literacy now?

    Because AI accelerates everything, including misinformation, we have already seen this with the increase in email phishing attacks. The sophistication of impersonation via email is remarkable and, unfortunately, quite compelling. The volume of attacks is also much higher. That is the power of generative AI to create sophisticated and effective impersonations to deliver false data via email, malware, or deepfake videos.

    It’s not all bad news. AI can also help us identify credible information and verify accuracy.

    Empower Employees to Protect The Company and Themselves

    So, how do we protect and empower our team to protect themselves? Our teams need to be able to:

    • Check the intent and credibility of the information.
    • Be hyper-aware of emotionally charged language, sensational headlines, hyperboles, and anonymous authors.
    • Require citations. Ask yourself when it was published, who the author is, and who the publisher is.
    • Do multiple different sources have similar information? What is the publisher’s business model? How does the publisher make money? How could that affect their content?

    Create A Platform to Support Your Team

    A platform to protect your team from bad data would include education on key terms, problem-solving methods, and technical tools to support and protect the team.

    • Training and Education: Ensure your team knows the key concepts of media literacy and how that plays into effective decision-making.
    • Critical Thinking: Foster a culture of questioning and objective discussion to help spot data issues if they find their way into the organization.
    • Cybersecurity: Microsoft Cloud offers several tools to help protect your team from misinformation. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Microsoft Edge help protect your team from misinformation delivered through sophisticated impersonation.
    • Critical Thinking, Analytics, and Discussion: Teams and Power BI support a culture of collaboration, discussion, and open questioning. Tools like Azure Cognitive Services provide more technical power to assess the sentiment, bias, and credibility of media content.

    Increase your team’s media literacy, and your organization is more likely to navigate the vast changes AI has brought with it effectively.

  • Transitioning Your Cybersecurity Strategy from Stage 1 to Stage 2

    When your company is small, with just a few employees, security often relies on personal knowledge and trust. But as your company grows, you need more structured processes, including cybersecurity. In this post, we’ll discuss key areas to consider and actions to take as you transition.

    Reasons to Change Your Cybersecurity Approach

    Increased Attack Surface

    As your company grows, so does your attack surface. More users, devices, data, and applications mean more entry points for attackers. Due to more people and workflows, you also have less control over this expanded surface.

    Operational Continuity

    Growth also brings staff changes. While turnover is less of an issue with a small team, it becomes more likely as you expand. Operational continuity ensures your business can continue smoothly regardless of staff changes. This is crucial for cybersecurity. In a small team, one person might keep everyone informed about cybersecurity changes. But who will ensure all employees use multi-factor authentication (MFA) correctly as your team grows? Ensuring operational continuity in cybersecurity is essential as your organization expands.

    Get Started With:

    • Policies: Implement Cybersecurity, Data, and Usage Policies.
    • Tools: Use Automated Patch Management for all devices.
    • Testing: Maintain centralized and regularly tested backups.

    Interested in Learning More?

    Check out our LinkedIn article for more areas, like third-party software and breach costs. We are always glad to meet with you to explore what cybersecurity defenses are a good fit for your organization today.

  • Dynamics GP Support FAQ And Key Dates

    GENERAL

    Q. When will Dynamics GP support end?

    For customers using the latest version of Dynamics GP (currently v18.6), Microsoft will continue releasing product updates, regulatory (tax) updates, and security updates/hotfixes until September 30, 2029, and security updates if needed until April 30, 2031. And technical support will be available until September 30, 2029 (except until April 30, 2031, for support related to security updates/hotfixes). Customers using an earlier version of Dynamics GP covered by the Modern Lifecycle Policy (i.e., v18.1 – 18.5) should upgrade to the current version of Dynamics GP.

    For customers on a legacy version of Dynamics GP covered by the Fixed Lifecycle Policy (GP 2018 R2 and earlier), support ends on the dates published on the Microsoft lifecycle website (see https://microsoft.com/lifecycle), which are earlier than above.

    Note: To access any updates or support during the periods indicated above, customers must have an applicable Service Plan.

