Monday, August 31, 2020
SQL Server VMs run better on Azure than AWS
According to a recent report, 30% of organizations lose revenue during a cyberattack. Businesses can help protect themselves against cyberattack by ensuring they have automatic security updates. Tools like Azure make it easy to conduct maintenance with automatic application of the latest security patches. At Aksara United, we can help you find the right solutions to fit your security needs. Contact us today to learn more.
Customer Story: Clifton Coffee | Work From Anywhere
Clifton Coffee Roasters always had far-reaching ambitions. They needed to maximize efficiency in their company and create a better way for employees to communicate, no matter where they were individually located.
With Teamwork solutions from Microsoft, their employees could work from virtually anywhere, on any device. With features like video conferencing and instant messaging, Microsoft Teamwork solutions help employees work more effectively. And with employees empowered to work remotely, Clifton Coffee Roasters created the digital office of its dreams.
Business Central AI Infographic
AI isn't just for large businesses. The built-in AI capabilities in Business Central 365 make it easy for any sized business to work smarter and make better decisions. Share this infographic with your customers to promote this incredibly valuable component of Business Central.
Thursday, August 27, 2020
4 Reasons Why Companies are Choosing CRM Over Traditional Marketing tools
Within this digital marketing environment, relationship marketing is the name of the game and customer relationship management (CRM) is the method. With its ability to break down silos and offer insights across multiple functions, CRM is helping companies provide a cohesive and well-coordinated experience to customers. Check out this article to learn more about the benefits of CRM.
A closer look at hybrid-cloud and multi-cloud approaches
Businesses are adopting hybrid-cloud or multi-cloud strategies for many reasons, including application and data portability, multi-year 100% uptime, and avoiding vendor lock-in. If you plan to adopt a new cloud strategy, consider bringing on professional help. At Aksara United, we have years of experience helping businesses just like yours to plan and implement new hybrid-cloud solutions. Contact us to learn more.
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Benefits of using Windows Server and SQL Server on Azure
This whitepaper highlights why Azure makes sense for applications that rely on SQL Server or Windows Server, based on four themes: security, innovation, hybridity, and cost.
View: Benefits of using Windows Server and SQL Server on Azure
How to Empower Your Employees to Be More Customer-Centric
"Empowerment taps into the potential of a human being to do more than what is typically defined by their job description. Empowerment allows that individual to take initiative, to show courage, and to speak up and to make things better," writes Phil Geldart, a recognized authority in transforming organizational culture and leadership development. It is especially important in today's digital business world, because customers expect personalized experiences. In order for organizations to offer an increasing amount of personalization, they must enable and empower their employees with the trust, knowledge, and permission to do what they know they can do—take care of the customer. In order for the customer-centric business model we strive for to work, your employees must feel empowered to do their part in establishing it. You can't say you want a customer-centric organization and then continually limit the responsibilities and ownership of your employees. "True empowerment allows you to release the potential of employees at all levels and roles," adds Geldart. It's here you'll see results far greater than you would if you simply instruct them what to do in each scenario. For specific guidelines on how to create a more positive workplace, read Geldart's article, "How to Empower Your Employees to Be More Customer-Centric."
Microsoft Teams increases collaboration in the modern workplace at Microsoft
Ever wonder how Microsoft is consistently ranked in the top 20 best tech companies to work for? For one, they integrate the collaboration solutions they create, increasing employee effectiveness and morale. With Teams, their employees can get up to speed during morning coffee, connect across the company, and hold meetings from anywhere--facilitating a culture of collaboration. Check out the full story and contact us to learn how we can help you adopt the best collaboration solution on the market.
View: Microsoft Teams increases collaboration in the modern workplace at Microsoft
The Ultimate Meeting Guide
How could your employees benefit if you improved your businesses everyday meetings?
With meeting best practices, you can improve your company's bottom line and value your employees' time.
Sounds good, right? Check out this eBook for more information on how to achieve simple, direct meetings focused on clear action items.
Want to improve your employees communication in all aspects across your business? Contact our team to learn how we can help level up your communication game.
Wild & Wolf
Watch how one global company removed outdated, legacy systems and truly transformed the way they ran their business with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Quickly outgrowing their disjointed systems, Wild & Wolf desperately needed a single platform to use across all their businesses.
