Cloudmetix workshop reassures Coventry of Cloud security
Our workshop on cloud computing yesterday proved successful, and we received some interesting feedback that we’d like to share!
We had a range of companies attend, varying from legal services to graphic design, all of whom can reap the benefits of a cloud computing system within their businesses.
As an IT solutions provider, we aim to create awareness of how cloud computing can benefit businesses throughout our region at a time when Government austerity measures are taking their toll on SMEs like the ones in Coventry.
Finance and legal are two sectors which are rapidly adopting cloud systems for more efficient processes; however they face a number of issues concerning data protection when using offshore cloud services. We approached this issue at the workshop by presenting images of our secure dual-data centres, which are based in the Midlands and not in some offshore location.
We were really pleased to see such a positive reaction from local businesses about the buzz of cloud computing. As IT professionals, we are always on the lookout for innovative processes that can help other businesses in our area. We have a strong vision for the future of cloud computing especially as as industry research has shown that it is being adopted five times faster than traditional IT. We want to be able to bring SMEs in Coventry forward in terms of this technological revolution.
- 100% of feedback respondents at the workshop had faith in the security of a cloud system following our presentation.
- The following chart shows the respondants opinion on cloud’s main benefits:
Q&A session:
Q: Is there a data limit?
A: The storage space available is unlimited. A specified capacity is included as standard, but additional capacity will be automatically added as required for a minimal additional cost..
Q: We are a design agency and operate from Apple and Microsoft. Can you use the cloud on both systems?
A: It is possible to access your cloud platform from a PC or a MAC. One of our existing clients has both systems in their office and it operates exactly the same from both platforms.
Q: What happens to our business if a similar scenario were to happen as with Blackberry earlier this month?
A: Whilst in the development stages we considered every single scenario that could happen. We have dual-data centres which mean if something happened to one, then the other would still be fine. The datacentre is protected by 24/7 perimeter security and CCTV with scheduled authorised access only with a photo-ID.
Q: What would you say is the biggest downside?
A: We don’t believe there is one. If we didn’t have complete faith in the cloud system then we would not have invested so heavily into developing our own package. Our traditional IT business is growing and successful, but we see this as the future for business IT systems, therefore have optimised it to our full capability.
Come to our Cloud Computing workshop!
Although cloud computing is one of the hottest subjects in the IT world, it is not unknown for small businesses to be completely unaware of its existence, let alone the
benefits.
If you were to type the term ‘cloud computing’ into your search engine, you will discover an endless ocean of articles/blogs/stories around the subject, which can be intimidating at first glance.
At Netmetix we aim to teach businesses around Coventry and Warwickshire how cloud computing can directly benefit them in an accessible and easy-to-understand format.
If you should wish to learn about it first hand and what it could potentially do for your business then you can come along to our workshop next week in Coventry.
Details:
What? Social Media and Cloud Computing – Breakfast Briefing. The first session will look at alternatives to traditional IT methods; how IT is changing the way we work in a competitive market place, what is social media – understanding what to use and why, reaching the correct users and measuring the effectiveness. The second session focuses on Social Media Policies – what is recommended within your business.
When? Wednesday 23rd November 2011, 8:00am – 9.30am
Where? Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Conference Centre, Coventry Rugby Club
Cost? FREE
How? BOOK HERE
How Cloud can make your business green
The Guardian recently reported that cloud computing can reduce your carbon emissions by 50% and other recent statistics have shown that it can save small businesses energy cost by around 90%… they are pretty staggering figures right?
At a time when energy costs are soaring through the roof, the prospect of reducing these costs whilst also having a more positive effect on the environment is enticing for business owners. Being classed as a ‘green business’ is currently a popular trend, with many big names competing to get on the Sunday Times’ Top Green Companies list.
A report called the Carbon Disclosure Project calculated that large UK companies could achieve annual energy savings of £1.2 billion if they move to cloud computing. This just highlights the significant savings that can be made when making the switch to a more efficient system.
The report which was conducted by independent firm Verdantix and sponsored by AT&T said that large companies plan to accelerate their adoption of cloud computing from 10% to 69% of their IT spending by 2020.
The savings predominantly come from the virtual servers of a cloud system which are in place of the old physical servers linked to a custom IT system. One of the key benefits is that the customer can precisely refine what IT they require, meaning they will produce less waste and redundant capacity. The servers are more fully utilised so they are running at their optimum more frequently and are therefore more efficient that most in-house servers.
The simplicity of the equation is that cloud computing means you use less energy, which means you create less CO₂, which makes your business greener.
