Working From Home, Risks and Rewards

Working from home offers many benefits both to a company and to it's employee. Working from home offers the employee benefits such as: fewer interruptions, no office politics, no stress in regards to commuting, and a comfortable work environment. Working from home also offers benefits for the company as well - noted by Sarah White here:

"...Stanford professor, Nick Bloom, conducted a study to evaluate the benefits of working from home. He found workers were more productive, got more done, worked longer hours, took less breaks, and uses less sick time than their in-office counterparts. These employees were also happier and quit less than those who went into the office on a regular basis. He estimated that, on average, the company saved around $2,000 per every employee who worked from home."

Working from home can be a great tool; whether you have full-time employees working from home or you occasionally take your work home and work remotely. In 2014, 1 in 4 workers in the US said they telecommute at least part of the week. However, there are some serious risks to working from home. Most of that risk is in regards to data security. Did you know that only 50 percent of employees that are working from home actually work from their home? A good percentage of those employees actually take their work to coffee shops or other places with a public Wi-Fi. This creates even more security risks to your data and your server at your office. Everything that is being worked on is susceptible to third party viewing.

Companies need to safeguard their systems to protect from data breaches and cross contamination from the multiple devices that they use to connect to their workplace server and computer systems.

Do you or some of your employees work from home? Are you concerned with the security of your data and the potential threats that are looking to harm your systems? At Seras we can help! We can help you protect your data and your computer systems from such threats! Call Seras today to see how we can keep you protected! 803.233.9216

Computer and Electronics Disposal

Government trash and waste services make things very convenient for consumers and up until recently, you could put just about anything on the street and the city would pick it up and dispose of it for you.  However, several years ago, the state of South Carolina began enforcing their new legislation that prohibits the disposal of specific electronics in solid waste landfills.

This includes computer hardware and computer related items, stereos, televisions, printers, copiers, faxes, and just about any other harware related to electronics.  According to The Department of Health and Environmental Control, "residents may not knowingly place or discard a computer, computer monitor, printer (or) television in any waste stream that is to be disposed of in a solid waste landfill".

There are few public options for e-waste disposal that allow for the free disposal of computer and electronic equipment; they are limited in number and may not be convenient for consumers.  Futhermore, many are limited to consumers only and will not allow large volumes that may be brought by businesses.

Seras is constantly replacing hardware components for customers, and fortunately we have developed a great relationship with Shred360 to handle all of our e-waste disposal services.  Due to the high volume of recycling, we are able to provide both businesses and consumers the lowest possible pricing available with pickup and delivery services included.  Additionally, our customers recycle with Seras having full confidence in the security practices we employ to ensure that confidential data is permanently destroyed during the recycling process.  Hard drives, SIM cards, cassette tapes, flash drives, and other items that may hold sensitive information are destroyed and recycled.

Contact us today for more information or to schedule your computer and electronic recycling service.

Managed Services vs. In-House IT Staff

Most businesses, small and large, rely on computers to help accomplish their organizational goals. Often, those computers which are supposed to make you more productive can lead to even more frustrations than you can imagine. Your computer is moving slower than ever. Your computer freezes more than it runs. You keep getting these viruses etc. This leads you to the conclusion that you need help! What do you do?

Should you hire a person to be your in-house IT help or should you hire a provider to handle your managed services? Check out the benefits of using a managed services provider.

What is Managed Services?

Managed services is a service that an information technology (IT) service provider that manages and assumes responsibility for providing IT services to its clients. Managed services providers (MSP) are responsible for monitoring, managing and problem resolution for your computer systems and functions.

Some responsibilities of a managed services provider are server installation and more, data backup and recovery, data security, malware/anti-virus protection and much more. MSPs act as your own IT department, taking care of routine and non-routine computer monitoring and management.

Why do you need Managed Services?

Many companies wrestle with the idea of outsourcing their IT systems to an MSP or to hire their own internal IT person. At first glance, having an internal IT person would seem to be an easy choice. However, it can end up costing much more than hiring an MSP to handle your managed services.

Let's take a look at some costs for hiring and managing your own IT staff. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2014 a Computer Systems Analyst in South Carolina on average makes $70,000 a year. A Network & Computer Systems Administrator in SC makes on average $68,500 a year. A Computer Network Supporter in SC makes on average $57,000 a year. In total, according to the BLS, the average wage for a Computer or IT professional in the state of South Carolina is $66,500 a year. Even if your company does not need multiple IT staff, the yearly costs are high for just one employee. Then you add to that equation payroll taxes and benefits. Even more, you will be faced with the challenges of scheduling around vacations, training, illness and other leave's and absences. Then you need to take into consideration the cost of equipment, training, and other supplies and expenses that can add up.

With a managed services provider you take all of that out of the equation. You don't have to worry about salary, payroll taxes, health and paid time off benefits, training and other hidden expenses. Those concerns and worries are gone.

Let's also consider that you may be a small operation without a need for even one full-time IT person and you also have a little bit of computer knowledge. Are you really maximizing your time if you are having to worry about computer maintenance and care? Are you really taking serious the potential risks of not monitoring your computer systems? Having a managed services provider for a small business provides you with more confidence in your computer systems and frees up your time to focus more on running your business.

What to look for in a Managed Services Provider?

So, you've decided to use an MSP. What now? What do you need to consider when choosing an MSP? Finding the right fit with an IT firm is crucial to your business. You don't want to choose one and have even more headaches because they weren't the right fit for your business. Here is a helpful list to consider when looking for an MSP:

• Do they follow industry standard practices? Are their technicians certified in the services they provide?
• Do they have experience serving other clients in your industry or same business size?
• Do they have enough resources to serve you effectively and timely?
• What are their normal business hours? Are they available outside of business hours? Can you contact them 24/7 in an emergency?
• Do they properly document their work?
• Do you trust them?
• Can you understand them?

