May 22, 2020
Digital transformation (DX) is not a new initiative. In fact, Forbes states that 70% of companies had a DX initiative in place at the onset of the pandemic but weren’t far enough along to make the crisis a non-issue. As a result of the past couple months where digital has become central to every interaction, DX is back in the forefront for IT leaders.
Continue ReadingApril 24, 2020
No doubt about it, for Microsoft Office 365 (O365), business is booming. At their Q3 FY19 earnings call, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that Office 365 is now used by 180 million monthly active users and growing at more than 4 million users per month – and that was before the recent surge in the demand in collaboration tools!
April 21, 2020
As Esther Dyson so eloquently put it, “Change means that what was before wasn’t perfect.” And as we all know in technology, change is a given. Today brings more change. As of today, Microsoft is changing the names of Office 365 SMB SKUs and making way for Microsoft 365.
April 1, 2020
On March 19, 2020, Microsoft announced a new Microsoft 365 plan designed specifically for Firstline Workers. The offer helps organizations connect their Firstline Workers with the rest of the company and close long-standing technology gaps that often separate these workers from secure apps and services that enable continuous productivity, simplify communication and support greater self-service.
March 31, 2020
As today’s IT teams are scrambling to figure out the logistics of helping their coworkers be productive from their home offices, it’s important to remember that security can’t be an afterthought. Enabling employees to work remote has only broadened the landscape for attackers, giving them even more opportunity to find a way into your organization.
March 20, 2020
We’re living in a very strange and uncertain time - uncharted waters one could say. Sequestered in the relative safety of our homes, unsure of what next week or even tomorrow might bring, business must still go on. But while we may be working in isolation, it’s still people that power the modern business. And in any business, the team is paramount. It’s where creativity, collaboration, and solutions all come together within a group to exceed the sum of its parts.
January 17, 2020
By now, you’ve heard them all… “We have the brightest minds in the business.” “You need our expertise.” “Our bench has the most certifications in the industry.” …none of which mean anything in the context of the day-to-day to-do list that any given IT department faces. Which is why, in an attempt to get real, we’ve launched a different approach to the OneNeck brand.
December 23, 2019
Long ago, in a land far away, there used to be a network perimeter. Those were the good old days where the network perimeter was the all-encompassing traffic control point, and where traffic was all funneled through a single point, no matter where it came from. But the cloud changed everything by decentralizing the network, making the perimeter vaporize, and giving IT many a sleepless night.
November 6, 2019
For a long time, security initiatives have been driven by compliance mandates and a healthy dose of fear. But as threats continue to become more sophisticated, so must our efforts in thwarting them. This is why aligning with best practices is a great place to start, specifically the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Top 20 Critical Security Controls which was developed by a global group of security experts who continue to finetune them every year.
October 10, 2019
If there’s anything that can be said about today’s IT environment, it’s that choice abounds, which is why we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of this hybrid reality in which we now exist.
August 14, 2019
Do you ever feel that your non-IT co-workers are trying to thwart your security protocols – ignoring software update alerts, opening suspicious emails or not following password best practices? If it seems that way, it might be “security fatigue.”
June 18, 2019
There’s no denying it – the wireless network is the primary way we connect to the digital world. In fact, it’s so big, that traffic from wireless and mobile devices will account for 71% of total IP traffic by 2022, according to Cisco's Forecast and Trends for 2017-2022. But behind that wireless network is a mesh of complex technology, which to the general layman can be quite confusing.
June 18, 2019
Bandwidth needs are skyrocketing. To meet the growing demand, there is a transition underfoot to move away from traditional the wide area network (WAN) to the software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN). According to IDC, SD-WAN technology is projected to exceed $6 billion in revenue by 2020. SD-WAN promises great change, and adoption is gaining traction, but understanding how you can deploy it to benefit your organization is still evolving for many organizations.
April 30, 2019
There are a lot of opinions to be had about what goes into a solidly-architected cloud. But with so many considerations around reliability, performance and security, too many options can get overwhelming. So, I thought I’d ask one of our resident cloud experts, Derek DeHaan, and get his thoughts on the matter…
April 24, 2019
Two terms that get thrown around a lot in our industry are APM and NPM, and it seems they are often interchanged (or confused). So, what is the difference between APM (Application Performance Monitoring) and NPM (Network Performance Monitoring)?