After implementing Business Central, all of the companies that work with Wild & Wolf were now on one system, in the cloud. According to the company, the ability to "have one version of the truth for all our businesses is massively important for us." Now, Wild & Wolf can envision a future with endless possibilities.
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
You Can Create Free Screen Recordings in Your Browser with Microsoft Stream
Did you know you can create videos from a computer screen--no matter the device? Microsoft Stream lets you easily create, edit and animate videos and then share with certain people; for example, classrooms or districts.
In this bite-sized video, learn tips and tricks on using Microsoft Steam. Watch to learn how to record, edit, and trim video, and also easily add animation.
Your customers can comment, like, and re-share on their social media.
Customer story: Mashreq Bank increases growth and market share through digital transformation
How does the oldest bank in the UAE stay relevant? According to Mashreq Bank, the secret is in their people and their culture of innovation. Modern tools like Dynamics 365 capture important customer data so sales reps can spend more time focused on their clients. Check out this video to learn more about how they are using technology to support their sales team.
Do more with Microsoft Teams
59% of workers are unsatisfied with meetings, and 57% feel meetings are unproductive. That's a lot of dissatisfied employees. If your team is feeling the effects of inefficient workplace solutions, consider modernizing. Take the first step in understanding where you can make improvements and contact the professionals at Aksara United. We can help you identify inefficient processes that detract from employee productivity and adopt the right modern workplace solutions.
Customer story: IHG (InterContinental Hotel Group) grows and scales its global business with hybrid cloud
InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) has over 5,000 locations around the world. With so many locations and on-premises legacy systems, IHG struggled to bring new technology to market quickly. That's why they adopted the cloud, which added control and a wallet-friendly price point. With a cloud-first model, you can bring new tech to customers faster and drive topline revenue growth just like IHG. Interested in learning more? Contact us today to find out how we can help you migrate to the cloud.
Law firm runs better with server on Azure
Why run Windows Server on Azure? Ellen Kirby, senior manager of Technical Operations and senior enterprise architect at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, talks about the benefits of running the law firm's Windows Servers on Azure and about leveraging Windows Admin Center for better management and automation.
Small Job Business Satisfaction: SMB Employees Want This...
In today's dynamic workplace, many SMB employees are dissatisfied with their work environment, largely due to inadequate technology. This finding, as revealed in a Lenovo global study on workplace satisfaction, indicates that technology provisioning could be the root of the problem.
Employees expect to have access to the technology and tools that enable a mobile workforce, flexible working, and access to the cloud. And unfortunately, small to medium sized businesses are having a hard time keeping up. Share this insightful article from ChannelE2E on your social media accounts to attract new followers and encourage engagement.
Help customers work together with Microsoft technology
The landscape of teamwork is changing. Did you know that 83% of employees depend on technology to work together?
We know many businesses struggle with disjointed file sharing and dispersed resources. If it sounds like we're describing your company, don't worry--we can help.
Now you can take the hassle out of workplace communication with Teamwork solutions from Microsoft. With an integrated Teamwork solution, your employees can bring their teams and resources together, connect with users outside the company, and even work remotely. What are you waiting for? Check out this infographic for more on how your company can benefit from a comprehensive teamwork solution.
View: Help customers work together with Microsoft technology
Thursday, August 20, 2020
How CIOs can promote diversity and inclusion
If you want a high performing team, it's in your best interest to have a diverse workforce. According to a McKinsey report, diversity in the workplace is directly tied to financial outperformance. But do you have the modern workplace you need to facilitate inclusion? Make sure you have the right digital tools to promote diversity. Talk to a professional at Aksara United, to learn more about the modern workplace solutions that will help your diverse workforce achieve more.
Lackluster Teamwork? Tips For Boosting Performance
How can you improve teamwork for your team? And what does successful teamwork look like for employees across different generations? Research shows that regular constructive feedback is key to making employees feel that their contributions are valued, especially among younger workers. This in turn translates to increased motivation among all employees and a reinforcement of the team's core values. Check out this article for more on how to help engage your employees and facilitate better teamwork.
