News about BCS Voice & Data in Virginia Beach

Unwrap the gift of knowledge: 5 free AI courses by Microsoft

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Happy holidays! With the holiday season in full swing, you should be enjoying some well-deserved downtime. But what if I told you that you could make the most of your few days off from your business and prepare to seize the AI opportunity in 2024?

The world of AI is booming, rapidly transforming industries, and redefining how we do business. In fact, according to PwC, AI could contribute up to $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

Microsoft has released five free courses on AI that you can take advantage of during your time off.

An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Let’s begin with the basics. This course helps you grasp the key concepts in AI. It’s designed for anyone and everyone, regardless of their technical background. By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of what AI is and how it can benefit your business.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/introduction-to-artificial-intelligence

What is Generative AI?

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, dive into the world of generative AI. This course covers the fundamentals, including what it is, how it works, different models, and future predictions and implications. You’ll learn how generative AI can be used to create new content and ideas, opening exciting possibilities for innovation and creativity in your business.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/what-is-generative-ai

Generative AI: The Evolution of Thoughtful Online Search

This course takes a deeper look at the core concepts of generative AI-driven reasoning engines and how they differ from traditional search engine strategies. With a better understanding of these concepts, you’ll be able to leverage the power of AI to improve your online search capabilities, making your business more efficient and effective.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/generative-ai-the-evolution-of-thoughtful-online-search

Streamlining Your Work with Microsoft Bing Chat

Chatbots are revolutionizing the way businesses interact with their customers. This course helps you discover the power of chatbots and how to use them effectively. Learn how to streamline your customer service, automate routine tasks, and provide a better user experience with the help of AI-powered chatbots.

https://www.linkedin.com/learning/streamlining-your-work-with-microsoft-bing-chat

Ethics in the Age of Generative AI

Finally, this course addresses one of the most pressing issues in AI – ethics. As AI continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, it’s crucial that we consider the ethical implications of using these tools and products. This course will guide you on how to navigate these complex ethical issues, ensuring that your use of AI aligns with your values and principles.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/ethics-in-the-age-of-generative-ai

Make the most of these free courses to help you stay ahead of the curve, enhance efficiency, build trust with your customers, and unlock new opportunities.

I know you want to kick back and relax for the next few days, and you should! But when you hit that no-man’s land between Christmas and New Year and you start to forget what day it is, this is a great investment of your time.

What are you waiting for? Oh, right, the turkey…

Is app overload slowing down your team?

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Ever had one of those days where you feel like your inbox is staging a coup against your productivity?

You’re not alone.

In fact, a recent study revealed that 80% of our communications are still happening via email.

Yes, despite all the apps, chat services, and digital tools we have at our disposal, we’re still stuck in our old ways, sifting through an avalanche of emails. It’s a little like using a carrier pigeon in the age of the telephone.

The study also found that employees are wasting precious hours navigating through a maze of apps. Imagine this: Your employee is about to send an important report but gets lost between Slack, Teams, Google Docs, and a dozen other tools. It’s like playing a never-ending game of digital hide-and-seek. And spoiler alert: It’s not fun.

What about video conferencing? That’s got to be better, right? Well, not quite. Sure, it gives us the illusion of being productive, but the truth is, most employees find only three in five meetings genuinely valuable. The rest? Unproductive.

And let’s not forget about the constant need to repeat or clarify ourselves. We’re talking about 74% of workers having to repeat themselves some of the time, with almost a quarter saying this happens often. It’s enough to make you want to scream into the void, isn’t it?

So, what’s the solution?

Well, it’s time to take a step back and rethink your digital strategy.

Instead of piling on more apps and tools, why not work with a technology strategist who can help you create a plan that makes sense for your business? Think of us as the Marie Kondo of the digital world, helping you declutter your digital workspace and sparking joy (and productivity) in your team.

If you’re ready to get away from the endless loop of emails and app notifications and boost your productivity again, let us help.

Are you using the all-new Teams yet?

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Microsoft is rolling out a brand-new version of Teams, its video conference, collaboration, and chat platform. We’re being promised a faster and easier way to work. And we all could use a bit of that, couldn’t we?

The new Teams is like the superhero of apps for Windows and Mac. It’s faster than a speeding bullet… well, at least twice as fast as the classic version. Plus, it’s on a diet, using up to 50% less memory and disk space.

Microsoft went back to the drawing board to reimagine it, make it simpler and more flexible. Now Teams:

Plays better with third-party apps
Is happier calling phones outside of Teams
Gets you into meetings quicker than you can say “not another meeting”
This pumped-up version of Teams uses some tech which allows it to share resources with your browser. That reduces how much memory and disk space it needs.

And the initial test results? Teams is twice as quick when loading the app, joining meetings, and switching chats and channels.

This isn’t just for businesses using Windows. Teams on Mac is also getting this performance boost.

Microsoft promises this update will be a game-changer for your productivity. They’ve improved the user interface, adding in a “mark all as read” feature in activity.