Cloud = less energy = less CO₂ = GREEN BUSINESS
As well as the green savings in terms of both energy and cost, cloud computing also makes sense when it comes to savings on capital outlay on equipment, software and IT upgrades.
Find out how Cloudmetix can help your business save money. Contact us today for a demonstration, or visit www.cloudmetix.net to start your free 30-day no obligation trial.
Top 10 Cloud Computing Statistics
With cloud computing increasing in popularity we thought we would share some of the key statistics into why industry experts think it is the way forward for your business.
- Last year the snow caused staff shortages for 73% of companies and of these only 39% had the ability to work remotely. Cloud computing is renowned for its ability to allow employees to access the business from any location in the world. This combats any weather related issues that could hinder business at any point in the year, providing there is an internet connection.
- The cloud computing market is expected to rise from $40.7 billion to $241 billion by 2020. Depending on these figures, cloud computing could save 85 million tons in annual net CO₂ savings by the same year which shows the green effect it will have on the world.
- According to IBM’s Chief Technology Officer, cloud computing reduces IT labour costs by 50%. When a cloud system is implemented into a business, the majority of the IT responsibility is shifted across to the providers. Therefore all software updates and technical issues no longer have to be addressed individually.
- Cloud computing can save small business energy costs by 90%. This is an increasingly popular incentive for businesses to adopt a cloud system. Not only does it reduce your company’s carbon footprint, but you can also increase your CSR credentials. It’s a win/win all round.
- 82% of small businesses say it’s important to buy cloud computing from a company with local reach. At Netmetix we offer the chance for businesses to visit our data centre site for their own piece of mind. We find that customers are generally happier when they know their cloud provider is local. It adds the “human” element rather than dealing with a large faceless corporation that focuses on volume business rather than quality of service.
- 58% agree that being on the cloud has given them better control of their data. Being able to access your company’s data and IT systems whenever and wherever you want means that you are always in control of what is happening in your business.
- 41% of profit-focused small business owners plan to invest in the cloud by 2014. It is evident that small businesses are recognising the benefits of cloud computing as the uptake is constantly increasing. Companies are recognising the value and benefit of Software as a Service and Infrastructure as a Service, which dispense with the need for expensive capital equipment and costly installation and upgrades of software.
- Industry use of Cloud Computing: Financial Services 63%, Manufacturing 62%, Healthcare 59%, Transportation 51%
Four main industries are predominantly using cloud platforms already for their business. This illustrates the continuity in demand for such a system. - 50% agree that business agility is the primary reason for adopting cloud applications. The fact that cloud offers elasticity and complete flexibility of service to companies, means that business operations can be carried out far more efficiently.
- 72% of organisations using private cloud servers have improved end-user experience. We have found that cloud creates a more productive and engaging working environment for employees, leading to higher levels of motivation and performance.
Take our Poll and let us know how you feel about cloud computing. Is it something you have experience of already? Or are you looking to move your business IT to the cloud in the near future?
Cloudmetix offers you all the benefits of cloud computing and more. We would love to give you a free demonstration, or why not try it for yourself using our 30-day no obligation trial.
You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain through business process improvements.
Call us today or visit our website: http://www.cloudmetix.net
London Cyber Conference highlights threat of cyber crime
Cyber security is currently a hot topic and representatives from 60 nations have come together in London to fight back against the dangerously high levels of cyber crime threats across the world.
Amongst the speakers was our own Prime Minister, David Cameron who emphasised the fact that a new approach needs to be taken with regards to cyberspace. 
Mr Cameron spoke about Britain’s individual approach to the issue. He said: “Britain will shortly set out a new approach for better online security, crime prevention and public awareness. But a cross-border problem needs cross-border solutions, which is why the world needs to act together.”
This conference follows on from our recent blog addressing the ‘disturbing’ number of cyber attacks that have been attempted upon the UK. (http://ow.ly/7gnru)
Cyber crime is estimated to cost £1 trillion a year worldwide and £27 billion in the UK alone. David Cameron pointed out that it costs as little as 69p to buy someone’s credit card information online – the same price as a song on iTunes. This highlights the level of access that the hackers are able to obtain in order to distribute such valuable information at such a low price. Business owners from across the spectrum should use this as an indication to pay distinct attention to the security of the company’s data, as just one breach could destroy a business entirely.
The conference addressed the fact that highly sophisticated hacking techniques are being employed which even challenge the level of advanced secure Government data, therefore small to medium businesses need to ensure they have professional IT experts monitoring their own IT security.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague warned that creating an international safe cyberspace is one of the biggest challenges we have come across to date and Britain has prioritised cyber attacks as a tier one threat.