Editorial Leadership in the Age of Content Marketing Automation
Content marketing is now widely understood and accepted as a pillar in the business industry; we acknowledge that providing educational materials to prospects and customers is vital to earn the business and loyalty of today's buyers. As technology rapidly advances, however, the concept of content marketing is changing as well. Content automation, along with editorial and creative arts automation, will continue to affect how we include content to buyers.
As the "content landscape" changes, Cameron Conaway encourages leaders to continue to have an open mind and adapt along with this transformation. Rather than base your decision-making on fear, he urges you to "work to shift your mindset and develop habits of curiosity about what's changing and why." These are attributes of leaders who understand technology trends and are in it for the long haul—not short-term success. Read Conaway's full article, "Leadership in the Age of Content Marketing Automation" for inspirational insight on how to remain a content leader in the age of content automation.
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Empowering the modern seller: A new definition of engagement
Companies are over two times more likely to reach quota when sales teams emphasize engagement. This is easier said than done when the definition of effective engagement differs between buyers and sellers. This e-book explores the disconnect between assumed and actual buyer preferences for engagement and how Dynamics 365 for Sales can help sellers realign their strategies with buyer needs.
View: Empowering the modern seller: A new definition of engagement
Cloud lessons learned: Four companies that migrated Windows Server
As the motion picture industry shifts to compute-intensive high definition, a top digital studio, Jellyfish, found that their rendering times in on-premises servers were driving costs up and productivity down. To combat the issue, Jellyfish turned to Azure for its open source capabilities, cost savings, and superior support. Contact us today to learn more about migrating your on-premises computing needs to the cloud and begin your path to increasing productivity and cutting costs.
View: Cloud lessons learned: Four companies that migrated Windows Server
Get Help Putting Technology in Your School
When it comes to determining the right technology for your school, there is a lot to consider. This flyer helps prospects understand the whole picture including the costs, benefits and the additional free, learning tools Microsoft offers.
At the bottom of the flyer there is space to include your company logo, a brief description of how you can support onboarding new technology, and a link to your website.
Close more deals with connected sales and marketing
Are your customer relationships limited by siloed customer data and disparate marketing and sales tools? Check out this infographic to learn more about how Dynamics 365 can combine sales and marketing to break down information barriers and give both functions a complete view of the customer.
Customer story: John's Crazy Socks shows the world what employees with disabilities can achieve
What color are your socks? John and his father, Mark, are trying to mix up your wardrobe and bring a smile to your face with bright, colorful, patterned socks. With a diverse staff of individuals with different abilities, John's Crazy Socks strives to show the world what is possible when you give people a chance. With a modern workplace solution, their team has the tools they need to grow their business and enable their workforce to achieve more.
How Microsoft and Google Measure Up in the Classroom
Use this educational eBook to learn how Microsoft and Google compare in six areas where they are working to support schools in improving student outcomes. Both companies endorse the development of STEM skills, provide tools and training for teachers, offer affordable pricing, and work to ensure student privacy and security. See how Microsoft takes school technology solutions one step further and learn how Microsoft Education is a good fit for your school.
This eBook enables prospects to get a quick glance at the benefits both companies provide through their products and then help them to evaluate the best tools for their needs.
Business Central TCO Overview
Cloud and on-premise ERP solutions might look identical at the surface, but not all costs are obvious. Have you considered the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your current ERP solution and what your ERP might look like in the cloud?
This TCO estimate explains the six cost areas every company should know when visualizing a transition to the cloud—including software, training, hardware, personnel, and more. By carefully evaluating these cost areas, you'll understand the savings inherent in a cloud ERP system.
Customer Story: Clifton Coffee Overview
For Clifton Coffee Roasters, the first step to growing their business was to improve internal communication within the company. In the past, communication among team members was extremely disjointed, so it was challenging for team members to connect in an efficient manner. And as the business expanded and more employees were onboarded, the communication breakdown became even worse.
Enter Teamwork solutions from Microsoft. With a streamlined communication strategy that provided a single hub for company resources and multiple methods for team members to connect no matter where they were individually located, Clifton Coffee Roasters was able to grow into one of the UK's premier coffee companies. Contact our team to see how we can help transform your business with an upgraded teamwork platform.