Plus, they’re introducing Copilot, an AI assistant that can summarize key points from your chats and calls. Sort of like having your very own personal assistant, just without the coffee runs.

Are you ready to switch to the new and improved Teams? It’s rolling out now. Look at the top left corner of your Teams app… if you see “try the new Teams”, then you can flick the switch and try it out.

If you need help with Teams for your business, get in touch.

3 essential security tools for every business

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Your data is one of your most valuable business assets. Keeping it safe should be one of your main priorities. So if you don’t have much security in place, there’s a minimum standard you should be implementing, right now.

There are dozens of security solutions available that all perform different tasks – from preventing criminals gaining access, to recognizing attacks in progress, and then limiting the damage that can be done. There’s no one-size-fits-all as every business has different priorities and different types of data to protect.

Here are three essentials that every business should put in place as a basic level of protection.

A firewall

A firewall monitors the internet traffic coming into and leaving your IT network. It acts as a wall between your network and the outside world. It’s your first line of defense against an intruder breaking in to your network.

A password manager for everyone in the business.

A password manager stores all your credentials securely, and can also generate nearly impossible-to-guess passwords for all your accounts and applications.

That’s useful against brute force attacks, where cyber criminals essentially try to force their way into your system by guessing the password. It also stops you writing down your passwords somewhere ‘safe’!

A VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is important for any remote or hybrid workers in your business.

It means your employees can access your network from wherever they’re working, without worrying that their online activity is being watched by a criminal.

VPNs make your browsing completely private, hiding your device and location details, and anything you download. If you or your employees regularly use public Wi-Fi – especially to access your network – a VPN is essential.

These are our absolute minimum recommendations.

The strongest security uses additional tools like Multi-Factor Authentication to prove the identity of all users, and antivirus software to deal with any intrusions.

These work together to create a multi-layered security shield to defend against threats on many fronts.

But it’s important you create a security plan that’s right for your specific business. It’s a good idea to seek some professional help.

Not everyone’s as excited about IT security as we are! But we definitely have a passion for it.

If we can help you, get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

Are your people Christmas shopping from work?

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Almost half of people with social media accounts have admitted to falling for shopping scams. So if members of your team are doing a little last minute Christmas shopping from work, how can you be sure your business is protected?

New research shows that a massive 47% of people have clicked on links hoping to get a great deal, and instead ended up giving financial and personal details to cyber criminals.

That could mean they’re not only putting their own data and money at risk, but your device – and even your network – could be exposed, too.

It’s not just shopping scams that are fooling people online. Phishing links have tricked 36% of people into revealing personal data. Phishing is where you get an email that seems to be from a person or brand you trust, but it’s not.

The same number have fallen for gift card scams – that’s where criminals gain victims’ trust and persuade them to buy gift cards or online vouchers.

If an employee clicks a malicious link or downloads an infected file using their work device, the results for a business can be devastating. The risks go beyond the loss of data and reputation. The cost of downtime while you get going again is enough to put many people out of business for good.

So how can you protect your business against this kind of scam – right now, and throughout the year?

As well as having the right cyber security tools in place – such as firewalls, antivirus software, and strong password management – you should stay focused on training your people. Because your best line of defense is a team that recognizes a threat when they see one.

Make sure they’re aware of the latest scams, and that they know the warning signs to look out for. Advise everyone to check that links are genuine, websites are the real deal, and be suspicious of offers that look too good to be true.

And have a strong plan in place that kicks in the moment a security breach is spotted. Employees should all know to report any incidents immediately, and who they should inform. Acting quickly often lessens the impact of a data breach and makes it faster and less expensive to fix.

As always, if you’d like further help or advice, get in touch.

Is working from home really good for your business?

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Working from home. Or remote working, as it’s now called.

It’s the big thing in business, isn’t it? And some people love it.

They’re happier working where they want, and when they want. And that makes them more productive and less likely to leave.

But have you stopped to consider the downside to remote working? The negative elements for your business and your people?

While many employees are happy to work from home using video calls and collaborative software to stay connected, there’s a small percentage who find the whole experience isolating.

And when that happens, it can quickly lead to a drop in motivation and happiness. It can even change the culture within your business.

In turn, this can lead to performance issues which may be trickier to spot.

At the other extreme, some employees will become more susceptible to burnout as they struggle to draw a line between work and personal time. That change in environment can be so important for some.

And while you want your team to be happy and fulfilled in their roles, there are also some practical considerations you need to make for your business.

Such as the cost of remote working. Does everyone have the right tools for the job – laptops, phones, office equipment? Maybe even a desk and chair, or an internet upgrade?

Do you need to spend twice – giving them an at home setup and investing in hot desks in the office?

Most importantly, you must put in place full cyber security protection wherever someone is working.

Here’s how we can help you stay safe and potentially save money.

Would you like us to audit your current setup and suggest some options? This is what we do every day. Just get in touch.

