How Is Shelfware Limiting Business Growth?

Shelfware is a term used in the technology industry for software that is purchased and then rarely ever, if at all, used. The business software just sits on the shelf collecting dust, even if it's a software-as-a-service (SaaS) program where the shelf is digital or cloud-based. 

While a company may have the best of intentions for the software initially, somewhere down the line, the momentum decreases or there is no longer use for it as plans across the business change. This is especially common when an IT department is not working efficiently with the business management team and communication is less than ideal.

Research suggests that a significant portion of new tech investment is being wasted. On average, each computer in every office around the world has about $259 of unnecessary, unwanted, or unused software on it. According to a new study, businesses wasted a staggering $30 billion (yes billion!) on unused software over the course of a four-year study. Nearly £5.7 billion of this sum, is accredited to the cost of shelfware across UK businesses – an average of approximately £159 per work desktop user. 

A recent discussion with MHR Analytics, a provider of financial performance management and business intelligence consultancy, found that only 4% of businesses are actively using every software licence purchased; with 20% of respondents stating that more than a quarter of their business intelligence software is lying idle on a shelf. This suggests that powerful tools are being ignored or under-utilised which means that businesses are missing out on a valuable stream of insights despite software being present within the system. 

But how can using Business Intelligent tools help? 

Recent reports found that 64% of business leaders who use powerful Business Intelligence software, claim it has given them a competitive edge. Not only does it help businesses to make sense of data, enabling faster, more confident decision-making, but it also offers quick access into performance insights, data patterns and relationships. This detailed level of data gives further clarity and allows enables businesses to create more accurate reports. This is a clear indicator, that not using our purchases BI software could be directly stunting the growth of your business. 

Nick Felton, Senior Vice President at MHR Analytics, said: “BI software that remains in the cupboard as ‘Shelfware’ is a major waste of resources and business potential. Business intelligence software makes decision-making 5 times faster through revelatory insights that enable the transformation of an organisation. IT leaders need software and implementation partners who understand their needs better, match their exact SaaS solution requirements and are ready to provide the right level of training. 

If you are a business owner who is concerned about Shelfware within your organisation, it could be time to check exactly what is and isn’t being utilised. If you have any unused BI software, now is the time to implement it within your business strategy to get the upper hand on competitors and stand out against the crowd. 

Your business needs all the intelligence and tools it can get in an increasingly competitive digital marketplace driven by the new most valuable currency: data. Just don't let these software programs and SaaS solutions go to waste!

10 Benefits Of An Operational Data Store

Database sizes are increasing all the time and to reap its benefits, companies need to find ways to process data with as little disruption to business operations as possible. With the growing demand for speed, low latency and scalability, new solutions are necessary to help solve challenges. 

Collecting and storing data is useless unless companies can use it to achieve business objectives. An Operational Data Store (ODS) can be a real benefit, especially if it is a next-generation ODS rather than a traditional one. 

1. A Consolidated Repository For Previously Isolated Systems 

An Operational Data Store integrates data coming from a variety of different sources and puts it in consistent format while business operations continue. It, therefore, provides a consolidated repository for previously isolated systems of record. According to GigaSpaces, the main advantages of integrating data from the various systems of record is for analysis and reporting. 

Business owners and employees can make more informed decisions by having a more comprehensive view of data than when it is siloed in the different systems of record. The integrated tables contain the most recent, relevant snapshot of operational activities and therefore, reports on operational processes are more sophisticated and holistic than reports coming from individual systems. 

2. Real-Time Processing 

One of the problems when dealing with huge quantities of data is high latency. Making API calls to various data sources for each action makes real-time processing impossible and customers are unable to get the response times they demand today. An ODS focuses on a single business concept, such as a customer, service or product and constantly updates data, overwriting previous data. 

As the data is in real-time or as close to real-time as possible, it enables excellent operational decision-making. For example, creating a marketing plan today involves using real-time data to target customers and hone in on their preferences and needs. Data analysis can also help with monitoring performance and improving marketing campaigns. 

