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1. What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing refers to how your data moves from storing, managing, and processing data on a network of clusters in a virtual environment via the Internet instead of locally. Meaning; using another company’s infrastructure and hardware can significantly reduce the amount of capital investments required for your business.

2. How is the cloud right for my business?

Many companies opt to move to the cloud for various reasons, such as flexibility, scalability, cost savings, etc. However, before making the switch, it’s crucial to determine if cloud migration is the right choice for any business; from a strategic and operational standpoint. For instance, do you experience fluctuations in IT demand throughout the year? Are your current IT expenses hindering your business growth? If yes, consider a cloud solution that will quickly scale.

Additionally, evaluating the advantages of migrating to the cloud concerning your current IT setup is essential. This assessment should focus on specific areas, such as:

• Service – As a business owner, how much do you value security, reliability, and flexibility? Is your current solution fulfilling your requirements, or do you see opportunities for improvement?
• Technology landscape – Can you please provide information on the number of business users and their geographic distribution? Also, do your employees need remote access?
• Cost – Are you happy with the expenses associated with your on-site solution? Do you find the prices of increasing capacity or updating services reasonable?
• Ease of migration – Have you recently made any significant investments in capital expenditure? Are there any contractual or vendor commitments that could limit your ability to migrate?

To determine if the cloud is suitable for your business, answering these questions can provide clarity.

3. Cloud DFW can guide you on how to create a cloud strategy.

To develop a successful cloud strategy, it’s essential first to define your technical and business objectives. Determine why your company wants to transition to the cloud and what specific solutions are needed to achieve those goals. Depending on your needs, you should start small and gradually build towards a more extensive cloud implementation or be ready to dive in fully. Consider whether public, private, or hybrid cloud solutions are best for your business. Finally, create a clear roadmap and timeline to guide your shift to the cloud.

4. Can you provide me with guidance on how to prepare for the cloud?

Before transitioning to the cloud, companies should take the time to consider the necessary preparations. While shifting to the cloud is generally straightforward and can be handled by a Cloud Service Provider, it is formidable to remember the impact on network bandwidth. Cloud computing can strain local internet connections, so it may be necessary to upgrade your bandwidth or invest in SD-WAN technology to ensure optimal connectivity.

5. What is the most manageable workload to move to the cloud?

In general, the most straightforward and most popular task to transfer to the cloud is backup. Backup as a Service (BaaS) is user-friendly and can reduce the risk of business disruption caused by downtime and data loss. Cloud-based backup has various settings based on your company’s limitations on cloud usage.

5a. Do we require extra IT staff to handle the transition?

One of the benefits of working with a cloud service provider is that they handle the technical details of your cloud transition. Remember that you may not need to hire extra staff for the change. However, having IT expertise on your team can make the process smoother. If you need an IT team, consider hiring a professional consulting group like Cloud DFW to help you take advantage of cloud services and provide advice.

6. What type of security parameters does the cloud have in place?

As cyber-attacks become more frequent, ensuring the security of your data is a top priority. Cloud providers implement various security measures, such as encryption, identity management, and physical security, to safeguard your data and restore it in case of an attack. Additionally, providers have business continuity plans that utilize backup generators, redundant hardware, and other measures to minimize downtime. Data centers also have security features, including badge access restrictions, security cameras, and fences, to keep your information safe.

7. Is the cloud safe for personal information?

In the past few years, several prominent instances of personal information attacks, such as Target and Anthem. As a result, cloud providers are now prioritizing the security of personal information. If a cloud provider has certifications for HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOC, it means an independent party has evaluated them and is qualified to handle private information.

8. What steps should I take to ensure I have access to my data?

When you team up with cloud providers, they will explain your access, security, services, and support. To guarantee that you can access your data, cloud providers create a service level agreement (SLA). This SLA will specify what occurs during a service disruption and safeguard the customer in specific scenarios.