Increase business productivity with Windows Server and Azure
IDC calculates the need for data storage capacity across all media types over the next four years will exceed the entire amount of data shipped over the past 20 years. With an exponential increase in data storage capacity required by many businesses, companies are looking for cost-saving options. With platforms like Azure, your business can save during every stage of cloud migration.
Contact us today to learn how we can help.
View: Increase business productivity with Windows Server and Azure
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Systems Imagination uses SQL Server 2019 Big Data Clusters to deliver cutting-edge medical insights
Systems Imagination uses big data to discover new tiers of medical insights unobtainable through conventional means. In order to gain the distributed computing power it needed, the company adopted Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Big Data Clusters. Now, it delivers results based on petabytes of data to its customers within hours while simultaneously keeping operating costs low.
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Three ways content marketing boosts the value of your leads
Are you ready to increase your sales by 50%? Studies show that it's all about the marketing content you use. When making their purchasing decisions, consumers connect with and remember companies that appear personable and knowledgeable. Check out this article to learn how a small tweak in your marketing strategy can change everything.
Data Migration Process: How Agencies Can Successfully Move Data to Modern Systems
In a recent Accenture survey of IT executives, 58 percent of those surveyed experienced 2 to 3 major IT outages over the past decade. Cloud migration can help prevent outages, increase security protections, and cut costs. When it comes to database migration, some IT pros fear data loss. That's why it's important to migrate to a platform that can handle your data storage needs--like Azure. Contact us today to learn how we can help you prevent outages with a tailored cloud migration plan.
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
eBook: The ultimate guide to Windows Server 2019
Take full advantage of your on-premises investments with Windows Server 2019. Learn how to extend your on-premises environments to the cloud with the Windows Server 2019 advanced hybrid capabilities. Additionally, learn how to add additional security layers and update your applications and infrastructure when you connect to the cloud.
5 Tips to Get More Customers and Retain Them Too
The buyer's journey is a progression of steps the buyer takes when making a purchase. Most businesses know that they need to support the customer at all stages, even though a lot of the process is done before a buyer engages with the seller. When buyers are ready to engage, you must be ready. In the article, "5 Tips to Get More Customers and Retain Them Too," Dhaval Sarvaiya discusses the main stages of the journey: awareness, consideration, decision, retention and advocacy. In the final stage, he reminds us that customers with great experiences will "fall in love with your brand" and that they will not only "promote your brand but will defend it as well." Imagine customers so loyal that they will defend what you're selling—all because they so strongly believe in it. Read this entire article for pointers on how to support your customers at all stages of the buyer's journey.
Unblocking Teamwork: Four tools and strategies to improve collaboration
In an IDG study, 56% of enterprises and 66% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) plan to implement a unified communications and collaboration solution. If you haven't considered upgrading your workplace tools, it's time to learn the benefits of upgrading to a modern workplace. Tools like Microsoft 365 with Teams can help your workers become more productive and communicate better, saving time, money, and enabling your workforce to achieve more. Contact us today to find out more.
View: Unblocking Teamwork: Four tools and strategies to improve collaboration
Introducing Microsoft Teams
Many modern employees work remotely, and more than half of today's meetings are attended by at least one remote attendee. This can lead to access, sharing, and compliance issues that threaten to compromise employee productivity and engagement. But Microsoft Teams, the integrated and secure collaboration tool chosen by 91% of Fortune 100 companies, keeps teams connected and compliant.
Contact us today to learn more about integrating modern workplace solutions like Microsoft Teams. Together, we can help you achieve more.
Don't miss another post! Subscribe now.
Did you know that having resources available in Microsoft Teamwork solutions reduces downtime by 15%? The benefit to your company productivity can be huge.
Want to propel your business forward and change the way your team communicates? Subscribe now to learn how you can change the way your team works together.
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
ROI Case Study: Kelly Roofing Case Study
This case study demonstrates an excellent example of a real-world implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. In it, Nucleus Research describes the key business benefits to Kelly Roofing and breaks down how they achieved a 508% return on investment (ROI).
Kelly Roofing notes these positive outcomes.