April 16, 2019
In today’s digital world, terms like Hybrid Cloud and Multi-Cloud are thrown around interchangeably. But there is a difference, and understanding it is key to getting the most out of your cloud strategy.
March 19, 2019
The importance of data in not only business but our day-to-day lives continues to grow – no one is arguing that. But the pace at which it’s growing is mind-blowing. In a recent study sponsored by Seagate Technology, IDC forecasted that the global data sphere will grow to 163ZB by 2025. Considering that today it’s 16.3ZB, that’s almost tenfold what it is today, making this prediction significant.
February 14, 2019
As a consumer, we utilize applications on a daily basis. How many times have you found yourself asking, “There’s got to be an app for that?” It’s quite simply the expectation in today’s app-centric world. And when an app doesn’t function the way it’s supposed to? Well, no one has time for that, and we simply move on…
January 15, 2019
Organizations, big or small, are all grappling with combating the onslaught of security attacks, making security a top priority for today’s IT teams in every vertical. As Forbes so broadly states, “Cybersecurity is applicable to every business operation, whether it’s in the military, corporations or entrepreneurs.” And while cybersecurity decisions used to be contained to the boardroom or high-level government agencies, now the average employee is hyper aware of the potential risks a breach can ...
December 18, 2018
Traditional wide area networks (WANs) bring numerous challenges to the enterprise, ranging from increasing cost, performance issues and flexibility challenges. And with the onset of the cloud, today’s IT teams are searching for solutions that meet the data accessibility demands from inside the organization to the edges of the earth.
December 4, 2018
It’s that time of year, where twinkling lights and Santa’s sleigh full of toys are everywhere. But with all of the holiday bustle comes additional risk, the risk of mounting security threats as shoppers are eagerly swiping their credit cards while checking gifts off their lists. What does this mean for today’s organization, where the line between corporate and personal devices is blurrier than ever before?
November 20, 2018
What we’re seeing in the industry today is that most of our customers aren’t adopting a single platform for all of their workloads. Depending on a plethora of factors (RTO/RPO, application requirements, latency requirements, etc.), it truly is becoming a multi-cloud world.
November 13, 2018
It’s an exciting time we are living in, where what seemed like science fiction just a few years ago is becoming reality. From chess-playing computers to driverless cars, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we live and work.
September 11, 2018
What we’re seeing in the industry today is that most of our customers aren’t adopting a single platform for all of their workloads. Depending on a plethora of factors (RTO/RPO, application requirements, latency requirements, etc.), it truly is becoming a multi-cloud world.
August 28, 2018
The challenges faced by today’s manufacturer are in many ways the same as they’ve been in the past: maintain the right amount of inventory, optimize production efficiency and never lose sight of quality. Yet addressing these challenges has become more tied to the underlying technology than ever before.
August 14, 2018
If there’s one thing that large enterprises all the way down to mom-and-pop shops have in common, it’s the lure of the quick win. Every business is hyper focused on the bottom line, and what they can do to drive quick growth, which has been one of the primary drivers in the race to the cloud. It just makes sense. The cloud enables faster delivery of services, in turn, faster profit.
July 31, 2018
If there’s any constant in today’s technology landscape, it’s change. And when it comes to security, there’s no rest for the weary. Advancing technology, savvier-than-ever users and the onslaught of attacks are making today’s IT teams scramble to keep up. Now more than ever, it’s critical to make sure the basics are covered so that you have the ability to respond and keep your business safe.
July 17, 2018
No one disputes the impact of the cloud on today’s business, and now with multiple clouds in the mix, the exponential impact continues to grow. But with multiple clouds comes multiple challenges, challenges that must be addressed up front to ensure your cloud(s) don’t work against you.
May 22, 2018
It’s no longer a “drive to the store, pick up an item and pay” kind of world. Self-service phone menus, web chat, mobile apps and emerging technologies make it possible to conduct business and personal tasks however we choose. Consumers are well informed and always eager to find new ways to make their buying experience more satisfying.