Professor Ross Anderson from Cambridge University told the conference how there is a 1 in 20 risk that any given computer is sending out spam without the owner’s knowledge. On suggesting a solution for the over-riding issue of cyber crime Professor Anderson said: “If you want to defend against this kind of threat it’s not enough to just shoot a few crocodiles, you have to drain the swamp.”
At Netmetix, we can provide a team of IT experts who are constantly updating their knowledge in the field, alongside some advanced security solutions for your business. We can help your business to combat the threats of cyber crime effectively. Just visit www.netmetix.net to see what we can offer!
Protect your business as Cyber Attacks continue to threaten UK
The reports in the media yesterday that there have been a “disturbing” number of cyber attacks upon the UK re-enforces our message that all businesses need to pay more attention to their IT security. With much of our business and personal information co-existing electronically these days, it comes as no surprise that hackers continue to attempt to access this data illegally.
Iain Lobbanm Director of Communications intelligence agency has said that sensitive data on government computers has been targeted, along with defence, technology and engineering firm’s designs. 
Lobbanm illustrated the threatening effect it has on the UK economy by saying: “I can attest to attempts to steal British ideas and designs in the IT, technology, defence, engineering and energy sectors, as well as other industries, in order to gain commercial advantage or to profit from secret knowledge of contractual arrangements. Such intellectual property theft doesn’t just cost the companies concerned; it represents an attack on the UK’s continued economic wellbeing.”
The Ministry of Defence has countered more than 1,000 online attacks in the last year from cyber criminals and foreign intelligence services. These attempted hacks highlight the vulnerability of any IT system, making it absolutely essential that regular IT audits are carried out within your organisation to ensure all systems are protected. New threats emerge all the time; therefore you could be put at risk any time.
Our free ebook gives you the basic steps you need to take to protect your IT systems and your company and personal data. You can download it here.
Netmetix also provides a range of IT security solutions designed to ensure business continuity. It’s important to have IT security plan in place before a cyber attack occurs and we can help with the following solutions:
- Anti-spam and anti-virus services
- Email anti-virus and email management services
- Data leakage protection
- Multiple quarantine management
Another option to warrant secure IT systems is to move your business IT systems online into a cloud platform which offers Software as a Service and inbuilt protection. Our cloud service, Cloudmetix, offers complete IT security by taking away the need to worry about data storage and security, back-ups, software upgrades and anti-virus and anti-malware software. Find out more at http://www.cloudmetix.net/
Isn’t it time to take your IT security seriously? If you’re business is subjected to a cyber attack what would it cost you?
Charity paraglider triples personal record while raising over £1K for blood cancer charity
Determined sales executive, Stephen Groundwell, from Netmetix in Coventry managed to travel an astounding 60.5 miles in a charity paraglide, doubling his target and tripling his personal best.
Stephen was up at the crack of dawn and took off for flight at 8.30 am on Thursday 29th September from the Mam Tor hill in Derbyshire. While many enjoyed the September heat wave from land, Stephen spent 7 ½ hours soaring Derbyshire’s sunny skies in aid of blood cancer sufferers across the UK.
Many have supported Stephen in his cause and he has raised in excess of £1,000 towards Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity, helping to find better treatments and cures for all blood cancers.
When Stephen is not airborne and raising funds for worthwhile causes he is the team leader for Cloudmetix, which is a new cloud computing solution provided by Coventry IT Company, Netmetix. Cloudmetix have supported Stephen throughout his latest venture.
Stephen had originally attempted the paraglide two weeks earlier but winds were minimal restricting him from flying the glider successfully. However this fuelled his determination as he refused to submit the 8km he traveled and took to the skies again in a bid to achieve a more successful distance.
With only 2 years experience of paragliding, Stephen did extremely well to triple his personal record of 20 miles. He said: “The whole day was brilliant. I’m really happy with my success and the contribution that has been raised is fantastic. If the money I have raised can help towards saving the lives of others then it has all been worthwhile as this is a cause close to the hearts of both myself and my Managing Director, Paul Blore.”
Kate White, Director of Fundraising at Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research said: “We would like to congratulate Stephen as it’s a big challenge to have completed. All the money raised will go towards our vital research into better treatments and cures for blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.”
If you would still like to donate towards the cause you can do this at Stephen’s personal Just Giving site via the following url: http://www.justgiving.com/cloudmetix or email him directly with the amount you would like to donate at stephen.groundwell@netmetix.net
Cloud Computing boosts employee performance
Stephen Groundwell demonstrates the flexibility of Cloudmetix
The business agility created by Cloud Computing is boosting employee motivation and performance, according to Head of ICT & Business Development at 02, Nicola Mortimer.