- Reduction in costs
- More efficient use of resources
- Increased productivity from automation
- Reduction of working capital
Page 6 comprises a detailed financial analysis that can be leveraged as a model for customer decision making.
3 Keys to Security and Compliance for Your School
The implementation of technology in schools supports personalized learning and drives student-centered outcomes. However, it also broadens the school's digital landscape, which can make schools a target for cyberattacks. In fact, 60 percent of US K-12 data breaches in 2018 included student data.
What's more, schools are filled with inquisitive minds and students and teachers often use any available technology to fulfill their learning needs. This further opens the door to breaches through unsecured apps and devices. As a result, many schools choose to automate their defenses against outside threats through intelligent technology.
Share this eBook with your prospects to educate them on the steps they can take to protect their schools with the adoption of intelligent technology.
Customer story: Park Place technologies builds personal relationships to drive global sales
Park Place Technologies is using Dynamics 365 to build and maintain strong relationships in the present and handle the data and changes necessary to move confidently into the future. Check out their story in this video.
Customer story: Australian National University pioneers the next generation of genomics research by moving to the cloud
Australian National University is consistently ranked as one of the top 20 genomic research institutions. As pioneers of genomic research, they are growing the number of samples they use. As a result, their data and storage needs are growing, too. That's why cloud platforms like Azure are important for their research. With faster analysis and on-demand scaling, researchers can focus more on their projects and less on IT. Contact us today to learn more on how we can help you save time and scale.
Customer Story: Clifton Coffee
Clifton Coffee Roasters (CCR) is a popular coffee company that profited from the recent boom in café culture. As Clifton Coffee Roasters' business grew, so did the company leaders' ambitions. They credit digital business and communication tools from Microsoft with helping them to grow and scale their business. Now, they provide additional services like technical support and delivery service to coffee shops across the UK. Check out this video to see how Clifton Coffee Roasters upgraded their teamwork strategy to grow their business.
Monday, August 10, 2020
4 Ways the Business World is Going to Change in 2020
When the world is changing at breakneck speed, innovation becomes an organization's most important weapon. History offers a few key lessons about how to wield that weapon in the future.
The article underscores that the process of innovation itself is morphing into 'outside-in' models in addition to other important trends. Share this forward-thinking article from Inc. on your social media accounts to attract new followers.
Stretch your Budget with Classroom-Ready Devices
High school and middle school aged students need the right tools to help prepare them for their next phase in life. Empower students with the latest technology and help inspire their creativity, communication and collaboration.
Windows 10 devices start at the affordable price of $219 and come with free access to Microsoft Office 365 Education—supporting and nurturing the learning styles of every student.
Customize this flyer and share through your social media channels.
Solution overview video
Learn about the features and benefits of migrating to Windows Server and SQL Server on Azure. This video discusses key aspects such as preventing the loss of valuable data and getting the lowest cost of ownership.
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Encouraging and enabling collaboration in modern workplace
Is your IT department the gatekeeper or the enabler of collaboration? All too often, IT falls into the trap of giving permission to use productivity tools instead of finding out what employees need to work together better, then facilitating those capabilities. In this article, the author poses the important question: "Are we the gatekeeper to employees collaborating or are we enablers and champions?" and discusses the benefits of moving IT to an enabler-focused mentality.
We All Knew Tech Would Make Work Better
By 2025, 75% of the workforce will be comprised of Millennials. What are you doing to modernize your workplace? Today, the answers are increasingly nuanced, characterized by a cycle of changes in the workplace.
After a revolution in the workplace spurred by technology, companies are finding that a balanced approach may be the most effective. Explore this article to learn more.
The Business Owner's Guide for Replacing Accounting Software
Replacing older accounting software can be easier and more affordable that many people think. The purpose of this guide is to help prospective customers understand the benefits of a modern technology platform, the advantages of a cloud-based solution, and how to evaluate the options.
View: The Business Owner's Guide for Replacing Accounting Software
Innovate Infographic
Moving Windows Server and SQL workloads to Azure provides flexible, scalable, and highly available cloud infrastructure. It also supports rapid innovation and digital transformation, freeing you to innovate. This infographic presents the benefits of running Windows Server and SQL Server on Azure.