3. Very Fast Performance 

A next-generation ODS uses a distributed in-memory core and this means back-end systems are unaffected by unplanned loads or unexpected volumes. Over-provisioning with expensive resources when volumes fall is inefficient and this becomes unnecessary with an ODS in place. 

The ability to scale autonomously means that companies can maintain customer experience when volumes peak and a high concurrency of users does not affect performance at all. 

4. High Availability 

When many systems of record need managing, the chance of a system of record going down is high. Decoupling the API layer from the systems of record means applications can continue working even when a particular system of record isn’t available. 

For example, checking the credit card status of a customer against the ODS is possible without having to interrogate an authorization system that may be down. Customers today expect 24/7 service and are not satisfied if service is disrupted for any reason. 

5. Better Predictive Modeling 

When real-time or near real-time data is available for analysis, predictive modeling is more robust and accurate. Predictive modeling is a process used by businesses, involving the use of data and statistics to predict outcomes. Forecasting outcomes can reduce time, efforts and costs. 

For example, businesses can predict potentially late deliveries, sales orders, and other impacts or risks. Variables such as regulation changes, market conditions and environmental factors can be factored into calculations to offer more complete views. 

6. Easier Diagnosis Of Problems 

By having a current view of operational status, users can diagnose problems without having to go to individual systems of record. For example, a service rep could find a customer order and determine its status quite easily. 

7. Time-Sensitive Business Rules 

Businesses can build time-sensitive business rules on an ODS. They can automate certain processes and improve business efficiency. Without current, integrated operational data, this would be impossible. The rules engine can recommend a certain action to an appropriate system for execution. For example, if fraud is suspected, an authorization system may be alerted to take an appropriate action. 

8. Remote Data Center Synchronization 

Global organizations often have data centers in remote sites due to the need to keep to certain regulations and offer high availability. An ODS makes it possible to synchronize remote data centers and allow for cross-site replication in real-time. Data synchronization ensures secure, accurate and compliant data and successful customer experiences. 

Clean, consistent data is essential for product and service competence but also for data governance issues like regulatory compliance. Without seamless synchronization, data transactions can be delayed, and decisions can be affected by inaccurate data. A glitch can also have a negative impact on customer retention and sales. An ODS allows for unaffected performance and accurate decision-making. 

9. Effective Security 

With mobile apps and the rise of online transactions, security issues such as data breaches and cyberattacks are on the increase. Data privacy regulations are stricter than before and organizations need to secure even their internal systems. 

A modern ODS can effectively support role-based security, data masking and advanced encryption systems. Only a few people have security to access systems of record but an ODS doesn’t have the same security issues as it doesn’t contain historical data. 

10. Handles Data On-Premise And In The Cloud 

Many organizations today have data on-premise and in the cloud. They adopt a hybrid solution so they can enjoy the benefits of each to the needs of the business. An ODS can handle data from many different sources without compromising performance. It can orchestrate data in real-time or near real-time from on-premise or in the cloud data sources. It doesn’t matter what systems data comes from or where it is stored. 

A Final Word On Operational Data Stores

Companies choosing to modernize their architecture with a next-generation ODS will drive their digital transformation and improve their throughput and scalability dramatically. They can upgrade their operational capabilities as an ODS enables better decision-making and reporting. By becoming more productive and efficient with company data, they can maintain a competitive edge and stay profitable.

7 Things IT Support Companies Do For Businesses

Hire your own staff or contract with IT support companies. This is an important decision that every small business needs to face eventually with their information technology.

IT services offer tech support for small businesses, which means that the company doesn’t have to hire an in-house team. This is great if you’re a small business without loads of resources or IT expertise. IT services from Orlando offer tech support for small businesses, which means that the company doesn’t have to hire an in-house team. This is great if you’re a small business without loads of resources or IT expertise.

If you haven't looked at the benefits of hiring a managed service provider, then you have a few things to learn. Keep reading to level seven ways an IT company can improve your business.