    Q. Why is Microsoft ending support for Dynamics GP?

    Microsoft is channeling its innovation and investment into cloud solutions and technologies. We are convinced that cloud solutions elevate business performance through AI capabilities and enhanced security. Consequently, we are accelerating our investment in Dynamics 365 Business Central to address the ERP needs of small and medium-sized businesses.  

     

    END OF SUPPORT

    Q. Can customers download security updates for their existing Dynamics GP environment after April 30, 2031?

    For customers on the current version of Dynamics GP (currently v18.6), Microsoft does not expect to create additional security updates beyond April 30, 2031.

    For customers on a legacy version of Dynamics GP covered by the Fixed Lifecycle Policy (GP 2018 R2 or earlier), support ends on the dates published on the Microsoft lifecycle website (see https://microsoft.com/lifecycle), which are sooner than April 30, 2031.

    In either case, current policy permits customers with an active Service Plan (e.g., AP) to download previously released security updates for their version of Dynamics GP, even if such download occurs after the applicable end of support date(s) for that version. Policies are subject to change.

    Q. Can customers user licenses and modules to their existing Dynamics GP perpetual or subscription environments beyond September 30, 2029, or April 30, 2031?

    Currently customers with an active Service Plan (e.g., AP) may purchase additional user licenses for their existing system, even if such purchase occurs after the applicable end of support date(s). Policies are subject to change.

    Q. Can customers purchase Service Plans beyond September 30, 2029?

    Currently customers may renew their Service Plans (e.g., EP, AP, Advantage Plans) beyond their end of support date(s), however, product support benefits including upgrades and incident support are not provided by such plans beyond end of support dates as described in the first question of these FAQs. See Microsoft Services and Support Policy Guide (PSBC log-in required) for which benefits are available before and after end of support dates. Policies are subject to change.

    Q. Will Extended Security Updates (ESUs) be offered?

    Extended Security Updates or ESUs (which provide critical security updates beyond end of support) are not expected to be offered for Dynamics GP products.

    Q. Can customers using Dynamics GP continue to use the product beyond its end of support date?

    Customers with a perpetual license for Dynamics GP may continue using their licensed solution beyond its end of support date, however, use of a then-unsupported product is not recommended.

    Currently customers with a subscription license for Dynamics GP are not blocked from renewing their subscription license on Dynamics GP’s end of support date, but doing so is not recommended as the product would no longer be supported. Permitting such continued use will be reviewed and may change.

    Q. Will Service Plans end on September 30, 2029?

    Customers should engage with their partners to develop a migration plan which considers any renewal date considerations. Currently Service Plans (e.g., EP) are available beyond end of support dates, although many benefits (e.g., upgrades) do not extend beyond the end of support dates as described in the first question of these FAQs. See Microsoft Services and Support Policy Guide (PSBC log-in required) for benefits available before and after the end of support dates. Policies are subject to change.

    MIGRATING TO DYNAMICS 365 BUSINESS CENTRAL

    Q. Can customers with highly customized Dynamics GP environments migrate to D365 Business Central?

    Dynamics 365 Business Central has benefited from extensive development and enhancement in recent years and many features/processes that once required customization are included in the base product. In addition, there has been tremendous growth in ISV extensions for Business Central, providing cost-effective solutions for customer and industry-specific requirements. Over 5500 solutions are available in AppSource to extend Business Central’s functionality. Click here to explore.

    Q. Can customers move from Dynamics GP perpetual to Dynamics 365 Business Central on-premises?

    Microsoft believes Dynamics 365 Business Central (online) represents the best long-term solution for most Dynamics GP customers. However, Dynamics 365 Business Central on-premises perpetual licenses currently remain available for new Business Central customers until April 1, 2025, and Dynamics 365 Business Central on-premises subscription licenses currently remain available for new Business Central customers until April 1, 2026. Policies are subject to change.

     

    GP Versions with Support Start and End Dates

     

  • Maximizing SharePoint Online: Solving Common Challenges for Professional Services Organizations

    Information overload is commonplace today, and work is no different. One of our customers shared that they had stored all their files in one folder hierarchy over the past 20 years. These were large engineering documents. Many of them were versions they no longer needed, but in the past, they just kept throwing more storage at the problem. It sometimes took days to find a file from an older project. But now expectations have shifted. Their clients expect searches to be hours, not days, and their old file server can’t meet that expectation.