1. What is Collocation?

Collocation services allow you to store your servers, computing hardware, and storage systems in a data center managed by a third party. Providing you with an off-premise location to operate your equipment without the need to address five essential components, which the service provider takes care of. They include the following;

Floor space This may or may not include racks and cabinets for equipment.

Physical security Newer data centers commonly use biometric authorization and have 24/7 surveillance with on-site guards.

Power Modern collocation centers typically offer redundant power sources to minimize downtime. This is supported by an emergency Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) system and a diesel generator for added security.

Networking Many data centers require you to handle your own Internet connectivity, which may be challenging for your team. Fortunately, there are data centers with a global footprint that will provide you with a list of carriers that reside right inside the data center—cutting down on time-consuming tasks such as provisioning and contracts.

If you want to save time and avoid stress, consider using a colocation service that includes network services. This option gives you uplinks to your platform while the service provider takes care of routing and contracts. Additionally, you can expect 24/7 support for added peace of mind.

Cooling Colocation services provide a cost-effective means to keep data center cooling costs in check. Many organizations are taking advantage of eco-friendly power distribution methods, using advanced cooling systems to maintain their hardware at the ideal temperature while curtailing energy usage. With utilities becoming increasingly expensive, these cooling solutions are a great way to negate the need for warm and cold aisles, ultimately helping you to save money.

3. How much more cost-effective can colocation be?

By adopting a collocation service, your business can significantly reduce its Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), including the costs associated with utility bills, infrastructure, and physical space, as well as expenses for facility maintenance and problem-solving. With these concerns taken care of, you’ll be able to focus on your company’s specific goals and explore your creative potential. Additionally, you’ll have convenient access to the latest technology without the high upfront investment. By sharing expenses with other customers, you’ll make a single, affordable payment each month, benefitting from economies of scale.

Here are some other benefits of Collocation Services

1. Business continuity and security

Collocation services supply comprehensive back-up systems for power and infrastructure, promising that your information is perpetually accessible with an uptime of no less than 99.9%. In the event of a crisis at the primary site, your company can remain functional with access to data stored at an offsite data center. What’s more, storing data in a distant locale shields against threats like fire and flooding, guaranteeing the continuation of your business.

2. Scalability If your enterprise requires scalability to succeed, you can benefit from the improved bandwidth offered by a collocation service. Scaling up can be done much faster and more accessible within a hosted data center, and the cost per Mbit rate makes it an excellent choice for any business. This option suits a single proprietor looking to expand and more extensive SMB or Enterprise operations.

3. Service and support 

By using a collocation service, you can access expert services and support that come with a Service Level Agreement at an affordable price. If you want your technicians to handle repairs and emergencies, you must consider redundancy in your infrastructure. Alternatively, you can seek assistance from a remote professional provided by your colocation provider who can replace faulty components on a pay-as-you-go basis. If your company has consistent requirements, a colocation service is more cost-effective for resource management than on-premise hosting.

1. What is Connectivity?

Connectivity refers to the capacity to establish and uphold a link between two or more points within a telecommunications system.

2. What types of Connectivity does Cloud DFW Offer

• Broadband: a high-speed connection to the internet
• DIA (Dedicated Internet Access): Our service ensures that users receive the total amount of bandwidth they purchased, unlike shared connections, where the purchased bandwidth only represents the maximum speed.
• MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching): This is a method for directing traffic in enterprise and service provider networks, which helps to increase speed and control the flow.
• VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service): A VPN, or virtual private network, is a way to connect different local area network sites far apart using an MPLS backbone.
• Private Line: A private data connection allows two or more locations to securely connect at high speeds without going through the public internet.
• Layer 2: The network layer transfers data between network nodes, whether adjacent to a WAN or Wide Area Network or on the same local area network.
• Fixed Wireless: Fixed Wireless are Wireless devices or systems that are stationary in places like homes and offices.
• Satellite: Data sent and received through orbiting satellites.

What Is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Trunking? 