April 24, 2018
The terms IT transformation and digital transformation seem to be everywhere these days, and often are used interchangeably. However, while they are very connected, there is a difference. In a recent paper by the Enterprise Strategy Group and sponsored by Dell EMC, they define the two terms as such:
April 10, 2018
According to Gartner, the worldwide Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) market is forecasted to grow to over 72 billion by 2020 – a truly staggering trajectory. But the challenge of finding the right blend of on-premises vs. cloud continues. So, how do you determine which environment is right for your workloads?
April 4, 2018
Intent-based networking is being called the “next big thing” in networking. Building on the power of machine learning, software-defined networking (SDN) and advanced automation, intent-based networking systems (IBNS) have the potential to improve the way administrators monitor and respond to network events and conditions.
March 29, 2018
One of the big challenges organizations face today is complexity, and security is no exception. According to the 2018 Cisco Annual Cybersecurity Report, in 2017, 25% of security professionals said they used products from 11 to 20 vendors, compared with 18% of security professionals in 2016. Also, in 2017, 16% said they use anywhere from 21 to 50 vendors, compared to 7% of respondents in 2016 (refer to figure below).
March 15, 2018
Business leaders worldwide are putting big bucks into digital transformation. A report by IDC predicts that by the end of 2019, spending for digital transformation will reach $1.7 trillion worldwide—up 42% from 2017. But many organizations struggle to find their way.
March 1, 2018
The digital economy is in high gear, so IT can’t just stick to the same old script. As competition heats up in today’s fast-paced digital environment, business stakeholders are demanding that IT accelerate processes, better support the enterprise and play a starring role in digital transformation. You may have already made some headway, but it’s not exactly clear what will generate a real transformation in how IT does business.
February 22, 2018
There’s a new buzzword making the rounds (like we needed another one). Move over Digital Transformation, and welcome Edge Computing. While it’s being credited with the power to deliver speed, security and cost-savings to organizations, is it really all that? Let’s break it down…
February 8, 2018
Containers are quickly becoming commonplace in workplace applications, even replacing virtual machines in some instances. How do you know if containers are right for your IT environment?
February 1, 2018
Who doesn’t want to be part of a winning team—whether on the football field or in a business? Any company looking to stay competitive needs a strategy for digital transformation, but it’s a full-team effort. And with 80% of US businesses suffering from a lack of IT talent, every team member needs to pull their weight.
January 4, 2018
Thanks to digital transformation initiatives in today’s modern organization, citizens are demanding similar efficiencies from their public-sector agencies as well. This shift is fundamentally and permanently beginning to change the way government delivers its services. Yet, there is more to it than just modernizing IT.
December 28, 2017
The end of the year is usually a time when IT departments start to dust off their crystal balls in hopes of glimpsing what the future holds. Technology predictions and resolutions abound as many people take time to both reflect on all that has happened and prepare for what is to come.
December 7, 2017
In the modern workplace, employees are often geographically dispersed with almost half (43%) working remotely at least some of the time, and they typically rely on some combination of voice, email, text and video communications to coordinate their efforts with business associates. Furthermore, they increasingly use multiple devices to access business resources and communications wherever and whenever they want to work.
November 30, 2017
What a difference a decade makes. Ten years ago, smartphones and tablets were still novel, but today, it’s likely that most (if not all) of your employees own one or several. And they’re using them to accomplish personal and professional tasks at home, in the office and on the road.
November 7, 2017
According to an IBM report, 72 percent of CEOs who made collaboration a top priority outperformed their competitors. And while collaboration in the cloud is showing signs of rapid growth, in the past, it has come with some inherent security concerns. Fortunately, Cisco Spark resolves many of the challenges with its next-generation, enterprise-grade cloud solution.
October 31, 2017
Long gone are the days of yore, when IT administrators slept like babies, content that their company desktops, business apps and critical infrastructure were all tucked in safe, securely located behind a firewall. Today, an enterprise user is spending more time outside the safe haven of the network’s security and roaming on other networks in the big, terrifying world.
October 26, 2017
A large IT project can get complicated quickly. The PM has to own the project, manage the customer requirements, scope, resources, schedules, budgets, and communicate, communicate, communicate to ensure that we meet the customer business objectives. That’s why it’s essential to have an effective go-to point person on your team—an invaluable project manager (PM).