1. Improve Your Communication

Communication in business hit it's stride when email first came around. But things have changed a lot since then.

While email is still a great way to communicate with your team, there are better ways to do that now. 

There are software services available online that allow you to organize projects, create knowledge bases, assign tasks, and conduct meetings.

Your IT company will be able to get you set up with all the software you need to accomplish this. 

Once you see how much more productive these new tools are, you won't want to go back to using email to handle everything.


2. Get Support at All Hours

With how connected we are today, it seems like we need to work at all hours of the day. Take a look in any office, and you'll probably see people in there after the workday is done. The problem comes when those people who are working hard after hours don't have any tech support.

If you don't have tech support after the workday is finished, then you risk your team not being able to complete the work they're trying to do. This can lead to missed deadlines, lost productivity, and lost money.

A managed IT company is your solution. They can provide customer service at all hours of the day.

You won't need to worry about things breaking after hours anymore. If your looking for someone to talk to about after-hours support, then send us an email through our Contact page.


3. Handle All Your Software and Hardware Failures

If you took inventory of all the hardware and software your business uses daily, you'd have a pretty large list. The means you have to work with a lot of companies to make things work.

If you don't know much about IT infrastructure, then it can be a hassle to get things fixed. You don't only have to figure out who to talk to, but also the right questions to ask. When you hire a company to do this for you, this isn't a concern anymore.

When you hire a managed service provider, all you need to do is contact your support rep. They will know who to call to get your problems fixed.


4. Get the Newest Tech

You used to be able to go quite a while before needing to upgrade your technology. That isn't the case anymore. Technology changes faster than ever these days.

If you want your business to keep up, then you need people available that can help you stay up to date. Sure, you can have someone in-house dedicate their time to keeping up with what's happening in the tech world. The question is, will it be the best use of their time and can you guarantee that they will be able to keep up with everything.

A managed service provider has the resources to stay updated. You can rely on them to keep your business running the latest tech so you can make the most of it.


5. Scale Your Support

Scaling a business isn't easy. When you're dealing with product, then it's a matter of buying more materials and increasing your production. It's a little more complicated when it comes to people.

If you need to bring on more people to support your IT infrastructure, you're going to spend a lot of time in interviews trying to find the right person. If you're in a rush to scale, then, this can cause problems.

With a managed service provider, just have a chat with your point of contact, and you can immediately get the support you need. You can scale your support up and down depending on how much help you need.


6. Secure Your Business

It seems like you hear about a new data breach every other week these days. Just a couple years ago, there was a 126% increase in consumer data that was exposed to hackers. You can't be too careful with your business.

If you want to minimize your risk, you need to develop security protocols for your business. This means investing in firewalls, anti-malware software, employee training, and monitoring for your business. If you don't know the first thing about security, then you're going to have a hard time putting together a plan.

Luckily, IT companies have security experts on staff that can help. They will put together a plan for your business that will help keep it protected from cyberattacks.


7. Save Money

Hiring and retaining talent is expensive. You have to manage salaries, benefits, training, and taxes. If you need a lot of support for your company, this means you'll be paying a lot for your IT department.

If you don't want to pay these costs, then hiring a managed services company can save you money. 

They have done the hard work of hiring qualified professionals already. All you have to do is decide how much support you need and pay a fee for the service.

Less staff also means you need less office space. You can work out of a smaller office instead of using a larger space. Most of the time, an IT company won't even need to come on-site to fix problems that come up.


IT Support Companies Make Sense

You only have a set amount of hours during the day. If you spend your time dealing with IT yourself, you won't be able to focus on the rest of your business. Reach out to the IT support companies in your area so you can learn what they can offer.

If you're interested in other ways tech support can help move your business further, then head to our technology section to read through our latest posts. Do IT to IT!!

7 Great Reasons To Switch To A Mac

One of the age-old tech problems has always been, should you opt for an Apple Mac, or use a Windows based PC. By default, many of us have picked our side. When you get used to one system, and all of your data is stored in a particular way, it seems obvious to stick with it. 

