A Great Company Starts with a Great Communications System

Today's communications companies are beginning to turn to the cloud for their customers' needs. Whether they're serving small businesses or large corporations, the needs of the majority of businesses are the same: access data at anytime, from any location, and have any changes to that data synchronise "across the board". Some might say that Amcom provide awesome communications services, simply due to the fact that cloud computing services is in fact one of the services that they offer.

Why choose cloud computing? Well, think of it this way: unless every employee at your computer is in the same physical office, utilizing the same physical computer, there's no way that all of the data that is being accessed, updated, and added to will be able to handle all of those changes, and show them seamlessly on every single computer. What Employee A does during his shift may not appear on Employee B's computer unless there is a manual synchronisation set up - something that may easily be overlooked due to the hustle and bustle of everyday business tasks. With cloud computing, on the other hand, all of your company's data is stored in a central, network-accessible location - otherwise known as the cloud. Multiple connections to the cloud can be handled with ease, and data is updated on the fly, so everyone has the latest copy.

In addition to cloud services, today's communication companies also offer a host of other essentials for your company, including:

unified communications via optic lines that provide phone as well as data signals
high speed internet
office telephone systems, including automated dialing, voicemail, and conferencing
in-house IT services, should you need staff but lack your own


Getting your business off the ground is no easy feat. But having a solid communications system that will effortlessly handle everything from basic faxes to 3-way phone calls to high-bandwidth applications will make it a lot easier for you to focus on the tasks required of you. Don't hesitate to reach out to a communications company directly to ask them about all of their offered services, and to find out about custom packages.

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Ensuring Safe Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has excellent benefits and is becoming popular the world over for its ease of access, but is it safe? One of the major benefits of cloud computing is that it is distributed and accessible anywhere--but this can also create security hazards. To ensure safe cloud computing, you need to use reliable identity verification, such as 2 factor authentication (2fa). Without consistent identity authentication, there's no way of knowing whether the person accessing your secured documents is you, or a hacker trying to get data for their own purposes.

There are many online verification solutions for safe cloud computing, and 2 factor authentication is one of the best methods. With this type of online identity authentication, you prove that you are who you say you are with more than one type of authentication. The two factors are "something you know," and "something you have." The something you know is an item of information, like a password or the answer to a preset security question. The something you have is either a one-time pass code or a physical item such as a USB drive or a smart card.

This type of authentication is so safe because it means that you need both keys -- the thing you have, and the thing you know -- to access your data. The identity verification software will not let anyone pass that doesn't have one or the other. Using a USB drive or smart card for the physical item makes things even safer because it means that a hacker would have to physically steal this item from you.

For ease of use, the "thing you have" can also be a one-time only pass code. This means physical items do not have to be exchanged, but it also means the data can only be accessed once with each code. This makes it trivial to identify if someone else has used your code and accessed your data. It also means that you do not have to worry about someone discovering your pass code, because your pass code will only be usable on one occasion regardless.

As cloud computing becomes more and more prevalent, it becomes even more important to practice safe security measures. By using the correct authentication and identity software you can ensure your data stays safe.

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Computer Programs that are Easy on the Eyes

How many hours do you spend in front of a computer in a day? If you're like many people in today's tech-focused world, that number is probably higher than you realize. Owning and using a computer has become a near necessity in recent years, and for those who spend significant time in front of a monitor, eye health can be a constant concern. Though modern computer screens aren't as damaging as the high contrast, green-on-black screens of the 1980's, they can still pose problems over time. However, there are many ways you can turn your computer from an eye health liability into an eye health asset.

Online Resources

Many programs, documents, and other resources on eye health are easily accessed on the internet, completely free. You can find simple eye tests like the Amsler grid at the click of a button. This self-assessment might reveal macular degeneration you would otherwise be unaware of. One can also find many informative PDF files like "Finding Your Shades" and "Protecting Your Vision" with a simple Google search. These files are like the computer equivalent to the health pamphlets you might pick up in a doctor’s office, and they're available for almost any health concern you might have. The truth is, the internet is a nearly infinite resource for bettering your eye health, but there are other real world actions you can take as well.

