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Avoid Costly Downtime with Managed IT Services

Posted by Tech Support on July 13, 2018

In business, downtime is often associated with equipment failures and the resulting inability to continue working. While downtime after work hours is cause for celebration, unplanned downtime at work, in almost any form, is something businesses work hard to avoid. Here's a look at why and how managed IT services help companies to prevent downtime.

The Cost of Downtime

Calculating the cost of downtime isn't a straightforward process, and every business and scenario is different. Most of us think of hardware failure first, and in this situation, the cost of downtime is often more about the information stored on the hardware than the actual physical loss itself. And while replacing equipment can be a devastating hit to the budget, businesses must also calculate the cost of getting back to business as usual. With each hour that passes, the costs get higher.

Managed Print Services—A Calmer Approach to Print Management

Posted by The OTG on May 4, 2018

If you've ever missed (or mismanaged) a software update for your printers, then you know how one mistake can cause a ripple effect that takes over your entire day. In the worst cases, a badly timed or poorly implemented software update can have a negative impact on company-wide print-related workflows. Unfortunately, updating software for any device, from your multifunction system to your laptop, isn't always a seamless transition.

Which One Are You?

A popup or email letting you know that an update is available shouldn't be ignored, but downloading updates in the middle of a busy workday isn't always the best approach. The problem with waiting until later is that it's easy to move onto something else and completely forget to follow through. Which approach do you take when your printers need a software update?

Energize Your Presentations with a Sharp Aquos Board

Posted by The OTG on April 27, 2018

How did your last team meeting go? Was everyone engaged and excited about your contribution? Not so much? Perhaps the problem isn't with your content.

Energize Your Marketing Strategy with Digital Signage

Posted by The OTG on April 19, 2018

You're not wrong if you've noticed an uptick in the popularity of digital signage. With worldwide industry growth at nearly $16 billion, even SMBs are rethinking their approach to marketing.

Here's why your company may want to look into the digital signage trend and latch onto some new and exciting opportunities to reach out to your customers.

Don't get left behind.

Digital signage isn't just for the rich and famous anymore, and everyone from the local deli to the high school athletic program can benefit from its impact. There's no need to worry that digital signage is too unwieldy for your venue—lightweight and thin, the hardware is simple to mount in almost any location for a variety of purposes.

Fine-Tuning Your Disaster Recovery Plan with Managed IT Services

Posted by The OTG on April 12, 2018

All disasters have one thing in common—they disrupt, destroy, and bring everyday activities to a grinding halt. For your business, this means that your physical assets may be inaccessible, including your buildings, computers, imaging equipment, and documents. In the worst cases, these assets may be destroyed.

Here are three steps your company can make sure your disaster recovery plan is up to date and relevant for today's digital economy.

Laser or Multifunction Printer? What's the Difference?

Posted by The OTG on April 2, 2018

Does your office need a multifunction printer or a single-function laser printer? Not sure of the differences? Let's take a look at the similarities and how each device can meet critical needs for your workgroups.

The Laser Printer

A laser printer performs hassle-free basic printing functions quickly and reliably. Options abound, and there's a laser printer with the speed and volume requirements to meet every need.

Improve Classroom Learning with a Sharp Aquos Board

Posted by The OTG on March 29, 2018

No one knows better than a classroom teacher how quickly students can lose interest during a presentation. The traditional lecture method of presenting information works well for some students, but others have trouble focusing and have difficulty keeping their minds on the subject matter.

If you've been relying on old-school tools like whiteboards and flipcharts, a Sharp Aquos Board can take your lectures in an exciting new direction. Here's an overview of the benefits a Sharp Aquos Board can bring to your classroom.

Big screen presentations

You know there are exciting online tools available to engage your students' attention in new ways, but a computer screen is just too small. The Sharp Aquos White Board combines the versatility of a computer touchscreen with the wow factor of an HD TV screen for presentations that are hard to ignore.

Increase Traffic and Sales with Digital Signage

Posted by The OTG on March 23, 2018

Has your retail company discovered the power of digital signage? Ready to go beyond paper posters and vinyl banners? Read on to find out the compelling advantages of digital signage.

Increase traffic

Do you need a new way to drive customers into the store? Digital signage is still the new kid on the block, and while customers may walk right past a full-color poster, a digital display will catch their interest. Screens have become a part of everyday life, and it's their ability to attract and hold our attention that makes them so popular. With digital signage, your retail locations will benefit from an on-trend tool proven to draw a crowd.

Is It Time for a Switch to Managed IT Services?

Posted by The OTG on March 16, 2018

Chances are good you didn't start a business to spend hours every week on IT responsibilities, and anything that takes you away from core business objectives can be a distraction.

Rather than tying up your time trying to stay ahead of software updates and network issues, try letting managed IT services providers take over IT responsibilities instead. Here are three questions to ask to evaluate your situation.

1. Are you keeping up with compliance regulations?

No matter what industry you're in, you have a responsibility to protect the confidential information that flows through your business. From private health data to HR records and customer names and addresses, regulations govern how you handle protected information. Managed IT services can make sure your network is up to date and protected from malicious attacks.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Multifunction Printer

Posted by The OTG on March 7, 2018

A multifunction printer, or MFP, combines the capabilities of four stand-alone office technologies into one streamlined device. Users can conveniently print, copy, scan and fax from one location for improved productivity and cost savings.

With so many industry-leading manufacturers offering a wide variety of devices, deciding which multifunction printer you need can be a challenge. The solution begins by asking a series of question. Here's where to begin:

Evaluate your requirements

Evaluate your workgroup requirements by answering a series of simple questions. If the answers aren't clear, check with your staff; they're familiar with your daily workflows and will have hands-on experience with your existing equipment.