As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, which forced millions of individuals to work remotely in the early 2020s, a number of organisations are now familiar with collaboration tools that facilitate flexible work schedules. One of these is Microsoft Teams, which has since taken the lead as the world’s favourite business communication tool. Given its extensive lateral compatibility with the rest of Microsoft 365, a multitude of unique, productivity-boosting features, and compatibility with hundreds of third-party applications, it is not difficult to comprehend why the platform is used by more than 1 million organisations worldwide.

Yet, many organisations have discovered that their preferred method of working is remotely now that the pandemic limitations have subsided.

Here are a few strategies to make the most of your Microsoft Teams remote work.

Instant Messaging

The instant chat capabilities of Microsoft Teams serve as its core. Teams gives you the option to start a chat within a Teams channel or create a separate chat with a group of your choice, allowing you to start a dialogue thread for any project or objective.

Let’s examine some of the features that Teams offers to improve the collaborative nature of instant messaging as chat functionality is available on many platforms.

Options for Message formatting

In the chat component of Microsoft Teams, you have a number of formatting options to personalise your messages. You can emphasise text by making it bold or highlighting it, adding bullets to lists, and more. A message can be marked as “important” or “urgent” to notify your group that it contains essential information.

With the “chat box,” users can do more than just exchange messages.

Several useful features are included in the Teams chat interface by default.

It enables your team to use the built-in co-authoring tool to collaborate on a document in real time by allowing you to upload files to your chat thread. Any files you put into a chat will be saved there right away and stored in the “files” tab at the top of the chat screen for easy retrieval.

Moreover, meetings may be booked directly from the chat box, and by connecting apps, more functionality can be provided. For instance, it is possible to add the “Forms” app to launch tests and surveys directly from a chat thread.

Another useful option is the ability to share your screen with the chat thread. This handy feature is perfect when your group would benefit more from an instructive example rather than a lengthy, complex written explanation. It may be accessed from the upper right of the chat screen (shown below).

Intuitive chat search features

Occasionally a message or conversation thread is lost to the sands of time. You shouldn’t be concerned because Teams makes retrieving such correspondence quick and simple. At the top of the chat screen is a search box that may be used to find messages and threads using keywords or the names of group members who are taking part in the conversation.

You can use a filtering tool to help you identify elusive messages if that doesn’t work. Filter messages to focus on specific Teams or Channels, search for messages with attachments or where you’ve been referenced or apply date ranges.

Route emails into your group chats

With Teams, you can have the benefits of both email and instant chat in real time. A related autogenerated email address that can be used to send and forward emails right into the chat thread can be requested when you create a channel in Teams. Email messages and any associated files are immediately kept in the channel’s files tab for convenient access and retrieval when they come in your thread. Even seasoned Microsoft Teams users rarely make advantage of this useful feature.

Consolidate apps with Microsoft Teams

4TC take time to understand the daily challenges that your business faces. We then provide cost-effective tech solutions to these issues that will help you save time, protect vital data, and enable you and your staff to be more effective with your time management. Utilising your IT to its full potential is essential to guarantee that you and your business can thrive and grow into the future. If you would like to find out more on how 4TC Services can provide affordable tech management to your business, drop us an email or call us now for a full demonstration.

Flexible, scalable, accessible, secure and tailor-made services. Cloud computing allows companies to access their data no matter where or when it is needed, and has encouraged the development of other services related to management and access to other digital tools to foster innovation at lower cost.

The development of Information and Communication Technologies, ICTs, and the advance of connectivity have driven the growth of such innovative and revolutionary tools for companies and organisations as Cloud Computing, a concept that may seem abstract if we think of the literal meaning of ‘cloud’, but its usefulness is gaining more and more users.  

This technology offers services and tools that are stored remotely (in the cloud), and run on users’ devices. It uses connectivity as a means to deliver them, as they are stored in the cloud.  

In this way, companies can not only enjoy access to a wide range of software, storage services and other tools based on new technologies, but also store and manage the data of companies, organisations and individuals in such a way that they are always accessible.  

How Cloud Computing works 

Cloud platforms give instant access to the information stored there, as well as to a number of services and tools such as data analysis, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the management of the Internet of Things (IoT), so that these tools and services are always up-to-date. 

How is this possible? Cloud Computing works on the design of a network of connected servers. Thus, the servers take on the role of administrators, i.e. they are in charge of making the system work, and make it possible for users to connect to the cloud service.  

In this way, users connect to the cloud via an intuitive and easy-to-use front-end application interface. The other part of the cloud computing system is the cloud service, known as the back end.  

There are four types of cloud: public, hybrid private and multi-cloud, depending on whether the services are provided through shared servers with several users, such as Google Cloud or Amazon Web Services, or whether access is limited to a specific group of users; while hybrid clouds are the result of connecting a private cloud with a public cloud, and if the services of several cloud providers are used, it will be a multi-cloud. 