Computer Tips

In addition to knowledge, one can better his or her eye health through many simple changes in computer usage. One key change is upgrading your computer monitor. Many modern LCD screens cause a significantly lower amount of eye strain than older CRT monitors. Also, try to avoid high contrast programs and applications. If looking at the white-on-black screen of a text editor is strenuous, reversing that color scheme can be a much needed relief. Make sure you only use your computer in a well-lit area, and try to take short breaks every once in a while. For many people, these tips will decrease the eye strain that often accompanies computer usage, but those of us with existing eye conditions might still have trouble.

Programs and Products

There are many innovative products and programs designed to make your computer easier on your eyes. Some programs such as F.lux, available free at http://stereopsis.com/flux/, dynamically change the way your monitor looks to mimic the natural day and night cycle, decreasing eye strain. Some people may find relief with pinhole glasses, available at www.pinhole-glasses.com, especially those who suffer from other conditions such as astigmatism. Contact users might need to schedule an appointment with their optometrist and look into a different brand or type of contact as constant computer use can cause excessive dryness and irritation. Still, one thing to remember is that no solution for computer related eye strain will be perfect for everyone.

Conclusion

Computer usage is hard on the eyes, and each individual will have to find the solution that works for him or her. Thankfully, the sum of knowledge that the internet provides can be an indispensable resource for finding the answers you need. With a simple search and a few clicks you can find simple tips and tricks to help make your time using a computer more bearable, and you can even order products or download programs that will further add to your comfort. Though it may seem ironic, your computer can be your greatest asset in alleviating computer related eye problems.

Kelly Padmore is a medical coder who works on the computer daily. She is always on the lookout for ways to reduce eye stress. To learn more, visit pinhole-glasses.com.

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Top reasons to use cloud computing with multiple devices

One of the core benefits of cloud computing is the ability to automatically sync data across any devices you use to connect to the application. There are a number of reasons why this is useful, and why you should consider cloud computing when you utilize several devices for access.

Automatically synced data

Cloud computing means your data is automatically synced across any device. That’s because you’re not accessing data stored on your own device, but you’re tapping into a remote server. No more sending file attachments to yourself via email; everything you need is right at your fingertips, regardless of where you are.

Accessed from anywhere

When you’re using the cloud, you have instant access to all your data. It’s stored remotely, so you can access your personal or company information from any Web-enabled device.  No more pre-meeting calls to obtain the most recent statistics – users can even pull up information from a laptop live during a presentation.

No special software necessary

One of the biggest problems with traditional, on-premise solutions is that you must have the same applications stored on the devices you want to connect with. If you need access to an on-premise application and you don’t have a mobile app, you’re out of luck. Like your data, the software programs run in the cloud are stored remotely.

The Apple vs. PC debate is null and void

If your company utilizes a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model, you likely have some users with the Apple’s iOS platform and some with Android-based devices. Ordinarily, this could be a concern for tapping into on-premise applications and solutions. With cloud-based apps, however, it’s a non-issue—the only thing needed to connect with these applications is an Internet connection.

Easy collaboration with team members

Because data and documents are automatically synced, multiple users can collaborate on a single document with ease, without the need to send files back and forth and merge changes. Team members in different office locations can even work simultaneously on the same document, in many cases, with seamless and automatic data merging so every person with access is always viewing the most recently updated version.

Remote work more functional

Business travel and remote work used to be a challenge. How can you provide your team with the tools they need on the road? Before cloud computing, enterprises were faced with ensuring proper installation on all devices used as well as manual data feeds. Now it’s easier than ever to work in the field with cloud-based apps that offer immediate updates, no software installation and automated collaboration.

Automated backup and recovery

Picture this: You’re on the road, furiously working on a document on your way to a meeting. Suddenly, your mobile device loses connection—and all that data you just added is gone. This kind of thing happens, and if you’re working with a file stored on-premise on your device, you could be out of luck. But if you’re working in the cloud, your data is likely saved as you go, meaning your data remains intact even if a sudden mishap occurs.

If you’re in any type of situation in which you must access a set of data from multiple devices, nothing is more functional than using the cloud. Productivity is amplified by reducing the painstaking administrative tasks of transferring data back and forth, leaving you—and your team—to focus on what’s important knowing the needed data is at your fingertips and up-to-date from any device.

Author Bio

Robert Stanley is a content producer at ClickSoftware, a field service management software

company which also offers a variety of resources on capacity planning and mobile apps for business

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