How to Use AI to Help Automate Your Business

Quite a few small business AI case studies have shown how beneficial artificial intelligence can be for a company. It offers more than a few benefits, letting entrepreneurs run their businesses much more efficiently.

AI helps save time, complete tasks faster, save on resources, cut down on costs, and more. While many entrepreneurs already know that, they don’t know what kind of uses AI automation for businesses offers.

There are quite a few of these, with some being much more notable than others. It’s worth diving into three of the more significant.

AI Automation for Businesses: 3 Ways it Drives Efficiencies

1. Optimize Supply Chains

Supply chains can often be some of the most difficult areas for entrepreneurs to manage. The larger a business gets, the more complicated this gets. There’ll be more and more moving parts, making it more difficult to look after. When properly hooked up, AI can help with this.

It brings in all relevant information, analyses it, and uses it to make sure everything is where it needs to be. AI can make everything more efficient by making sure you have an appropriate amount of resources on-hand, for example. Your supply chain will chug along much more easily.

2. Create Predictive Analytics

Every entrepreneur needs to future-proof their business as much as possible. There’s only a certain amount they can do, even if they have a lot of information at hand. With AI automation for businesses, this gets a lot easier. It can be used to create predictive analytics reports for your company.

These can be put to a wealth of uses, but the most important thing is it gives you an idea of what to expect. While not everything might work out exactly the way the report says, it should be in the general area. You’ll be in a better position moving forward.

3. Informed Decision-Making

The predictive analytics above can be put to more than a few uses and can be a great part of the decision-making process. That isn’t the only way AI automation for businesses can be used to inform your decision-making, however. You can use it to bring in and analyse any of the information you need to make a company decision.

Not all of this must be predictive. Instead, it can be used to analyse past information and identify trends while charting them out. You can then use this to make decisions. Seasonal sales are a great example of where this can be used.

AI Automation for Businesses: Wrapping Up

AI automation for businesses boasts more than a few minutes. It lets companies get work done much more productively while cutting down on overall costs. It can even increase overall productivity across a business.

Then there’s how cost-effective and versatile it is. As multiple small business AI case studies have shown, artificial intelligence can be put to countless uses across a company. When used right, it can have a significant impact on any business.

There’ll be countless ways to benefit from it.

CONTACT NEXTWORKS TODAY TO HELP AUTOMATE YOUR BUSINESS

A Guide for Small Businesses on How to Pick the Best VPN Service for Your Company

 

In today's digital-first business world, it's more important than ever to keep your data safe and give your employees more freedom. This means that many small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners need to add a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to their IT plan. But there are so many VPN companies out there that it can be hard to pick one that fits your business needs. You can use this piece to help you sort through all the choices and pick the best VPN service for your business.

Figuring Out What You Need from a VPN:

Before you start the decision process, you should think about what your business needs. Take a look at this:

How big your business is: What kind of VPN service you need will depend on how many people you have.

What kind of info you have: Stronger encryption and security features are needed for sensitive info.

Needs for remote access: Look at the needs of your remote workers, such as where they work and what gadgets they use.

Important things to think about:

1. Protocols for security: Security is the most important part of any VPN service. Try to find service companies that offer a number of protocols, like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2. Make sure they offer AES 256-bit security, which is the best available right now.
2. Where the servers are located: Pick a service company with servers in the areas where you do business. This gives your team faster speeds and more reliable links.
3. Performance and Dependability: A VPN can slow down your internet. This effect can be avoided with certain providers.
4. Ease of Use: It should be easy to use your VPN. Your team may not use it as much if the ability to access is too hard to use.
5. Price vs. Features: Look at the features and compare them to the price. When it comes to safety, remember that the cheapest choice isn't always the best.

What You Should Ask Possible Providers:

To be honest and make sure you're getting the best VPN for your business, ask these questions of possible providers:

• Could you give me some examples of small businesses that have used your service?
• What rules do you have in place for logs? 
• How do you make sure that your data is safe in line with rules like GDPR and HIPAA?
• Can your VPN handle the number of people my business expects?
• What is your plan in case there is a security breach?