Advantages of working in the cloud 

The main advantage is that, as everything is stored in the cloud, access to it all is via the internet from anywhere on the planet, and from any device, which facilitates, among many other things, teleworking and hybrid work (face-to-face and remote) and saves companies from having and maintaining their own physical servers, and this reduces costs.  

Updates are performed almost automatically by the company providing the Cloud services, without this being done on a device-by-device basis. This gives companies access to state-of-the-art tools and powerful connectivity infrastructures at no extra cost.  

Agility is another of the main advantages offered by Cloud Computing. Companies and organisations become more efficient by having fast and secure access to innovative tools that make their work easier; they take advantage of the flexibility of digitalisation by offering tailor-made and scalable solutions, depending on the needs of the moment, and pay only for it. In this way, companies can launch more ambitious projects without having to think about large expenditures.  

Without losing control of their digital resources, customers of these services enjoy constant maintenance of the connectivity infrastructures, as well as support for these, which is provided by the company that provides the Cloud Computing service, guaranteeing total integration with existing tools and infrastructures, without the need for extra investment.  

Cybersecurity in the cloud 

However, security is probably the most prominent feature of cloud computing. These services guarantee the total confidentiality of the information stored, as well as the prevention of cyber-attacks on these platforms, as it is capable of stopping any type of attack or hacking attempt by unknown users.  

Sectors such as the public administration, banking, defence, health and industry, among others, already use this type of service, due to the reliability it provides. This is achieved thanks to the use of Blockchain, as data security is paramount: from data storage and management, to the administration of virtual desktops and tools especially focused on sales and customer management, such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management) applications or ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning), or the creation of backup copies. Thus, in the event of a crisis, data recovery is fast and reliable. 

Blockchain is a decentralised technology capable of tracking any access to the cloud. The use of both technologies has grown so much that there is even talk of Blockchain solutions in the cloud, facilitating their implementation in all types of companies.  

Gaia-X: the European Cloud Computing Project  

Following the success of cloud services already offered by large technology companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Tencent and Alibaba, Europe has launched a project called GAIA-X. It aims to be a secure alternative in a market led by the US and China, since data is already part of the infrastructure of the digital economy, as the Spanish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation points out. 

GAIA-X is a European non-profit association of companies created to promote digital sovereignty in cloud environments. It aims to become a common European cloud-based data infrastructure, offering access control and re-use capabilities to those who produce information, through the creation of national hubs.  

This project is within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and is supported by Next Generation EU funds to promote the so-called data economy, which requires a highly developed cloud, as well as “infrastructure services to store and process data, an architecture for sharing data between the different actors and high-capacity, secure, resilient and reliable connectivity”, according to the Ministry.

Source – Cloud Computing: secure and flexible technology

The workplace in the modern world relies almost totally on technology to function at the level to which we have all grown used. Because of this, cybercrime has increased significantly over the past year or two. Because technology now rules the globe, cybersecurity should be your top business priority. Everyone should have at least a basic understanding of cyber security and their responsibility in protecting their internet-connected devices from cybercrime because the majority of the population has access to internet-connected devices, and most people have numerous of them. Although many business owners are unaware of how crucial cyber security is, there is a case to be made that your concerns about the security of your cyber landscape should take precedence over your worries about the physical security of your organisation. Would you let the weather in by leaving the front door open all day? No! Why then do you employ the same technical landscape?

Cybercriminals are intelligent. They are using the increase in web-connected devices in the hands of people who, quite frankly, lack the knowledge necessary to use them safely as an opening to launch an attack. They feel that robbing someone from the comfort of their own room is preferable to going into a store and doing it in person and are attracted by the supposed anonymity that comes with cybercrime.

The rest of the essay will showcase the various strategies cybercriminals employ to target your company.

Types of Attacks

Ransomware

Your data is locked and encrypted during a ransomware assault. The cybercriminals then demand a ransom in exchange for the promise to restore your access, after which they will disappear. Cybercriminals utilise haste to persuade you to pay the ransom; they impose deadlines on payments and make threats to remove the files if they aren’t received as requested within the specified time frame. Naturally, this often results in business owners paying the ransom. Some people believe paying a ransom since your data is almost priceless is acceptable, but do you really believe you can trust a criminal to restore your access? You can’t, of course! Paying would be a bad idea since you would be signalling to the online crooks that you have the money to pay and are ready to do so.

