What Your Business Needs to Operate Remotely

What Your Business Needs to Operate Remotely

In the past year, we have seen countless businesses move to a remote work set up due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Many of these businesses have seen great success with a model like this, and the transition has been seamless. Some businesses, on the other hand, have found themselves struggling to make the appropriate adjustments. It can be difficult to have to re-establish workplace norms, especially when you are no longer in a centralized office, however, it is not impossible. Your tech experts at ANAX are here to help, and we have come up with some ways to ensure your business, and your team, experiences the greatest success possible. Below you will find some suggestions on what exactly your business needs to operate remotely. Let’s check them out! 

Connection

Establishing a solid connection means a few things for a remote-based business. First, your business and your employees need a reliable (and high-speed) connection to the internet. When based in a centralized office building, it can be fairly easy to establish an internet connection across the entire company. However, when your employees are working from home, it can be much more difficult to manage. Providing guidance on what your business expects from your employees in regard to internet connection and accessibility can be a great first step in ensuring that everyone is on the same page. 

Another form of connection that is necessary in a remote-based business is connection with each other. While some businesses operate smoothly without much intrapersonal connections, there are other markets that require employees to have a firmly-established connection with each other. This is seen most often in businesses that have teams or departments that must remain connected in order to be successful in achieving their respective goals.

Yet another kind of connection needed for a remotely operating business is the connection between your employees and the required information, data, or files for their job functions. Remote-access storage is necessary for employees to be able to connect with their work, and perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. 

Communication

In addition to simply establishing connections between employees and personnel, reliable and effective communication must be in place. There are many kinds of communications that can take place throughout a workday, and many solutions that can be put in place to create effective communication even while working remotely. Upgraded phone systems with high-quality headsets, a company-wide email system, instant messaging software for speedy communications and quick questions, video conference calls, you name it. There are plenty of solutions that exist to bridge the communication gap in remote work, and ANAX can assist you with deciding which one is right for your business, as well as getting it set up! 

Collaboration

Last, but certainly not least, collaboration is necessary to ensure the success of a remote-based business. Collaboration can only exist if connection and communication have first been established. In companies that have teams or departments, it is crucial to come up with collaborative solutions to ensure these groups of individuals can effectively work on projects simultaneously. There are many ways that collaboration can be woven into your remote business set up, including cloud-based storage solutions that allow for real-time participation of multiple team members, group conference calls and video conferencing, screen-sharing abilities, and more. When your team members are able to effectively collaborate remotely, nothing can stand in the way of growth for your business. 

If you are ready to take your business remote, or need assistance with stream-lining your already-remote business, contact the experts at ANAX! We can help you determine your specific needs and get everything set up for a seamless transition.

The Differences Between Cloud Storage & Local Storage

The Differences Between Cloud Storage & Local Storage

When it comes to storing data for your mid-size business, you may be in between a few options that exist. In recent years, there has been a tremendous push to move towards cloud-based storage and processing, rather than the traditional localized storage that many businesses have utilized for years. Some companies have even discovered that a hybrid mix of the two ends of the spectrum has been the most efficient solution for their storage needs. If you have been pondering what storage set up is best for your business, we can help! Let’s dive into more info about both cloud and local storage options

What are They? 

Cloud Storage

You may have heard marketing campaigns towards the beginning of the cloud-based computing era make the claim, “It’s in the cloud!” While catchy, and still memorable years after the fact, this phrase does not do much to explain what exactly cloud storage is. In essence, cloud storage is a way to store digital data, files, and information in the online world, one that encompasses several servers, across multiple locations. This storage method is typically maintained or managed by a web-based hosting company. The cloud exists outside of your given office space, without the need for physical copies of the data. 

Local Storage

Long gone are the days of floppy discs and CD-ROMs, however, the idea of local storage remains the same, albeit in a different capacity these days. Local storage now refers to the use of updated and newer physical storage devices. These can include hard disc drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), and external storage accessories like thumb drives or flash drives. 

What are the Benefits? 

Now that you understand the difference between the two, you may be wondering which one provides a more practical solution for your business. Rest assured, we have outlined some of the most notable pros and cons for each option! 

Cloud Storage

Pros

One of the most noteworthy reasons for the switch to cloud storage is the ability to access your stored data from pretty much anywhere you have internet service. In the past year, many companies have switched to remote work, and cloud storage provides a solution where employees scattered in multiple locations can access the data from wherever they are. This builds a more efficient workspace for those working from home, and allows more seamless collaboration. With cloud storage, you also establish a better disaster recovery system. Cloud storage solutions can be extremely cost-efficient as well as reducing energy consumption. There are many benefits to switching to a cloud-based storage set-up. 

Cons

There are some challenges that arise with this cloud storage solution, however. When dealing with highly sensitive data, it may be slightly more difficult, though not impossible, to establish data security. In addition, because cloud storage often relies on a third-party hosting company, there must be trust that the data will be handled securely, and that it will be available and accessible whenever you need it. 