October 12, 2017
The conventional wisdom has been that computer hardware should be retained for eight years, if not longer. Yet this eight-year lifecycle is no longer always tenable in today’s fast-changing technology environment. A May 2017 IDC study confirms this, reporting that businesses that upgrade their hardware more frequently save money on operations, earn more revenue and are better able to adapt on rapidly shifting technology landscapes.
September 28, 2017
As a leader responsible for the IT security and infrastructure of a state and local government agency, you face the same daunting challenges as your private sector colleagues. Rapid advances in cloud technology, IoT and compliance, combined with ever-more dangerous and sophisticated security threats, have IT resources stretched thin. Compliance and security departments are at their breaking points in both the public and private sectors. Not to mention that government agencies must deal with ...
September 21, 2017
Why is it important for organizations to embrace digital transformation? Just ask anyone that once worked for Blockbuster. It’s not that we quit watching movies, but how we watch them changed dramatically, and it’s companies like Netflix that redefined the movie industry and are now on top. Obviously, no company wants to be the next Blockbuster, but launching a digital transformation initiative can be daunting and complex. So, I sat down with OneNeck’s CTO, Clint Harder, to get his thoughts on ...
September 7, 2017
Malware is a broad term that encompasses any form of software designed to damage, steal or corrupt data. Ransomware, trojans, worms and rootkits are common malware examples, but the list is far more exhaustive, making fighting malware a normal part of operations for SMBs and corporations alike.
August 22, 2017
The past several years has seen immense evolution in the data center. Long gone are the days of the traditional, siloed infrastructure, where change processes were complex and time consuming. With the entrance of converged infrastructure, and then hyperconverged infrastructure, we’ve witnessed improved productivity and better ability to quickly respond to the needs of the business. From there, software-defined took the data center to an even more agile place, where storage and compute were ...
August 17, 2017
Digital transformation is disrupting the old ways of doing business by introducing digital technologies into the workplace and enabling employees to perform tasks in more efficient and productive ways, which in turn brings exponential new opportunity for business growth.
July 25, 2017
With the recent WannaCry worm and other ransomware attacks in the spotlight, many small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are taking a good hard look at their data backup solution — and finding it wanting. In addition to lacking a second site for storing backups, many still use rotating tapes or removable offsite media — which is cumbersome, time-consuming and expensive. It’s time for Plan B.
July 18, 2017
Ransomware was big business last year, estimated to have grossed cybercriminals $1 billion. More than half of US companies experienced a ransomware attack in 2016, and the threat continues to be a major concern for organizations.
July 11, 2017
I recently sat down with OneNeck CTO and SVP Product Strategy, Clint Harder, to discuss some of the things he’s seeing in cloud trends and migration pitfalls many of today’s organizations are facing. Here’s what he had to say.
June 22, 2017
The public cloud market has been growing like crazy over the last few years and is projected to continue to expand. Gartner forecasts that by 2020, the total public cloud market globally will grow to $383.35 billion in 2020 from $246.84 billion this year.
June 20, 2017
Today’s modern workplace has evolved into a highly-mobile environment fueled by the cloud. Workers are often geographically distributed across around the world, and their expectations are that they want to work in the same connected way that they live, from anywhere, on any device, at any time.
June 8, 2017
"Cloud orchestration" and "cloud automation" are two terms that are often used interchangeably, and it's true that the distinction between them is a subtle one: Both refer to configuring and running various types of IT infrastructure in the cloud.
May 25, 2017
IT Security Solutions The rise of the data center means that we are storing more financial, medical and sensitive corporate data off-premises. Yet many data centers are still basing security on the old model of securing the perimeter — a method that is no longer effective on its own in today’s evolving threat landscape.
May 23, 2017
When it comes to cloud security risks, choosing the right cloud service provider is can be a real challenge. While the reasons to add the cloud to your infrastructure varies by organization one thing is certain — security must be a priority.
April 25, 2017
Amidst the day-to-day challenges of keeping systems running at optimal performance and defending against the changing threat landscape, the problem of aging infrastructure is a nagging issue that too often remains unaddressed. By leaving outdated hardware and applications intact, organizations are playing a dangerous game. Out-dated systems and software that are no longer supported by vendors create vulnerabilities, making an easy target for hackers to infiltrate the network.