Phishing

Attacks using phishing also use deceit. A cybercriminal will assume another person’s identity, usually that of an authoritative person from a reliable source, such a bank or perhaps even management. To obtain confidential information, they deploy this trick in phoney or fraudulent emails. Phishing emails are the delivery system for the malicious links that serve as the impetus for the cybercriminal’s attack; unfortunately, the use of a false identity and the imposed time constraints force the user to make a decision on the spur of the moment rather than carefully considering all of their options as is best practise. The user will unwittingly provide access—or possibly even control—to the cybercriminals by clicking on the infected link since they think the ruse could be devastating.

Smishing

The sole distinction between Smishing and a Phishing scam is that the former uses SMS messaging while the latter uses email. Both are straightforward to grasp.

Malware

Malware is created with the goal of doing harm, wreaking havoc, and ultimately stealing data. In contrast to other cyberattacks, malware attacks are frequently carried out by a group of cybercriminals rather than a single person when their goal is to generate money by either directly spreading the malware or by selling the software to other cybercriminals on the Dark Web.

There are many different kinds of cyberattacks, but the few we looked at are probably the most prevalent and the ones you and your team will probably be fending off every day. Despite this, all cyberattacks, not just the most frequent ones, have the potential to entirely shut down your company if they are severe enough. Your systems and, more crucially, your team need to be outfitted with the tools and knowledge required to defeat them because you must devise a plan of action and stop them in their tracks at the earliest chance.

We’ll now go over some of the principles of cyber security so you can rest easy knowing your company can carry on as usual even if a cyberattack is launched or, in the worst situation, is successful.

Modern Technology to Safeguard your Success

Your business depends on technology, and we want you to recognise the benefits it can bring when used in tandem with the most modern tools available. We offer the IT help you require when you require it at 4TC because we appreciate simplicity and transparency. This support includes a promise that your technology is safe from all kinds of online dangers, that it will help you run your business more efficiently, and that it will always be upgraded to the most recent version. We will assist you and direct you towards a safe and prosperous future where technology will be your buddy. Call us right away to learn how we can assist you.

The modern world has changed as a result of revolutionary technology. Technology is continuously changing, and it is thanks to this progress that both our personal and professional life are now easier and much more connected than they ever were. Businesses all around the world are gradually integrating technology into every aspect of their operations, some without even realising it. Whether it’s a small family-run company or a huge multinational behemoth, tech is having an impact.

The use of the proper tools and, more importantly, the appropriate amount of support for those tools’ use, could not be more crucial today, as technology is perhaps the most vital component of a successful business.

The influx of business technology has led to an explosion in IT support companies, and aspiring business owners have seen an opportunity. The majority of these companies make outrageous claims like, “We give the best support,” “We approach your IT landscape proactively,” or “We cater our service to you.” How can you even define “the best” IT support? How is it measured? The answer unquestionably depends on the goals you have for IT.

One widespread misunderstanding about IT support is that it is just support. Contrary to the name, it isn’t any longer only support. Yes, there was a period when that was what it meant, but it was only because technology hadn’t advanced enough to meet everyone’s requirements. There was no chance of making future plans. The IT was functional, but that was about the best you could hope for as you had to adapt your business to fit within its constraints rather than the other way around. Fortunately, we can now tailor our IT support plans to each client rather than forcing them to adjust to IT’s requirements.

Modern IT support should do more; it should be tailored to your business and change to meet your demands. The IT professionals who handle your account ought to be concerned; they ought to exert every effort to join your team and work hard to assist you in achieving your business objectives with the aid of cutting-edge technology.

What can a competent IT support professional do for you?

Show interest with proactivity

An IT organisation needs to take a proactive stance. They should be genuinely interested in your company’s future and want to know about its past. When they only seem to show interest or offer any support when an issue develops, the majority of IT suppliers behave more like an insurance provider than a partner. By demonstrating interest, they will be able to plan for the worst-case situation in a way that best suits your particular management style and, consequently, your entire organisation. How can they accomplish that if they are unaware of how your business is actually operated on a daily basis? Since every company in the world is unique, why are we all given the same treatment?

A proactive approach enables you to anticipate situations far more successfully; in the event of an issue that could define your organisation, you and your team will be ready—or at the very least, have developed a plan to keep your team operating. Strategically aligned IT, combined with IT support that reflects it, is crucial because being able to foresee problems prevents small ones from growing into large ones.

Allow for unlimited calls

Any IT provider who restricts the number of calls you are permitted to make to them should be ignored right away. How could you possible foresee how frequently you may need assistance or when that assistance may be required? The premise alone is absurd. If you knew that, you wouldn’t ever require help in the first place.

Effective communication

Tech-savvy people aren’t always the best communicators; while this doesn’t diminish their technical expertise, it does have an impact on the level of service they can provide. Your IT environment, as well as your provider’s relationship, could suffer from inadequate levels or quality of communication. If they don’t accomplish these things, you have little chance of being ready for any potential problems. They must be in continual touch with you, show interest in your future plans, and discuss with you any concerns they have about the general technology landscape of your firm. You won’t even get this far if there is bad communication from the beginning since how else would they be able to understand your worries and goals, let alone assist you in resolving them?