Local Storage

Pros

With local storage, your business has all the data readily available at your fingertips. There is minimal upload and download time, whereas cloud storage can take slightly longer. Local storage also offers an extremely secure data-management process, since the information is stored only on those local devices, and can only be accessed by individuals who have access to said hardware. 

Cons

The downside of only being able to be accessed by individuals with the hard copies of the information is just that, a very limited accessibility. This cuts down on the ability to effectively and efficiently collaborate on projects as needed. In addition, buying and storing excess physical storage can be costly, and requires room within your office dedicated to the storage of your storage devices. Lastly, should a disaster strike your office building, all the physical copies of your data could be destroyed. 

What is Best for Your Business? 

As you can see, there are benefits and challenges that exist with either storage option. Depending on what your goals are as a business, and what kind of data you are needing to store, you may decide that either cloud or local storage is a better fit, or you may wish to create a hybrid of the two. If you have additional questions, or you would like to move forward with establishing an upgraded storage system for your mid-size business, we can help. Contact the experts at ANAX today!

Why You Need Managed IT Services

Why You Need Managed IT Services

If you are a business owner, you have probably heard about Managed IT Services already. In case you haven’t, or you would like to learn more, we decided to dive a little further into what exactly this entails, and how your business can benefit from it. 

What is Managed IT?

The majority of businesses operating in today’s day and age utilize some form of technology. Whether you have a POS system for your retail shop, are running a multi-line phone system for your customer service center, or you have dedicated work laptops that you provide to your employees, you will likely need IT support at some point. While many large-scale businesses typically have their own IT team, most small to midsize businesses do not. This is where Managed IT Services come into play. 

Managed IT Services essentially means that a business outsources their IT and tech support needs to a third-party company, a Managed Service Provider (MSP). This company specializes in business technology, and exists to provide reliable support to their client companies. Every company’s IT needs look different, and an MSP has the capability of juggling multiple functions, from maintaining tech equipment to setting up networks and providing support to more. Approximately 64% of businesses utilize Managed IT Services, and most small to midsize businesses can benefit from an MSP. 

Why Does Your Business Need It? 

Speaking of benefits, let’s take a look why you should consider Managed IT Services for your business. 

Less to Manage

We know you have a lot on your plate. Worrying about your IT problems shouldn’t add to that stress. Managed IT Services allow you to focus on getting your job done, and letting an MSP take care of the tech. 

More Knowledge

Technology moves fast. It can be hard to keep up with if it isn’t your speciality. Managed IT Services allow you to have access to a team of experts in the field, who take care of staying up-to-date for you. 

Less to Hire

With Managed IT Services, you won’t be burdened with the task of hiring, firing, training, and maintaining an IT support team. An MSP takes care of all their own staffing, and you reap the benefits of having qualified, knowledgeable techs take care of your IT needs. 

Why ANAX?

As you can see, there are multiple benefits to having Managed IT Services. You’re convinced that this is something you want for your business, but now you’re wondering what MSP to go with. We know your options are vast for this, so we wanted to highlight why ANAX is the right choice. ANAX is locally-owned, Las Vegas based. That means our team is dedicated to the community, and wants to see your business succeed and thrive. We have years in the business, over a decade to be exact, and we put that experience and knowledge to good use for your company. We are well-rounded in our offered services, and pride ourselves on being able to take care of all your tech needs. 

ANAX is committed to building relationships with our customers. We have developed an extremely loyal client base over the years and thanks to them, the bulk of our growth is the result of the referrals from many of our satisfied clients. Our consistent accountability has given our customers the peace of mind they need for their business, especially when it comes to IT management and services. If you are interested in learning more about Managed IT Services, or want to schedule a consultation, contact our team today! 

Setting Up Remote Office Access

Setting Up Remote Office Access

Many businesses last year switched to remote work environments, especially when stay-at-home orders were issued and enforced. With the realization that this work from home approach may be a new long-term operating norm, these businesses started looking for more efficient solutions for their employees. In order to collaborate effectively, these employees needed to be able to access work files remotely, and to exist in an online environment where networking and communication are seamless with others in the company. 

While there are many variations of solutions for these requirements, deciphering what may work best for your company, and then getting it set up and connecting every employee, may be a daunting task, especially if tech and the online world are not your forte. No need to fret, however, ANAX is here to help. Let’s take a look at what Remote Office Access is, and how we can assist you with setting it up for your business. 

What is Remote Office Access? 

In simplest terms, remote office access means that employees in a company are able to access their work computer or network, remotely from any location. This sometimes entails an online office environment where employees can collaborate with each other on projects, and do so more efficiently than if they were unable to access this remote office network. There are many ways to achieve remote office access, and each option may be more ideal for different scenarios than others. Some of the available options for achieving remote office access include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), remote desktop access, and cloud network access. 