April 13, 2017
Q. Many experts maintain that the total cost of ransomware in 2016 was over a billion dollars – that’s a staggering number. With the rate of sophisticated security attacks increasing at an alarming rate, how can an organization protect themselves from data leaks and/or malicious security attacks?
March 23, 2017
From hospitals and government agencies, to enterprise organizations and everyday business owners, to private citizens— it seemed like no one was immune from ransomware in 2016. As we are now well into 2017, we’re continuing to see alarming rates of ransomware attacks that encrypt data or lock digital files until a ransom is paid.
March 21, 2017
Technology has become increasingly critical to business success. As a result, more businesses are turning to mobile, cloud, Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Big Data initiatives to quickly and more efficiently deliver innovative products and services while getting a jump on the competition. This means that IT is under increasing pressure to ensure that the solutions they deliver – and how they deliver – fully supports business goals and strategies.
March 14, 2017
It’s that time of year. The brackets are filled out and the money has been exchanged. Now college basketball fans anxiously await that first bounce of the basketball and that first squeak of the shoes that means “The Madness” has commenced. Welcome to the 2017 NCAA Tournament! Fans are betting on what they hope are the winningest teams to advance to the Final Four and the championship game. The stats have been analyzed, players assessed and the pools finalized.
February 14, 2017
There’s no doubt that everyone is full-on in love with the cloud these days, and for many good reasons. The cloud has treated us well and continues to give us many reasons to continue to embrace it. However, there still a common misconception due to the nebulous nature of it, especially when it comes to hybrid cloud architectures and the advantages they have over public or private clouds.
February 7, 2017
The advances in the technology of every generation have disrupted the status quo in the workplace. In the 1950s, a generation shaped by World War II who was trained to accept top-down leadership and had their workplace ruled by a 9-to-5 day, experienced change through a mainframe computer the size of a room. Baby Boomers, taught to question authority, came up with different rules for leadership and experienced workplace disruption from the electronic calculator, and later the personal computer. ...
January 17, 2017
There are now three things we can count on in life: death, taxes, and the fact that your healthcare organization could very likely experience a breach. As healthcare records are increasingly digitized, there are new opportunities for improving patient care — but there is also risk. According to a recent report from the Ponemon Institute, 90% of all healthcare organizations have suffered at least one data breach during the past two years. The total costs of these breaches? 6.2 billion.
December 20, 2016
Holiday shopping is becoming synonymous with mobile shopping. People who have received gifts of or have gifted themselves with new smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, are loading these tech gifts up with new apps and spending the holidays enjoying all they have to offer.
December 19, 2016
Digital disruption is a double-edged sword. Enterprises that wield it wisely can quickly breathe new life into business processes, products and employees. Industries that don’t pick it up or fail to leverage it fully, however, quickly find themselves left behind as more nimble competitors embrace digitization and gain a competitive edge. Are you embracing digital disruption and keeping pace with the speed of business today?
December 8, 2016
IDC reports that the top pain points IT managers face when it comes to storage are reducing storage-related costs, ensuring data compliance and protecting virtual machine data, all while increasing capacity and performance. Easy enough, right?
November 22, 2016
Did you know that TV dinners have Thanksgiving to thank? In 1953, someone at Swanson misjudged the number of frozen turkeys they would sell that Thanksgiving - by 26 tons! Salesman Gerry Thomas, inspired by the aluminum trays airlines had started using to serve in-flight meals, came up with a brilliant plan: Why not slice up the meat and repackage it with some trimmings? Thus, the first TV dinner was born!
November 10, 2016
Cisco’s 2016 Midyear Cybersecurity Report provides an unfiltered look into the current cybersecurity landscape. It’s not a rosy picture, as the report reveals the growing threat of cyberattacks, and most notably, ransomware. The report, though, isn’t all doom and gloom and reveals the latest measures organizations can implement to protect themselves.
November 8, 2016
Today’s healthcare organizations face unique challenges to provide a high standard of care, all while protecting sensitive patient data. The delivery of quality healthcare requires technology that provides physicians and medical staff with “anytime, anywhere” access to view patient’s X-rays, radiology, MRI images, etc. from their mobile devices. Patients expect fast, accurate answers — providers need immediate access to up-to-the-minute data from any device they choose.