You’ll communicate with the right providers frequently. Of course, don’t anticipate a call every day; a call once a month will do. They must make a concerted effort to learn about you, your team, your company’s operations in general, its history, and your long-term goals.

The top support providers will not only become technically familiar with your company; they will also want to know what makes it successful, what operational issues can jeopardise it, the difficulties you have on a daily basis, and what they can do to assist.

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

An SLA is crucial because it outlines the criteria you and the service provider agree upon and outlines the guarantees they provide regarding the service. Take your time to discuss things with potential providers; don’t just accept the first contract that is presented to you. Each supplier has a comparatively unique product.

If the article has the desired effect, it will arm you with the knowledge to make a revised decision about what is best for you, your team, and the future success of your business. The following article will be a checklist of what to look out for in an IT provider, outlining what to look out for on potential providers’ websites.

Need to change IT Support provider?

If you are unsure about any of these areas then please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our experts here at 4TC can help you with your IT Support or any other technical queries.

The technology is primed to become faster, more versatile, and thankfully cheaper.

Technologies enabled by quantum science will help researchers better understand the natural world and harness quantum phenomena to benefit society. They will transform health care, transportation, and communications, and enhance resilience to cyber threats and climate catastrophes. For example, quantum magnetic field sensors will enable functional brain imaging; quantum optical communications will permit encrypted communications; and quantum computers will facilitate the discovery of next-generation materials for photovoltaics and medicines.

Currently, these technologies rely on materials that are expensive and complicated to prepare, and they often require expensive and bulky cryogenic cooling to operate. Such equipment relies on precious commodities such as liquid helium, which is becoming increasingly costly as the global supply dwindles. 2023 will see a revolution in innovations in materials for quantum, which will transform quantum technologies. Alongside reducing environmental demands, these materials will allow for room-temperature operation and energy saving, as well as being low-cost and having simple processing requirements. To optimize their quantum properties, research labs can manipulate chemical structure and molecular packing. The good news is that physicists and engineers have been busy, and 2023 will see these materials moving from science labs to the real world.

Recently, the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council announced a vision for innovation in materials for quantum technologies, led by Imperial College London and the University of Manchester. The London Centre for Nanotechnology—a collaboration of hundreds of researchers across Imperial, King’s and University College London—has considerable expertise in the simulation and characterization of quantum systems. The UK’s home for measurement—the National Physical Laboratory—just opened the Quantum Metrology Institute, a multimillion-pound facility dedicated to the characterization, validation, and commercialization of quantum technologies. Working together, researchers and industry will usher in a new era in pharmaceuticals, cryptography, and cybersecurity.

Qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers, rely on materials with quantum properties, like electron spin, which can be manipulated. Once we can harness these properties, we can control them using light and magnetic fields, creating quantum phenomena such as entanglement and superposition. Superconducting qubits, the current state-of-the-art for qubit technology, comprise Josephson junctions that operate as superconductors (materials that can conduct electricity with zero resistance) at super-low temperatures (–273ºC). The harsh temperature and high-frequency operation requirements mean that even the most basic aspects of these superconducting qubits—the dielectrics—are tricky to design. At the moment, qubits include materials like silicon nitride and silicon oxide, which have so many defects that the qubits themselves have to be millimeter-sized to store electrical field energy, and crosstalk between adjacent qubits introduces considerable noise. Getting to the millions of qubits required for a practical quantum computer would be impossible with these materials.

2023 will see more innovation in the design of materials for quantum technologies. Of the many awesome candidates considered so far (e.g., diamonds with nitrogen vacancy defects, van der Waals/2D materials, and high-temperature superconductors), I’m most excited about the use of molecular materials. These materials are designed around carbon-based organic semiconductors, which are an established class of materials for the scalable manufacture of consumer electronics (having revolutionized the multibillion-dollar OLED display industry). We can use chemistry to control their optical and electronic properties, and the infrastructure surrounding their development relies on established expertise.

For example, chiral molecular materials—molecules that exist as a pair of non-superimposable mirror images—will revolutionize quantum technologies. Thin, single-handed layers of these remarkably versatile molecules can be used to control the spin of electrons at room temperature. At the same time, the long spin coherence times and good thermal and chemical stability of metal phthalocyanines will see them being used to carry quantum information.

While 2023 will undoubtedly see more bombastic headlines about the operating speeds of quantum computers, materials scientists will be studying, discovering, and designing the next-generation of low-cost, high-efficiency, and sustainable quantum technologies.

Source: New Materials Will Bring the Next Generation of Quantum Computers | WIRED UK