As we launch our own cloud solution, Cloudmetix, we find it no surprise that businesses are instantly seeing the benefits of the system, with a general trend of an increase in staff motivation.
As a result of the ‘business agility’ created by cloud computing, Ms. Mortimer claimed that employers could use it as an employee motivation tool to provide a better work-life balance for their workforce.
With the flexibility and scalability Cloudmetix offers, you could potentially attract new staff to your company as well as boost the existing morale in the business.
Flexible working is a growing phenomenon, and the key element of creating such an environment in the workplace is for businesses to switch their IT to a cloud-based system.
Ms. Mortimer said: “From an employee’s perspective, they really get greater mobility – access to company tools from multiple devices when they are outside of the office, so they are not restricted to being at the desk.”
The whole dynamic of an office shifts with cloud adoption, resulting in a more flexible business. A survey of 500 IT decision makers by Sand Hill found that 50% of respondents cited business agility as a primary reason for implementing cloud-based IT.
Another major advantage of transitioning to the Cloud is the financial implications it will have, as Cloudmetix is a cost effective way for SME’s to update their businesses IT.
Ms Mortimer added: “Cloud computing allows businesses to pay only for services as they use them; it’s a utility-based type of computing. That would be a very key aspect for reducing costs within a business.”
How Cloudmetix can make your business more agile ….
- · It can be scaled in response to your business needs. The elasticity of Cloudmetix means you can add or remove users quickly.
- · Your complete office IT can be accessed from anywhere at any time.
- · Cloudmetix has robust data security, preventing risks from cyber crime, hacking and viruses.
How will it change day-to-day activity?
| BEFORE | AFTER |
| The traditional 9am to 5pm office hours ties employees to a rigid working regime. This can create resentment when more flexible working is required. | Cloudmetix is easily accessible from anywhere in the world, enabling employees to have flexible working hours and being able to work from home. |
| Having to deal with masses of spam emails and sort through them causes annoyance and also lost productivity.
|
Cloudmetix spam filters ensure junk emails are minimised and you are also safe from hacking and cybercrime. |
| Malfunctioning IT systems can result in unnecessary downtime for staff creating backlogs in workload and lost productivity. | Cloudmetix is available 24/7, and is on robust and secure servers, virtually guaranteeing no downtime for business productivity. |
| Remote workers and freelance staff can often feel isolated and not part of a team leading to lower morale and motivation. | Cloudmetix enhances business communications, ensuring that team members have access to the office IT as if they were there. With all the business data being readily available and accessible, the performance of remote workers and freelance staff can be increased. |
Cloudmetix 30 Day No Obligation Trial
If you are looking at moving to cloud computing why not try it first.
With Cloudmetix you can have a 30 day trial period with no obligation.
Simply call us today or email: Stephen.groundwell@netmetix.net
Cloudmetix team leader glides for charity
Netmetix is quite literally all about the Clouds at the moment as Stephen Groundwell, a Sales Executive from the company, is set to do his longest ever paraglide this month for charity.
Stephen Groundwell from Netmetix
After taking up paragliding 2 years ago, Stephen has decided to put his hobby to use and raise funds towards blood cancer charity, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. The charity is the only one in the UK that solely dedicates its research into blood cancers with 28,500 people being diagnosed every year. It is a cause that is close to my heart as well as Stephen’s.
We are supporting the charity paraglide through Cloudmetix, which is our latest complete cloud-based solution.
Over a full day Stephen aims to be air bound for as long as possible, flying the furthest achievable distance. He has set himself a personal target of 30 miles throughout the day, which is 10 miles more than his previous record.
We are appealing for support for this very worthy cause:
Where will your donations go?
- To help finding better treatments and cures for all blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
- £20 million is needed every year for the life-saving work to continue.
- To support 260 active research projects around the UK.
- To improve the quality of life for all patients touched by these conditions.
Stephen says…
“Paragliding is a completely eye-opening experience, I’ve wanted to get into it all my life. My previous personal record was 20 miles in a whole day, so I think this will be very difficult. But this is in aid of a good cause so please sponsor me whatever you can. I really appreciate all of your support towards helping with this common cause of Leukaemia & Lymphoma.”
Donations can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/cloudmetix or email Stephen directly with the amount you wish to sponsor at Stephen.groundwell@netmetix.net
Business heads to the cloud
According to the Cloud Industry Forum (CIF), the impact of cloud computing on business can no longer be ignored with nearly half (48%) of UK organisations now using some form of cloud computing. Other reports this year have also suggested that cloud computing is likely to be adopted by more and more companies, with business chiefs citing it as the top technology priority for 2011.