    Another customer relayed that they did move to SharePoint from their file server three years ago. However, their team members with limited knowledge of SharePoint migrations completed the move. Now, their SharePoint online environment is their old file server and nothing more. They are not benefitting from SharePoint’s features.

    SharePoint Online is Microsoft’s file storage and intranet service in Microsoft 365. This blog post makes the case for making the most of SharePoint Online as part of your Microsoft 365 subscription. We’ll discuss why this is important today, provide tips for end users, and offer advice for administrators managing the SharePoint Online environment. If you have any questions or need assistance, we’d love to work with you—contact our team!

    Why SharePoint Online is Important Now

    SharePoint Online has been in the marketplace for a long time, but interest has increased significantly recently. So, what’s driving this interest now, and what should we keep in mind to take full advantage of SharePoint Online?

    Key Factors Driving Interest:

    • SharePoint Online allows teams to access and share files securely from anywhere while benefiting from the same security and compliance setup we already have with Microsoft 365.
    • Many organizations are consolidating their cloud solutions, moving from multiple third-party providers with various contract start and end dates to a single consolidated vendor like Microsoft 365.
    • The co-authoring feature in SharePoint Online has matured, enabling seamless collaboration on documents, even in real time.
    • Organizations often create SharePoint sites with their Microsoft Teams for document management. However, rapid growth in this area also brings its own challenges.

    Tips for End Users

    Most of our customers benefit from two key configuration areas: “Find it Fast” and “Stay on Top of Your Work.”

    Find It Fast:

    • Create links on site pages to frequently accessed libraries and sites.
    • Tag files with keywords for quick searchability.
    • Create custom lists and views to organize content, such as retired assets or open issues.
    • Modify search settings to make finding content easier.

    Stay on Top of Your Work:

    • Use co-authoring to collaborate on documents in real time during meetings.
    • Enable versioning in libraries to track changes and restore previous versions when needed.
    • Use the SharePoint mobile app to access documents on the go, even offline.

     

    Tips for Administrators: If you will be your company’s SharePoint administrator, here are seven tips for you:

    Security and Governance:

    • Control who can create permissions and share content. Implement role-based access controls.
    • Create site policies for lifecycle management, including archiving and deletion strategies.
    • Configure storage quotas. Although storage is not expensive, it is a preventable expense in many cases.
    • Use PowerShell scripts for bulk changes, complex permission setups, and standardization.

    Efficiency and Organization:

    • Standardize metadata and content types based on department and site requirements.
    • Automate document approval processes. Incorporate relevant file content into your workflow automation for efficient operations.
    • Regularly monitor SharePoint health, usage, and adoption.

    Are you considering moving to SharePoint online or improving your use? Our team is here to provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make the most of SharePoint Online!

     

  • Planning for 2025 – Tech and Trends for Small and Midmarket Businesses.

    As we enter 2025, small and mid-market businesses must stay ahead of the curve. At TechHouse, we understand your unique challenges. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the key trends and ensure your business thrives.

    To-Do List from 2024

    Following the release of Generative AI in late 2023, 2024 became a whirlwind of changes and advancements. If you haven’t caught up yet, here are the must-dos:

    • Understand the Shared Responsibility Model: Ensure your team knows who is responsible for what in your IT setup, especially with cloud services.
    • Secure Based on IT Policies: Focus on AI, data management, and security. Make sure your policies are up-to-date and comprehensive.
    • Everything to SaaS: Move as many applications as possible to Software as a Service (SaaS), including desktops and legacy apps.
    • Spreadsheets Skills Refresh: Post-COVID, it’s time to refresh basic and advanced spreadsheet skills.
    • Low Code and AI Integration: Embrace low-code platforms and integrate AI to streamline operations.
    • Secure Yourself Against Increased Attacks:
      • Patching and Updates: Regularly update all software and systems. Monthly patches are essential.
      • SOC (Security Operations Center): If you don’t have a full SOC, follow basic guidelines for phishing prevention, multi-factor authentication (MFA), conditional access, and endpoint security.
      • Cloud Security: Secure connections to cloud software and monitor for anomalies. Firewalls and VPNs are still important, even with remote and cloud work.