October 31, 2016
What do dark closets, cobwebbed basements and the cloud have in common? They’re all a little scary until you shine a bright light and really take a look at what’s there. While IT professionals are smart to be cautious with the cloud, those that take the time to ask questions and learn about today’s modern cloud solutions soon find that the cloud actually offers key business benefits that would be far scarier to pass up.
September 8, 2016
Technology looks and sounds like a fun industry to work in. The technology sector has been growing faster than other segments of the economy, and many top technology companies have been dubbed as “best places to work” because of their drive to innovate and challenge the status quo.
September 6, 2016
Just when enterprises are starting to get a handle on the issues surrounding bring-your-own-device (BYOD) programs, they are being hit with yet another twist on the idea: bring your own network (BYON). With mobile devices that are able to double as mobile hotspots and the introduction of MiFi routers, employees are increasingly using their own personal wireless networks to access both corporate, and non-corporate, sanctioned applications and services, presenting organizations with a whole new ...
August 18, 2016
Does technology drive digital transformation? Surprisingly, the answer is no. Technology informs corporate strategy, but it’s the business strategy that needs to be in the driver’s seat for digital transformation to be truly successful. However, many businesses put the cart before the horse, allowing technology to dictate digital decisions.
July 19, 2016
Organizations with digital initiatives know how hard it is to transform the traditional IT organization. There are business-critical applications and infrastructure that sit at the core of the business, and you can’t turn a freighter into a speed boat overnight. Given these challenges, in 2014 Gartner offered up an answer.
July 6, 2016
The proliferation of smartphones and tablets for private use, and the expectation that these devices should be used in the workplace and connect to enterprise systems has brought enterprise mobility to the forefront of business and IT priorities.
May 5, 2016
As CTO of OneNeck IT Solutions, Clint Harder has seen his share of customers struggle with the adoption of emerging technologies while trying to remain competitive. With 20+ years of industry experience, he’s seen firsthand the evolution of the data center to the cloud, and brings a real world approach to solving the most complex technology problems.
April 19, 2016
Putting SDN to Work with an Application Centric Infrastructure
February 8, 2016
You might wonder what does OneNeck have to do with the holiday of love? Well, here’s how we see it. We wake up every morning with one goal in mind – to help our clients by bringing IT and business users together, making our clients more productive, and in return, more successful.
November 6, 2015
Are you considering an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) strategy in your organization, but aren’t quite sure where to start? It can be overwhelming, as not one size fits all organizations, and navigating the options can be daunting. So, where to start? The best place to start is by building a solid strategy, defining the appropriate policies, and then deciding which technologies are the right fit to help you get there. However, even before building your strategy you’ll need a sound ...
September 30, 2015
Over the next decade, the digital universe is projected to grow 40% per year, expanding to include not only the increasing number of people and enterprises doing everything online, but also all the “always-on” smart devices, unleashing a new wave of opportunities for businesses and people.
September 1, 2015
The transition that’s taking place in today’s data center is happening at an unprecedented pace. In the past, IT only had to support environments with relatively static workloads in specific infrastructure silos, but no more. With the arrival of the cloud, data centers have had to evolve to support highly dynamic cloud environments where workloads are provisioned from anywhere and can scale on demand to meet constantly changing application needs. While this nimble approach is enabling ...
August 7, 2015
In today’s data centers, agility is the primary goal, and yet one of the most difficult to achieve. With a never-ending list of initiatives and competing requirements, on top of simply trying to keep up with SLAs, complex workflows and increasing costs, it’s no wonder that IT departments are overwhelmed. To meet this goal of increased agility, your storage has to accomplish the following…
July 15, 2015
Building a network that supports cloud computing, whether it be public, private or hybrid, requires more than some extra bandwidth to deliver the potential the cloud can bring to an organization. If you want to experience the operational efficiency, lower costs and greater agility the cloud brings, there is careful upfront planning involved before migrating begins.
June 29, 2015
Cisco's Collaboration Systen Release 11.0: Helping Teams Achieve Extraordinary Things
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