Interestingly the CIF research also revealed the main reason for using ‘the cloud’ is flexibility, particularly among smaller companies (those with fewer than 20 employees) with 63% of them citing it. According to the CIF, 94% of cloud users said they were satisfied with the technology and while 52% had yet to invest in it, all bar 2% of them had every intention of doing so.
But before you join the rush, and head for the clouds, what should you know about these new technologies and what this means for your company?
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is basically a fundamental change in the way we use computing technology. Instead of having costly hardware and software on your premises, all your digital files, records, software and programmes are stored offsite with a cloud service provider and you access them via the internet. With broadband becoming ever faster, and data storage now available in terabytes, this provides the platform for software as a service (SaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). This means that you no longer have to buy software licences. You simply pay for storage and time, usually per user.
In practical terms, this translates into numerous benefits for SMEs:
Cost effectiveness
Cloud computing can be a very cost effective option for SMEs. No capital outlay on hardware and software licences. This means that companies can be up and running with their business IT literally in minutes. Installing servers and other hardware can typically take weeks. For start-ups this is a significant benefit. For existing businesses, it takes away a lot of the headache that comes with continually having to upgrade hardware and software.
Scaleability
Cloud has great elasticity. As your company grows, cloud computing can grow with you. You can increase the number of users as required and you can increase storage capacity. Your cloud infrastructure also supports your company’s internal processes and procedures and IT networks.
Freedom and Flexibility
Access your data and software wherever you are. You can go on holiday or on a business trip and access your “office” from anywhere there is an internet connection – even if you are on the other side of the world! This applies to anyone in your team whether this is employees who want to work from home occasionally, remote workers or freelance staff. Having access to the company’s IT networks helps teambuilding and also helps you to manage the workflow of your teams.
Data Security
A good cloud provider will look after your data security. You will no longer have to worry about backups or data loss. No more taking tapes off the business premises. No more worrying about whether you have backed up data. A good cloud provider will also ensure that your data is safe from cybercrime, hackers, and viruses, and will minimise spam to your email accounts.
What are the pitfalls?
Cloud computing sounds too good to be true, and it does offer many benefits for SMEs. But there are a number of key concerns. This is mainly down to finding the right cloud computing service for your business. No one size fits all and it is important to really understand what it is you are trying to achieve with your IT. It is worth spending time on either developing a new IT strategy or revising and upgrading your existing one.
Here are a few key questions you should ask?
How do I find a Reputable Cloud Provider? The market is already seeing an increase in cloud computing providers, from large brand names such as Google, to SME providers like Netmetix. You need to look for a provider that can fulfil the needs of your business. One that has a good reputation, a good track record, and one that is responsive when it comes to customer service. Ask how long they have been in business? And where possible find out about the level of service they have provided to their existing customers.
Where will our data be stored and how safe is it? Ensure that your provider has put measures in place to protect the cloud servers from fire, flood, and theft. Also make sure the back-up processes are rigorous. Check where your data will be backed up to and how often.
Technical support. You should receive a service level agreement (SLA) that sets out all the terms and conditions of your cloud computing service. Ask what the penalties are for downtime. Most cloud providers offer a guarantee that you will have access to your data and services at least 99% of the time. Ask how your provider will compensate you should they fail to provide this.
Cloudmetix
Netmetix is delighted to announce the launch of Cloudmetix, a complete IT infrastructure solution which provides everything you would expect to see in a Local Area Network (LAN), including software, storage, rigorous back-up and an extremely high level of anti-virus and IT security.
Underpinned by ten years solid experience of offering IT solutions to our clients, Cloudmetix is a robust system ideally suited for SMEs, giving the flexibility, freedom and scalability you need to grow with your business and to adapt to its changing needs.
As Microsoft IT Certified Partners we have the best technicians in the business, who have all gone through a rigorous training programme.
Taking the next step
There’s no doubt that the evidence is compelling – ‘The Cloud’ is here to stay and increasing in popularity as flexibility and efficiency become the main watchwords of businesses, irrespective of the sectors in which they operate. If you want to know more, then our sales team would be happy to have a no obligation discussion with you.
Alternatively, why not try cloud computing for yourself.
Cloudmetix 30 Day No Obligation Trial
If you are looking at moving to cloud computing why not try it first.
With Cloudmetix you can have a 30 day trial period with no obligation.
Simply call us today or email: Stephen.groundwell@netmetix.net