There are, however, a great many reasons to choose an Apple Mac over a PC, and it is never too late to make the switch. While it may take a while to adapt and learn the simple things that you may take for granted on a PC, such as how to split screen on Mac, you will find that with some research, in a short space of time you will naturally adapt. 

Which PC Do You Even Buy? 

When we talk about PC’s, we’re talking about thousands of different models. You could even ultimately build your own from scratch. It’s hard to know which one is definitely the best one. With no universal standard, it’s easy to get bogged down and struggle to find the right model for you. 

You can obviously modify, and get everything that you want from your PC, and that is one of the great appeals of having one. If you are particularly technically minded, this can be an excellent option, and many people will build their own machine from scratch. 

A Closed System Runs Better 

However, the Mac has an advantage in its closed system. Nobody else can modify the technical design of the product before it reaches the end-user. All of the parts have been specifically designed for that product. This is very different from PCs, which may be an amalgamation of lots of various components. 

As such, there are not going to be any conflicts between the hardware within the Mac. This will cause the operating system to run smoother, and greatly diminish the risk of a system failure. 

The Enhanced Security 

One of the primary reasons that people choose the Mac is for its security. While there are differences in the way that the file systems operate between Windows and OS, the simple fact is that Macs are still open to attack. The difference is, that they don’t see the same prevalence of cyberattacks than their Windows counterparts. 

Macs come with some pretty sturdy in-built security features though. However, it is still a very good idea to install additional software to ensure you are as protected as you can be. 

The Superior Build Quality 

When you buy a Mac, you are getting a premium quality product. The build quality is second to none, and Apple really doesn’t skimp when it comes to putting in the right parts. While you may find that many rivals will look to create low-cost computers that will generate large volumes of sales, the Apple business model is very different. 

There is a high level of attention to detail within the design of the Mac. Apple generally spend a long time perfecting each model that they bring to market, and as their reputation always relies on getting it right, they make sure that they do just that. 

The machines are built to last for a few years, and you will often find that second-hand Macs still retain a great deal of their value, even after a few years of use. 

The Operating System 

Macs run using OS, which is a very stable, Unix based operating system. There are distinct differences to get used to when it comes to switching from Windows. However, the design is very simple and user-friendly. 

For Windows users who really struggle to make the change, you can choose to run your Mac using Windows. Or, you could opt to have both operating systems installed. 

You will find that the hardware marries well with the operating system, and there is never any conflict between any of the tech, and the software. 

Devices are easily installed on Macs, with no need to worry about finding drivers. Everything is plug-and-play. This saves plenty of headaches, especially when it comes to dealing with compatibility issues. 

The Bundled Software 

Good quality software comes as standard on all Apple machines. When you first open your Mac, you will find that it has many great titles available pre-installed. These include titles like Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Facetime, Garage Band, iMovie, and so many more. The equivalent software on PC would end up costing you a considerable amount in licenses. 

Macs have long set themselves apart from PCs with their use in video, music, and photo editing. They have long been the choice of many professionals in the media industry because of their ability to process complex tasks with stability and speed. 

If you want to continue using your Windows software after you have made the switch, fear not, there are many of the same titles available. You can even run Microsoft Office from OS. 

After Care And Support 

If you have ever passed by an Apple store, you will notice one simple key point; there are always a lot of staff members available on the shop floor. Apple not only use their expert staff to generate sales of all of their products, but they also provide aftercare support. A trip to your local Apple store could help you get the best from your machine. In-store tutorial and demonstration sessions are available, covering a large range of things, from photo, video and music production, right through to coding. 

If you have a technical problem with your product, you can get online support, over the phone help, or you can take your issue into the store. Apple can then repair any faulty or damaged products. 

Is It Time To Make An Investment In A Mac? 

With many excellent reasons to choose an Apple Mac, your next computer may well be a game-changer for your life. With the superior build and proven reliability over a long period, it makes perfect sense to invest in a Mac computer.