SIP trunking is a communication service that connects on-premises phone systems to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) using an application layer protocol. This service allows you to make local and international calls over the Internet while consolidating data across multiple channels and distant locations.

• Using SIP trunks, you can switch from your current PBX equipment or business telephone system to an internet-based communication network that utilizes VoIP technology, synchronizing your communication channels in real-time and offering phone service for your entire business. With live communication capabilities, you can connect with your team members and people outside of your company, improving collaboration and productivity.

Take this interactive assessment to get you started! 

Connectivity

SIP Trunking

1. What is Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN )?

SDN architecture offers improved flexibility and management of networks by separating the control plane from the data forwarding. Centralizing the network management process simplifies and streamlines it.

2. What are the SDN elements?

At the core of an SDN architecture lies the controller, which can provide centralized management, control, automation, and policy enforcement across physical and virtual networks. Communication between the controller and network devices (switches, routers, access points, and firewalls) happen through southbound APIs. In contrast, the controller and applications/policy engines establish communication through northbound APIs, allowing an SDN to look like a single logical network device.

3. How does it work?

SD-WAN architecture differs significantly from traditional router-based WAN technology. SDN allows for different applications hosted on private and public cloud systems, including widely-used SaaS products like Salesforce.com, Workday, Dropbox, and Microsoft 365. Thanks to SD-WAN, access to these applications is provided with maximum performance.

4. What is the difference between SD-WAN and Traditional Wide Area Network

Wide Area Networks, such as Fiber/Wireless Ethernet, NBN, ADSL, and 4G, typically involve more points of failure due to their extensive hardware. Nevertheless, through the application of software-defined technology, SD-WAN, services can be easily enabled and deactivated without needing costly and complex maintenance of the hardware. Thus, SD-WAN delivers a revolutionary solution for WANs that exceeds the traditional techniques, reducing both labor and hardware expenses.

5.  Why consider SD-WAN Solutions 

There are many reasons for SD-WAN in today’s fast-paced technology world. For good measure, for organizations seeking to reduce costs and improve efficiency, transitioning to an SD-WAN can be beneficial. Not only can it reduce the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining expensive private networks, but it can also decrease the cost of internet bandwidth. Additionally, it can provide:

• Improved performance for cloud applications.
• Excellent resiliency and uptime across the entire network.
• Simplified network management at branch sites.

We’ve addressed frequently asked questions, so let’s explore some assessments if you’re interested in conversing.

SD-WAN & SASE

1. What is Cybersecurity? 

Cybersecurity is the act of protecting essential networks and private information from cyberattacks. It is often referred to as information technology (IT) security and serves to resist outside or internal threats against connected systems and software.

2. Who needs Cybersecurity? 

Cyber attacks have become more costly and prevalent with technology continuing to evolve and our interconnectedness deepening. As a result, susceptible industries, such as healthcare, finance, and education, have been highly vulnerable to cyber threats. However, it is of utmost importance that all organizations take measures to secure their networks and preserve their customers’ data privacy.

Here are some interesting facts!

A recent study has projected that the cost of cyber crimes worldwide will surpass $6 trillion by the end of 2021 and an incredible $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Surprisingly, it’s not just large businesses that are in danger, as the Global State of Security report found that a whopping 71% of Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) have been the target of an attack since their establishment, with 66% of those businesses facing cybercrime in the past year alone. You can read the article here! 

3. Why is Cybersecurity needed now more than ever?

Over the past 50 years, numerous documented cyber attacks have caused trillions of dollars in damages to businesses worldwide. These attacks are a clear reminder that cyber security is vital today, especially considering the first known computer worm that spread between infected computers in 1971. Here is a great article to read!

Accenture makes a great point. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of remote work and the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices have significantly increased the risk of cyber attacks in our constantly evolving digital world. Attackers are changing their methods to focus on exploiting the weakest point in cyber security: human mistakes. 

As businesses use more devices in various locations and connect to multiple software, the demand for advanced Cybersecurity to protect customers’ sensitive information is at an all-time high.