Digital transformation in sales: Evolving the art of customer engagement
No matter where you are along your own digital transformation journey, technology can help your business stay more in tune with your customers and engage with them on a more personal level. At Aksara United, we are ready to help you discover which technology is best suited to taking your customer engagement to the next level.
View: Digital transformation in sales: Evolving the art of customer engagement
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Cloud migration essentials: A guide to migrating servers and virtual machines
Migrating servers and virtual machines has never been easier. With the right tools and processes, your migration project can be fast and friction free. You can reduce costs immediately and have more resources to drive cloud modernization. With the right tools and people, you can have the modern IT infrastructure you want and need.
At Aksara United, we have an experienced team and the best tools to help you migrate quickly and effectively. Contact us today to learn more.
View: Cloud migration essentials: A guide to migrating servers and virtual machines
The NQCranes Story—Game Changing Microsoft Cloud ERP
Stephen Goodson, IT manager at NQCranes, worked with his Microsoft partner to envision and create an ideal tomorrow for his company—a future that successfully connected their 60 technicians to their more than 15,000 pieces of equipment. After trying several different applications, Microsoft 365 Business Central was the only whole platform that could be fully integrated to meet their needs.
After choosing Microsoft 365 Business Central, the comprehensive, cloud ERP platform for mid-sized enterprises, the entire company was able to access data quickly, eliminate many manual processes, and improve visibility across all reporting.
Turn relationships into revenue
Today, the selling process is shifting, and relationships are king. Customers want to do business with companies that understand their needs and care about their success. That perception and trust are all built on relationships. Check out this infographic to learn more about fostering meaningful and profitable relationships with your customers.
Customer story: Lilly envisions a workplace where collaboration enables innovation
Pharmaceutical company, Lilly, aspires to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. Prioritizing both caring and discovery, they're using Microsoft 365 to support creative teamwork and dissolve physical barriers through in-lab collaboration.
At Aksara United, we can help you unlock the potential of collaboration tools like Microsoft 365. Contact us to learn more.
Containers 101
Containers allow you to run multiple applications on the same operating system kernel, unlock ultimate productivity, and provide a standardized environment for development, QA, and production teams. At Aksara United, we want you to have the freedom and productive environment your developers need to achieve more. Contact us today to learn how we can modernize your workplace IT infrastructure with tools like Azure.
Monday, August 3, 2020
Customer Story: Think Up Consulting Recap
With its global client base increasing, Think Up Consulting needed to improve its remote working capabilities. Its VPN-based system sometimes made it difficult for employees to remotely access files. And without a centralized platform, employees wasted time switching between disparate systems.
But with Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Business, Think Up created a unified solution, increased productivity and security, improved efficacy, and reduced costs. Think Up Consulting empowers its employees to achieve more together.
We can help you increase your global client base. Contact us to learn more.
5 Signs a Company has Outgrown its Accounting Solution
This infographic highlights five tell-tale signs that demonstrate when a business has outgrown its accounting software. For example, siloed systems, complicated reporting, and duplicate entries are just a few of the symptoms to watch out for. What's more, learn how to grow beyond the limits of accounting software and how to start a free trial!
Read about these signs, and more:
- Siloed and disconnected systems.
- Complicated reporting
- Duplicate entries and errors
- Utilization of spreadsheets for accounting
- Lack of audit trails
View: 5 Signs a Company has Outgrown its Accounting Solution
Itaú Unibanco boosts service availability and data processing with SQL Server 2019
As a banking leader in Latin America and one of the largest banks in the world, Itaú Unibanco handles thousands of transactions every second. Operating on an aging data infrastructure, the bank found it difficult to expand its digital services without breaking SLAs or putting its guarantee of continuous service availability at risk. Since it migrated database services to Microsoft SQL Server 2019 based on Intel datacenter technologies, Itaú Unibanco can confidently scale data collection and infrastructure maintenance while it delivers the high level of service its private and commercial banking customers rely on.
PENJANA HRDF
These efforts will be implemented through collaborations with various ministries and agencies.HRDF at the same time seeks qualified partners in delivering the initiatives crafted as part of the short to medium-term COVID-19 economic recovery plan, specifically related to job placement, entrepreneurship, self-employment and market-driven industrial revolution 4.0 training.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)