Last Thoughts:

You shouldn't rush through the process of picking the right VPN service. Do your research, try out the services if you can, and talk to the sales and support teams to fully understand what they have to offer. Remember that the right VPN service will help your business grow and stay safe.

If you would like assistance in deploying a VPN in your business get in touch with us today.

Microsoft's Conditional Access for Better 365 Security

Attention Small Business Owners. Have you considered the advantages of  Microsoft Azure's conditional access for your operations?

These simple and effective measures can greatly secure your Microsoft 365 accounts and data.

Get in tough with Nextworks today!

How to Save 20% on the Cost of Microsoft 365 (for Business)

 

Microsoft 365 has been around for many years.

In that time, it has changed its name - formerly Office 365, the product has had continual improvements that have transformed many small and medium-sized businesses the world over.

One thing that’s not changed is the price. However, Microsoft put out a warning last year that they will increase the price by 10-20% in March.

The rise seems justified due to the value of the software for many in business.

There is a workaround that you can use in your business to delay this price increase for an entire year.

If you are currently using Microsoft 365 or the associated apps, then it’s worth a brief discussion with us on how we can help you lock in the old price for the next 12 months.

Get in touch with Nextworks today.

The PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform: Nextworks' Solution for Fortifying Cyber-Resilience

In our increasingly digital world, the protection of sensitive data and personal identifiable information (PII) is a core concern for businesses of all sizes. Cyber threats are evolving every day, becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot. That's why a robust cybersecurity education has become essential. The PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform by Nextworks does just that—it provides comprehensive, top-tier education on cybersecurity.

Below, we delve into why the PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform stands out in today's Cybersecurity landscape.

Thorough, Tailored Course Content

The PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform offers a wealth of courses covering a broad spectrum—from basic online safety practices to advanced threat mitigation strategies. The content is tailored to meet specific industry needs and the unique cybersecurity threats that your business may face, making the training exceptionally relevant and practical.

Interactive Simulated Phishing Attacks

One of the standout features of our platform is the interactive, simulated phishing attacks. This practical approach allows users to experience what real-world phishing attempts look like and learn how to efficiently spot and combat them. By engaging in these simulations, users develop an invaluable first-hand understanding of phishing strategies and the nuances in detecting such threats.

Up-to-date Content

Given the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats, staying updated is crucial. The PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform ensures that users are up to speed with the latest trends in cybersecurity and emerging threats. Our team of cybersecurity experts continuously monitors changes in the threat landscape, updating our training resources accordingly.

Robust Risk Management

By empowering users with crucial cybersecurity knowledge, PII Protect enables businesses to manage potential risks more effectively. Your team will be equipped with practical skills to identify and deter a wide variety of cyberattacks.

Enhanced Employee Confidence

Proper training instils confidence in employees when it comes to managing cybersecurity threats. The PII Protect platform ensures that your team understands their crucial role in protecting digital assets, leading to more informed decision-making around potential cyber threats.

Industry Recognition and Trust

Implementing the PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform not only demonstrates your commitment to data protection but also gives you an edge in today's competitive market. The platform's comprehensive training can help your team earn industry-specific cybersecurity certifications, reinforcing your organization's reputation.

The Nextworks Commitment

Nextworks is committed to delivering top-quality IT solutions, including the PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform. With our unwavering dedication, we pledge to stand by our clients as we navigate the complex and dynamic world of cybersecurity together.

In summary, the PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform stands as a top-tier resource for comprehensive and relevant cybersecurity education. By partnering with Nextworks and utilizing PII Protect, businesses can arm themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to stay a step ahead in the perpetually evolving landscape of cyber threats.

"Knowledge is the first step towards powerful cybersecurity. Equip yourself with PII Protect by Nextworks and turn the digital battleground into a field of victory."