VPNs

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are often considered to be the most secure, as they are not susceptible to direct attacks and have strict encryption protocols in place. This makes for a much safer communication between the remote office space and the employees, however, setting up a VPN is a lot more labor-intensive and demanding to set up. 

Remote Desktop Access

Remote Desktop Access is easier to establish and set up, and there are multiple ways to do so. With remote access software, enterprise remote desktop, or direct remote access options, there is a solution for every business. While remote desktop access can be utilized by virtually anyone, it is typically ideal for occasional or temporary remote work scenarios, or in circumstances where a physical office still exists while employees are stationed at home. 

Cloud Network Access

Yet another solution for remote office access is through a cloud network. This is typically the choice that many companies make when they have decided not to return to in-person work. There is a flexibility and lower cost appeal to this option, however, some companies are wary of the difficulty or inability to monitor device usage. 

How ANAX Can Help

Whatever option you would like to pursue for your company and employees, ANAX can help you get it set up. Initializing this remote office access system and onboarding all of your employees can be a daunting task, but our experts are here to make your transition seamless. We also take steps to increase the security of this remote office access to ensure that operations remain private and safe. We accomplish this by establishing firewalls and antivirus software on devices, and helping you determine which solution will work best for your company. We can also assist with setting up your VPN properly to maximize the level of security for both your business and your employees. When it comes to ensuring that you are successful in your transition to permanent or long-term remote work, ANAX has you covered. Contact our team of tech experts today!

Network Support When You Need It

Network Support When You Need It

ANAX offers comprehensive Network and IT support for all your business needs. We provide services for daily maintenance as well as support with technical network issues. Our staff is fully certified to design and install complete networks, all while maintaining our prized and valuable customer service. 

With any business, technology tends to be deeply ingrained, especially in the forward-thinking world we live in today. Because of this, it is essential to have a properly set up and maintained network. ANAX offers several network solutions, as well as maintenance and emergency support, should your business run into any network issues. 

Services

On-site Troubleshooting & Repairs

Some tech companies only offer troubleshooting over the phone, or via an online chat session. It can be hard to explain what the issue is in this case, and may even require you to fix it yourself. ANAX believes in a hands-on approach in order to save you the time and hassle. 

Hardware / Software Installation

Network Server Setup & Maintenance

Cloud Integration

Having your business files and information synced with a cloud-based database service, you can be protected from potential network failures. ANAX can get this set up and maintained for you. 

Backup Setup & Monitoring

Having a backup of your business files and information is another way to protect yourself from a potential network failure. These backups can be configured to automatically occur in certain increments of time, and ANAX can help monitor them. 

Email Setup & Spam Control

ANAX can assist with setting up your email server and accounts, as well as establishing what gets filtered out. 

Virus, Popup, Adware / Spyware Removal

Firewall Installation & Configuration

ANAX can help establish protection for your network and all the devices operating on it. 

Wireless Network Setup

Remote Office Access Setup

& More!

ANAX offers many more solutions not listed. If you have specific questions, or want ANAX to handle your business’ network maintenance, contact us today. 

Device Connection and Configuration

Device Connection and Configuration

Device Connection and Configuration

When operating a business, you often utilize several different devices, all of which should be connected on the same network, all completing various tasks that keep your business running. These devices can aid in productivity and efficiency, as long as they are set up correctly. Initial configuration and connection of these devices can be overwhelming, especially for less tech-savvy business owners. At ANAX, we offer assistance with the setup of various devices, as well as making sure they all communicate with each other properly, and in some cases, can even perform regular maintenance on them as necessary. 

Laptops

Some companies provide laptops to their employees. In some circumstances, certain programs and privileges need to be set up and established. It can be a hassle ensuring that all laptops are set up correctly, and the same way. In addition, firewalls and other malware protection may need to be put in place. ANAX can help with everything you need to do to get your employees’ laptops ready for distribution.

Cellular Devices

Likewise to employee laptops, companies sometimes allot work phones to their employees, so as to not require them to use their personal phones for their jobs. Setting these cell phones up to the same standards across the board, as well as within company guidelines, is something that ANAX can assist with, whether they are Android or Apple products. 

Tablets

In many scenarios, tablets are replacing laptops, especially with the additional mobility that they provide. In other scenarios, tablets have been replacing POS systems, which has become increasingly popular for small businesses, as it is less of an initial investment than purchasing a more robust POS set up. ANAX can help set up your company tablets for how you are looking to use them, whether they are Android or Apple products. 

Phone Systems

In a cloud-enabled, always-connected world, you can’t afford communication solutions that don’t keep up. At ANAX, we’ve built a reputation on delivering the best cloud solutions and onsite VoIP services to businesses in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and all over Southern Nevada. Regardless of business type or industry, existing infrastructure or budget, we’ll find the right fit for your phone needs. We can help get these phone systems set up, configured, and we can perform maintenance on them as necessary. 

And More!

There are many devices that can be used in businesses, and each one comes with a unique set up process. Contact ANAX to see how we can help.