     

    Focus for 2025: SAID – Security, AI, and Data

    Security:

    • Increased Focus on Compliance: Protection begins with your team understanding the risks and how to prevent them. Go beyond simulated phishing testing to include security policies for AI usage, data management, and updated security protocols.
    • AI Policy: With over 70% of organizations using AI by mid-2024, having a clear AI policy is non-negotiable. Train your team on its implications and usage.

    AI:

    • Industry-Specific AI Models: In 2025, expect more industry-specific and organization-specific trained AI models. Create knowledgeable AI models to search specific SharePoint content and automate everyday tasks.
    • Select Your First Application: Whether it’s information gathering, summarizing complex information, or automating tasks, consider these initial use cases:
      • Hyper-Personalization: AI can help your sales team and support desk quickly find the right mix of products for customers.
      • Smart Support: Use AI as an advanced wiki or knowledge base that provides rich conversational support for troubleshooting and problem-solving.
      • Expert Guidance: AI can be an expert in your tools, helping you become proficient in applications like Excel, Word, Dynamics Sales, or even your proprietary software.

    Data:

    • Data Quality: “Garbage in, garbage out” is as relevant as ever. Treat your file storage (e.g., SharePoint, Dropbox) with care. Cleanse data and decide what can and cannot be accessed by AI models. Tools like SharePoint AI Agents can simplify this effort.

    How to Move Forward from Here:

    • Assess Workflows: Track Time, effort, and outcomes. The goal is to understand in broad strokes where benefits may be gained. Work with a business and tech advisor to identify opportunities.
    • Assess Recent Advances and Capabilities: Consider how new technologies can be applied to your business. Consider common use cases above as thought starters.
    • Pilot Selection: Start with a small, well-defined pilot project. Provide training to ease transitions and boost productivity.
    • SAID Planning: Assess each plan based on Security, AI, and Data.
    • Deployment: Roll out successful pilots in phases. Start with early adopters and quick wins. Be prepared to adjust and pivot as technology changes during the project.
    • Feedback Loop and Repeat: Encourage continuous feedback with tools like a Teams channel or a dedicated email address.

    Planning for and delivering on these key initiatives can help you stay competitive and secure in 2025. At TechHouse, we’re here to provide innovative solutions, practical software, and friendly support every step of the way. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet!

    TechHouse

    Innovative Solutions. Practical Software. Friendly Support.

    Schedule a call  |  View Upcoming Events  |  Access our TechHouse Library of Articles

  • Microsoft Ignite 2024: Hot Topics

    The weather might have been cold, but the topics at Microsoft Ignite 2024 were sizzling with innovation and excitement. As the CEO and founder of Tech House, I had the privilege of attending this year’s event, which was brimming with new capabilities offered by Microsoft.

    In previous years, the exhibition floor at Ignite was a pretty equal mix of Microsoft and other vendors. However, this year, Microsoft booths filled two-thirds of the hall. I had the opportunity to meet with Microsoft product group professionals and discuss their product strategy. Outside the Expo Hall, numerous hands-on labs were bustling, with attendees eager to explore and understand the new technology. I particularly enjoyed creating various AI models and interacting with custom AI bots.

    Many advancements showcased at Ignite will be especially powerful for the small and mid-market organizations we work with. It is exciting to see Microsoft again focusing on tools organizations can use to develop solutions.

    AI has reached adoption far faster than any other tool. For instance, it took the Internet 16 years to reach 100 million users, Facebook four years, and ChatGPT only three months. By May 2024, just six months after its release, 70% of organizations worldwide were using some form of generative AI.

    That rapid adoption was evident in the Ignite Expo Hall. Every Microsoft booth included AI, whether focused on data security, the Office suite, or Azure services. The Copilot team had one of the largest booths, probably 30×30 feet, and it was busy. Copilot had numerous new feature announcements, including the new Copilot UI for AI and Copilot Actions. Our customers can now easily find information, summarize complex documents, and automate everyday tasks with natural language requests.