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A Step-by-Step Guide for Local Businesses to Help them Plan Their Migration from Windows Server 2012

As the owner of a local business, you know how important it is to help the community, be reliable, and stay ahead of the curve. With the end of support for Windows Server 2012 coming up in October 2023, you might feel a little lost about how to make the switch. In this post we will walk you through every step of the move, making sure you're ready for this change. The most important hint? Start planning your move now to avoid stress at the last minute and possible problems with how your business runs.

Taking a Look at Your Current IT Setup

The first step in planning your migration is to take a good look at your IT system as it is now. This means knowing how Windows Server 2012 fits into your business, finding any software or apps that depend on it, and figuring out what your hardware can do. This evaluation will help you figure out possible problems and needs for your new server or cloud hosted alternative.

How to Choose a New Server

After you've looked at what you have now, it's time to choose a new server or cloud provider. There are likely several choices, and each has its own pros and cons to think about. When picking a server or cloud provider, you should think about your budget, the needs of your business, and how well the new system works with the software and apps you already have. Remember that cloud vs. in-house server each is quite different and has its own benefits. Choose the one that fits your business wants and goals the best. 

Getting Ready for the Move

Now that you've selected your best option, it's time to plan the move. This means making a schedule, dividing up the resources, determine a workable test environment, who on your team can test before going live, and getting ready for possible downtime. It's also important to plan for data backup and recovery to keep your business information safe during the change.

The end of support for Windows Server 2012 is a big deal, but if you plan and prepare well, you can make sure your local business has a smooth shift. Don't forget that you're not alone in this. We're a neighborhood business, just like you, and we want to help our community.

Our team of IT experts is here to help you through every step of the transfer process so that your business can keep running as smoothly as possible. Contact Nextworks today to start planning your move and make sure your local business has a bright future.

What It Means for Your Business That Windows Server 2012 Is Going Away

As the owner of a small or medium-sized business, you probably have a lot on your plate. One of these is making sure your IT infrastructure is always safe and up to date. You may have heard that support for Windows Server 2012 will end in October 2023. You may be thinking what this means for your business. This blog post will help you understand what will happen and what steps you need to take. The most important hint? Don't put off making plans for your move until the last minute. 

Understanding the End of Life for Windows Server 2012

In the tech world, "end of life" means that a piece of software will no longer get changes or help from the company that made it. This means that Microsoft will no longer offer updates for Windows Server 2012 after October 2023. This includes security updates, updates that aren't related to security, free or paid choices for assisted support, and updates to online technical content. 

This has big consequences for businesses that still use this service. Without these changes, your system is open to security risks, which could lead to a breach of your data. You may also have trouble with compliance, since many laws require businesses to use software that is approved.

The Risks of Ignoring the End of Life

You can't just ignore the fact that Windows Server 2012 is coming to an end. If you don't update your computer regularly, hackers who take advantage of known flaws will be more likely to target it. A single breach could cause you to lose a lot of money, hurt your image, and lose the trust of your customers.

Also, as new programs and software are made, they might not work with Windows Server 2012. This could cause problems with efficiency and make it harder for you to use new technologies that could help your business.

Preparing for the Transition

It may seem hard to switch from Windows Server 2012 to a newer server, but if you plan, it can go smoothly. Start by looking at your present IT infrastructure and making a list of any possible problems. Next, do some study to find a new server that meets the needs of your business and fits your budget. Lastly, make a detailed plan for moving, including a timeline and the tools you'll need.

Remember that it's best to start this process as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute could cause you to make hasty choices, waste time, and possibly lose data.

The end of support for Windows Server 2012 is a big deal that you should pay attention to. But it's also a chance to improve your IT infrastructure, make your system more secure, and use new technologies. It’s also an opportunity to migrate to the cloud, eliminating servers from your local network entirely.

Don't go through this change on your own. Our team of IT experts is here to help you through the process, making sure that the move goes smoothly and causes your business as little trouble as possible. Contact us right away to start planning your move and make sure your business has a bright future.