After reading this, you still need convincing you to need Cybersecurity for your business; look at this assessment.

4. What is a Cyber Attack, and what are the types of attacks?

So what are the types of Cybersecurity Attacks worth mentioning? In most cases, cyber attacks progress through three phases: discovering exploitable weaknesses, infiltrating the system, and exploiting that vulnerability. It’s impossible to guarantee total safety, but understanding potential threats and being mindful of them is the first step to constructing an effective cybersecurity strategy.

Social engineering

“Social engineering” refers to a variety of harmful tactics that rely on deceiving people into revealing confidential information, infecting their devices with malware, or granting unauthorized access to secure systems. These manipulative techniques exploit human vulnerabilities and aim to trick unsuspecting users into taking actions that put them at risk.

Phishing

Phishing is a form of social engineering that relies on the recipient believing that the message or email is from a credible source. It is a highly effective method for attackers seeking to install malware or gain access to sensitive information, such as credit card details and login credentials.

Malware

“Malicious software” refers to harmful programs such as spyware, viruses, worms, and ransomware. These programs can infect a system when users click on a dangerous link or email. Once inside, the virus can cause various damages, such as blocking access, damaging systems or devices, and gathering critical data to extort money.

SQL Injection

Cybercriminals inject Malicious code into vulnerable servers and applications using Structured Query Language, which gives them access to sensitive data and able to execute commands or actions that the user did not request.

Man-in-the-Middle Attack

Cybercriminals can infiltrate the communication between two genuine hosts and spread malware that grants them access to a user’s browser and its data, allowing the attacker to redirect users to a fake site that resembles the real one, thereby stealing or manipulating information.

Denial of Service (DoS)

DDoS attacks occur when multiple devices become compromised to flood servers or networks with simultaneous requests, creating heavy traffic and preventing legitimate requests from being fulfilled.

Advanced Persistent Threats

ATPs, also known as Domain Name System tunneling, utilize advanced and continuous techniques to access a system and enable the attacker to remain undetected for an extended period.

5. It’s better to be proactive than reactive, so be prepared with a Cybersecurity Audit, but what is a cyber audit exactly?

It is critical to undertake cyber security appraisals and audits. A comprehensive and impartial review of your company’s cyber security position, known as an audit, can reveal weaknesses and uncover high-risk practices, which can limit cyber threats and their possible repercussions of a data breach. With a careful assessment of these kinds of controls, your organization, partners, and consumers can have assurance in their security arrangements.

• Operational security: This pertains to the guidelines, protocols, and safety measures that are in place.
• Data security: Encryption use, network access control, transmission security, and storage
• System security: Patching processes, role-based access, and management of privileged accounts
• Network security: Controls, anti-virus configurations, security monitoring capabilities
• Physical security: Role-based access controls, disk encryption, multi-factor authentication

Conducting a cyber security audit to ensure compliance with regulatory standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DDS, and SOX is essential. The frequency of these audits depends on the type of data the company handles, the industry, and legal requirements. Not complying can lead to hefty fines.

6. Where should I deploy Cybersecurity Practices? 

In today’s world, cyber attacks are becoming increasingly frequent, sophisticated, and daring. As a result, businesses face more pressure than ever to safeguard their data. An effective cyber security plan should comprise a variety of measures, such as tools, risk management strategies, technologies, and best practices.

Network Security

Controls incoming and outgoing connections to prevent threats from accessing or spreading across the network. Vital layers of network security can include antivirus programs, antispyware, and a network firewall to control traffic based on security settings and permissions.

Application Security

Nowadays, applications can be accessed on different networks, software, and devices with ease. To ensure maximum security, it is advisable to set a strong password for users, have antivirus programs, firewalls, and encryption services in place before deploying the application.