    Accessing, combining, and analyzing data is crucial for all organizations. Microsoft’s Fabric now integrates AI, making it more effective in analyzing, merging, cleansing, and working with data. SharePoint also now features Azure AI Agent Service, allowing us to create AI capabilities within SharePoint and deliver knowledge-driven responses.

    In summary, Ignite 2024 highlighted three key areas for small and mid-market organizations to focus on: artificial intelligence, security, and data. AI continues to enhance security capabilities, which is critical as threat actors also use AI to be more malicious. We are excited to see where 2025 leads. To learn more about what’s possible for small and mid-market organizations in 2025, we recommend checking out our LinkedIn article on 2025 trends. Stay tuned for more insights and updates from Tech House as we continue to guide our clients forward in this rapidly evolving landscape.

  • Copilot for Accountants: AI Isn’t Just for Marketing

    Marketing teams adopt AI tools quickly, while accountants often see different results. Some of our clients ask why this happens. Does Copilot lack features for accountants? Do we need special training? How can accountants gain the same productivity benefits seen in other areas?

    Why the difference in Copilot Adoption: Marketing vs. Accounting

    While 75% of marketers feel confident using AI tools, only 45% of accountants do. Whether creating blog posts, images, flyers, or video scripts, AI helps our marketing clients create content. Marketing professionals are quick to use AI and adapt it to their workflows. They often pick it up right away and see productivity gains almost instantly.

    On the other hand, our accountant customers typically find Copilot frustrating. Copilot does not easily create accounting content like month-end reconciliations or year-end board reports. This difference can make it seem like Copilot is better suited for marketing, leaving accountants behind. Is there any benefit to accountants? There is, but it requires a shift in how we think about software.

    What does Copilot Do?

    Before we can understand how Copilot helps accountants, we need to understand just what it does. Copilot offers four key capabilities that help accountants. As an AI-powered tool, Copilot runs on a neural network, like the human brain. That brain has vast stores of information. When writing, it chooses the next best possible word, like how we think by “connecting the dots” based on the information it has.

    1) Copilot understands language and generates text. It can understand written requests and “prompts” and respond narratively. In AI terms, this is a power of large language models (LLM) and GPT (Generative Pre-Trained Transformers).

    2) Copilot can enhance data analysis by visualizing data trends. It can parse information, whether numbers, words, or images, and categorize them. For example, it can highlight the top 10 customers in a table of invoice details.

    3) Copilot can free up valuable time so you can focus on strategic decision-making. Copilot’s foundational model, OpenAI, has absorbed information digitized online over the past 40 years. You can ask for accounting principles, IRS information, or even a template of a standard month-end report. Rather than running 10, 20, or more search engine requests with various answers, you can converse with Copilot and develop an understanding of the topic.

    4) Copilot can automate repetitive tasks like generating complex formulas or replicating budget baselines. Rather than spending hours tweaking complex Excel formulas, you can quickly understand your organization’s data.

    The transition from Excel to Copilot in Excel

    In the past, Excel courses focused on features and formulas. How do you use the navigation bar? What does each button do, and why?

    This approach doesn’t work when expanding Excel with Copilot. Copilot is more like having someone next to you who, though fallible, helps you problem-solve through collaboration. You can ask questions about your work, and it can help you learn how to solve an issue.

    In marketing, Copilot helps create a largely completed draft of a blog, proposal, or similar. Each of these deliverables is word-based. Although there are word-based deliverables in accounting and finance, accountants and finance staff live in tools like Excel. Rather than creating text, Copilot can help you solve problems and gain insights. Also, it can help you create steps more quickly. Copilot in Excel means you are no longer limited by the number of formulas you know or whether you can do pivot tables.

    Copilot’s Excel Superpower: Streamlining Workflows

    Two key best practices when using Copilot in Excel:

    1) Format your information in a table. Pivot tables are not available for Copilot to analyze at the time. Ensure all columns are labeled so that Copilot can understand your question.

    2) In general, Copilot processes input in 2 dimensions and 1 step at a time unless there is an if statement.