Tips for Working From Home

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Earlier this month, we shared tips for keeping your video conference professional while working from home. But, what about the hours or days where you don’t have meetings scheduled? How do you keep yourself on-task when working with all of your home comforts just a few steps away from your workspace? Take a look at these tips for working from home: 

Set Boundaries

When you’re working at the office, do you go into work at whatever time you choose? Work in a different office every day? Creating time and space boundaries can help you stay focused on the tasks at hand, rather than putting work off to the side to complete later that night, or on the weekend. It also means that family time will be for family, and weekends will be for relaxing or honey-do lists, instead of trying to get extra work done well past your to-do list. 

Stick to Your Routine

While getting up early and putting on a pair of slacks may not necessarily make you more productive, it can help you stick to a routine and feel a sense of normalcy, despite the changes in your work environment. 

Take breaks

Once you are sticking to a routine, it can also become easy to get sucked into work and continue through lunch. Though you may not be able to run out for a coffee or sandwich right now, taking regular breaks to walk outside and get fresh air, or read a book while you eat lunch can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health. 

Check In

If you’re accustomed to working in a larger office around a lot of coworkers, remember to check in with them. Sometimes even a short conversation with your officemate can inspire a new idea, or help you solve a problem in a way you hadn’t thought of before.

If you need assistance transitioning your workforce to remote connections and network access, the experts at BCS Voice & Data are here to help. 

Common Cybersecurity Myths Busted

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It’s easy to say “it won’t happen to us,” but cybersecurity is something that every business, large or small, needs to take seriously. It’s easy to underestimate cyber dangers if you believe certain myths that surround them. So, let’s take a look at some cybersecurity lore and why it isn’t always correct. 

Myth: We’re too small; no one will hack us. 

Small does not mean safe. No matter what it’s size, your company is a target for hackers. In fact, many hackers will purposely search for small businesses, correctly betting that they don’t have a secure network in place. Unfortunately, small does mean your company is hurt more significantly. As reported in Forbes, the average cost of an attack is more than $200,000!  That puts 60 percent of small companies out of business within six months of a cyberattack.

Myth: Anti-virus software and a firewall is enough security.

Cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated. That makes it important to have multi-layered security protecting your data. In addition to the traditional end-point security of firewalls and anti-virus software, consider other measures like two-factor authentication, data monitoring and encryption software. While there is no perfect cybersecurity solution, make it your goal to have systems in place that allow for a quick reaction and comprehensive damage control.

Myth: You know right away if your computer is infected.

Gone are the days when slow loading times and non-stop pop-up ads were the obvious indicators of a virus. Today’s malware is stealthy and  hard to detect as hackers control webcams, access sensitive information or use an infected computer to attack other targets.

Myth: Cybersecurity is a technology issue only.

While your IT department or contractor plays a large role in keeping your data safe, employee education is critical when it comes to cybersecurity. Employees, rather than technology, are the most common entry point for hackers. Make sure internal cybersecurity training occurs at least once a year and covers topics such as phishing scams, password best practices and the ins and outs of wireless networks. 

 BCS Voice & Data Solutions works with its customers to provide guidance and support for implementing the most up-to-date cybersecurity practices. Call us today at (757) 497-3100 to discuss how we can assist you in creating a cybersecurity plan that is right for you. 

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Fighting Bacteria In the Office

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Most work environments are an easy place for germs to gather. Large offices, warehouses and schools have hundreds of employees interacting on a daily basis. With an extended cold and flu season among us, companies should take extra measures to ensure their employees are safe and healthy.

Read more

Build Better Client Relationships With Tech

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February is the month of love! If you’re looking for ways to improve the relationship between your business and clients, take the seasonal opportunity to do so! Show clients and partners that you appreciate them with new technologies that improve their experience with your company.

Wondering how BCS can help? Here are some easily integratable tools that quickly show your clients how much you care:

1. Free WiFi

The need for visitors to connect is unavoidable. Granting unlimited access to everyone can introduce security issues, so many companies don’t offer up their private connection.

Unfortunately, that creates a negative experience for the visitor. That’s why you should consider establishing a convenient guest WiFi, instead. A dedicated guest network lets visitors quickly connect with a simple password and no red tape. It’s a thoughtful and appreciated convenience that all clients and guests will enjoy, and it protects your business systems.

2. Professional Conference Calling

Do you have regular in-person meetings with  customers? Whether they come to you or you go to them, someone adds minutes and sometimes hours onto their workday just getting to the meeting. One easy way to streamline communication with clients and improve your overall relationship is to integrate video conferencing. Professional video conferencing, like our StarLeaf technology, allows you and your client to get that face-to-face contact without the burden of travel, something your everyone will thank you for.

3. Eliminate Wait Times

Being able to talk with a real person when you need help is an important demand for clients and customers across all industries. If your phone system is too complicated or employees can’t connect quickly, communication falls apart. Show your clients that you understand their needs. Upgrading to a seamless and easy to use business phone system with BCS.

BCS Voice and Data is here to make you and your clients happier! Call us at (800) 365-8067 to learn how we can eliminate the barriers to building great relationships and set your business apart.