Why Seras is the best choice.

Not only does Seras check off all of the boxes on that list, but we go far above and beyond that list. With all of our staff, you will find a commitment to customer satisfaction far above anyone else. We put a priority on our customer relationships. When we first meet with a prospective customer we don't try and sell you on our service. We actually will ask you questions about what your business goals are. We ask about what your needs are as it relates to your computer systems. We look at the customer first. We aren't going to sell you on a service that you won't need. We look to you and we look to how we can meet your needs and help you to reach your goals. Your business' success is our priority! We also offer flexible pricing options which fit your budget and speak in plain English! We don't talk over your head. We want you to understand what we can offer to help you succeed.

If you are interested in how you can benefit strategically, financially, and technologically by working with an MSP to handle your managed services, click here or contact Seras today at 803.233.9216!

Overpowered Offices: Computer Overkill

"Do I need the $25,000 server or the $2,000 server?  What about my network components - should I spend $15,000 for routers, firewalls, and remote access or will $1,000 suffice to meet my needs?  Do I really need to spend $2,000 for a computer?"

In today's fast-paced and technologically-advanced marketplace, most people are over-whelmed when it comes to understanding their office's technological needs.  The moment eventually comes when decision-makers must place their trust in an IT professional to provide solutions to their computer and technology needs.

The problem arises with the typical background and experience found in an IT professional: many are extremely intelligent, experienced, and dedicated when it comes to technology, BUT are very limited when it comes to evaluating business goals, needs, and objectives.  For example, Seras meets with small businesses (5-10 employees) every day that are not using any extensive software programs, do not currently need or have plans in the future to need secure remote access, and use only a small amount of data on a shared-file system.  The cost of technology found in their office is staggering: expensive multi-rack servers with layered intrusion security and terabytes of unsused storage space.  All of this with no back-up or recovery system in place!

"What do I do to ensure that I only get what I need?"

Seras recommends taking the time to familiarize yourself with exactly what is being proposed and why.  Get at least three written proposals and ask for references before spending valuable time and money on a new relationship with a computer service provider.  At a minimum, each aspect of proposed change should be questioned and evaluated based soley on the current and future needs of the organization - aside from budget, security, and culture concerns.

Click here for more information about our services or here to contact us today!

Are Your Computer Systems a part of your Business Plans?

 

It is just about two weeks into the new year. Companies are focusing on their business plans for sustaining and growing their business this new year. What are the goals that your company is trying to hit this year? Generate new sources of revenue? Increase brand awareness? Improve customer service? Reduce operational costs? What actionable steps are you taking to ensure that these goals are met? Have you reviewed your business plan lately? What can you do to help your company grow and sustain that growth? Are your computer systems an integral part of your business plans?

These are all questions that many business owners and managers think about on a frequent basis. Seras would like to encourage you to think deeply about how your business operates. Are you doing all it takes to make sure your company is running as smooth and efficient as possible? What are often overlooked operational aspects of your business that need to be performing at a high level to help your business grow?

Your computer systems are one of those operational aspects that many businesses often overlook or don't place an appropriate amount of value on it's importance to the business' growth. You understand that technology is a necessary tool that can grant your business competitive advantages and increased production. But, you don’t have the time or expertise to keep your IT investment running at top efficiency.  Are you properly evaluating the importance of your computer systems to your business?

At Seras we can help you cut and control costs and increase your confidence in your computer system, computer security and backup systems. Seras' trained experts can help you in many areas such as: hardware and software component repairs and upgrades, network configuration and support services, antivirus/malware protection, wire management and cabling, cloud services and data backup services for any sized business.

Seras offers the services you need to help grow your company in this new year. We are locally owned and operated with 24 hour access to management. We offer flexible payment and service plans and we promise to communicate with you in plain English. We want your business to not only succeed in 2016, but flourish and grow! Call us today! 803.233.9216

Customer Spotlight: Northeast Dermatology

Seras is excited to announce its one-year anniversary of partnering with Northeast Dermatology for computer and IT support services.  Northeast Dermatology is "Your Neighborhood Skincare Specialist", providing medical services, cosmetology services, and a variety of specialized products to meet your dermatology needs.  Dr. Lee Carson opened the practice 9 years ago and has continued to grow and thrive by providing the highest quality treatments and patient support available.

Dr. Carson has studied at The University of South Carolina, Clemson University, The University of South Carolina School of Medicine, and Wright State University School of Medicine where she performed her Residency.  She holds B.S., Ph.D., M.A.T., and M.D. degrees.  Dr. Carson's husband Steve is her practice manager and a joy to work with.  The two of them make a great team.  The Carsons have huge hearts, spending most of their time with their four children, along with mission trips to Nicaragua, volunteering at Columbia Free Clinic, and helping with Skin Cancer Prevention / Lecture Series.  For more information about the practice or to contact Northeast Dermatology for an appointment, check out their website: www.northeastderm.com.

Northeast Dermatology became a customer when Seras was asked to begin supporting the practice one year ago based on the need for a local computer and IT service provider that could provide fast and efficient support and communicate effectively with all departments in the practice.  Since then, the firm has a new-found confidence in their virus and malware protection, data backup and recovery, information security, and general continuity of operations.  Seras has "remodeled" their secure server room, adjusted network components for speed and accessibility, enhanced security aspects of remote access procedures, and provided "peace-of-mind" protection through on-going security monitoring.  Seras looks forward to another great year with Northeast Dermatology.

Click here for more information about how to enjoy the many benefits of working with Seras.