    Benefits

    • Automation: Rather than needing to know all the formulas and features of Excel, ask Copilot to add a column or prepare a table with sample data.
    • Summarization: Copilot turns complex data into simple summaries. For example, add a customer sales total column to an invoice detail table with one click.
    • Data Analysis: Spot trends quickly and make informed choices. Ask Copilot to use conditional formatting to highlight the top 10 customers or the top 3 products. You can apply and un-apply as you work through scenarios.

    AI and the Path Forward.

    Using AI tools like Copilot in Excel offers accountants a great chance to improve efficiency. As the business world changes, accountants must adapt and thrive. With the proper training and support, AI can be a powerful tool to get there.

    To close the technology gap, accountants need the support of a culture that values learning. Offering targeted training can help accountants feel more at ease with AI tools. When they see their peers using these technologies successfully, it can boost their confidence and encourage them to engage. Need help figuring out how to get started? Contact us for innovative hands-on training, workshops, and practical rollout plans for your team.

     

  • Your Cloud Provider May Not Provide the Security You Think – Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model

    In today’s digital landscape, over 90% of organizations utilize cloud services, often under the assumption that their software providers—like Google, Salesforce, Microsoft, and others—are solely responsible for securing their data. However, this belief can lead to significant vulnerabilities. Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model is crucial for ensuring your data’s security.

    How Did We Get Here?

    It’s easy to assume that purchasing Software as a Service (SaaS) means the provider handles all aspects of security. For years, businesses have relied on Managed Service Providers to manage their software, leading to the misconception that SaaS agreements operate similarly. While there are parallels, the responsibilities are distinctly divided.

    What is Shared Responsibility?

    The Shared Responsibility Model clarifies the division of security responsibilities between the provider and the customer. Generally, the provider secures the cloud infrastructure, while customers are responsible for their data and configurations.

    Key Responsibilities

    SaaS Provider Responsibilities:

    • Infrastructure Security: Protecting physical data centers and hardware.
    • Application Security: Keeping software updated and testing for vulnerabilities, such as conducting penetration tests.
    • Compliance: Offering templates for best practices to help customers meet industry regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.

    Customer Responsibilities:

    • Data Security: Implementing identity management, monitoring, and access controls.
    • User Management: Controlling who can access data.
    • Application Configuration: Actively managing security settings tailored to specific needs.

    Shared Responsibility Among Major Vendors

    Understanding how major vendors interpret the Shared Responsibility Model can help clarify your obligations:

    1. Microsoft: Secures infrastructure while customers manage applications and data. Tools like Azure Security Center are available, but configuration is the customer’s responsibility.
    2. Google Cloud: Similar to Microsoft, Google secures infrastructure, emphasizing identity and access management (IAM) for customer data protection.
    3. Salesforce: While securing the platform, Salesforce requires customers to set up their security settings, including enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

    Security in SaaS – Where to Begin

    Now that you know you need to secure your SaaS applications, where do you start? The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides a solid roadmap:

    1. Govern: Establish a risk management strategy and define roles and policies.
    2. Identify: Determine what data needs protection and assess known risks.
    3. Protect: Implement defenses such as MFA and configure software to mitigate risks.
    4. Detect: Set up monitoring systems to identify anomalies and potential breaches.
    5. Respond: Develop a response plan to quickly address incidents and minimize damage.
    6. Recover: After an incident, assess the impact and improve your cybersecurity measures.

    Best Practices to Consider

    Cybersecurity improvements can drive business growth. By clarifying data ownership and upgrading technology, organizations can enhance productivity and performance, especially for remote workers.

    Conclusion

    Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model is vital for protecting your data in a SaaS environment. By recognizing both the provider’s and your responsibilities, you can take proactive steps to secure your data.

    Next Steps

    Review your current SaaS agreements and security practices. Engage with your providers to clarify responsibilities and consider conducting a security audit or risk assessment with your IT professionals. Check out our LinkedIn Article to learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/shared-responsibility-cloud-security-kathy-durfee-syoie

    Future Trends

    As SaaS continues to evolve, so will the Shared Responsibility Model. Stay informed about the latest trends in cloud security, including advancements in AI for threat detection and the importance of data privacy regulations.