Information Security

Ensuring the safety of sensitive information from unauthorized access, alteration, or damage is a vital aspect of cybersecurity. This is commonly known as “InfoSec,” which is based on the three core principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Cloud Security

The “always on” connectivity that businesses require today in turn require more advanced methods and techniques to keep their networks safe. Cloud security measures focus on building and hosting secure applications, enabling data recovery in case of loss, storage and network protections against malicious attacks, identity and access management (IAM), and reducing human error that can result in data leaks. 

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

DLP software tools are designed to monitor and control endpoints, filter data streams on networks, and safeguard sensitive data while it’s at rest, in motion, or in use. If a breach is detected, DLPs notify IT professionals and provide encryption to prevent end users from inadvertently or intentionally putting sensitive data at risk.

End User Education

In order to protect confidential data effectively and inexpensively, staff should be provided with cyber security training to understand their duties in terms of safeguarding equipment, administering networks, and detecting indications of malicious activity.

Ready to have a conversation about Security?  Click here.

1. What is Unified Communications-as-a-Service (UCaaS)

UCaaS integrates a variety of applications and services, such as calling, instant messaging, video calls, and audio conferences, into one comprehensive cloud-based system that offers six functions: 

• Enterprise telephony
• Meetings (audio/video/web conferencing)
• Unified messaging
• Instant messaging and presence (personal and team)
• Mobility
• Communications-enabled business processes

2. How does UCaaS Work?

UCaaS is a service that provides its features through the Internet. UCaaS operates online, which enables employees to route calls through the system using voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP), Saving you about 50% in costs compared to traditional PBX systems. CPaaS is another popular service that combines messaging into applications. However, UCaaS is distinct because it offers software that may be challenging or expensive for someone needing more expertise.

3. What’s the difference between UCaaS and CPaaS?

CPaaS providers often prioritize integration with existing technology, making messaging platforms a crucial part of their offerings. UCaaS, on the contrary, is designed to offer a more holistic approach to communication, including features like voice and video chat.

Crafting a meticulous plan for UCaaS migration is a necessity. In order to ensure that your organization’s interests are considered, Cloud DFW stands ready to assist you throughout the decision-making process. Start here!

Explore how cloud communication solutions can save you money and boost your team’s productivity with the  UCaaS TCO Analysis . See the substantial benefits of cloud-based solutions over on-premise ones in the total cost of ownership.  

If you are ready then go to the following links to assess if you are ready for the UCaaS Transition.

1. What is Contact Center-as-a-Service?

CCaaS, or Contact Center as a Service, falls under the umbrella of Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions. It enables companies to handle and carry out customer service tasks from the cloud.

Subscribing to Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) offers businesses a variety of communication options, such as voice, email, web chat, and social media integration. Additionally, it provides reporting functions to monitor agent efficiency and anticipate staffing needs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are enormous in today’s modern-day contact centers. AI facilitates quick responses to commonly asked queries without requiring a live agent.

2. What is the difference between UCaaS and CCaaS?

UCaaS is mainly utilized for internal communication and collaboration within an organization, whereas customer-facing teams employ CCaaS to manage customer conversations and interactions.

3. What capabilities do CCaaS solutions bring with them?

Modern CCaaS solutions offer a range of features, including ticket creation and management, ticket assignment, advanced chatbots, and speech analytics. These capabilities are designed to streamline customer service functions into a single platform.

Some preliminary Questions to get you started?

• What types of business interactions can your contact center assist with?
• What is your approach to managing a business or call volume increase during certain seasons?
• What is your current method for ensuring redundancy in your contact center?
• What features would you want your contact center to have in an ideal scenario?
• What communication channels do you currently support, such as voice, email, chat, SMS, or social media? And which ones do you plan to support in the future?
• Please share your company’s social media plan for handling customer support queries.
• What measures do you have in place to assist agents who work remotely or use their devices?

Why Consider it?

• Improve customer service
• Data Analytics
• Expand talent pool
• Line of business application integration
• AI/machine learning

Cloud DFW can provide various services and technologies to assist you in transitioning, upgrading, or consulting. To get started, follow the interactive assessment link below.

Contact Center as a Service