June 30, 2020
Steve Gleason on technology and making ideas come to life
Companies that have adopted the cloud to drive business growth move faster, deliver more value and are able to address change more effectively than those constrained by rigid policies and processes. They use the flexibility of the cloud to their advantage, constantly finding new ways to scale nearly infinitely and gain deeper insights into customers that other companies only dream about. That's why it's imperative to make the most of big data, the cloud and intelligence capabilities.
Microsoft has the assets to deliver on the promise of a consistent experience. With Azure and SQL Server, customers get the most consistent experience from on-premises to cloud. Contact us to find out more.
Day in the life of a GDPR-ready DPO
Microsoft 365 and supporting tools help simplify compliance. This infographic takes you through a scenario using Microsoft 365 applications and integrated tools to implement updates required to comply with a regulatory change made in response to a data breach. Check it out to discover how your company can use Microsoft 365 controls to keep data safe and more easily comply with GDPR requirements.
Protect against cybersecurity threats with Microsoft 365
We get it. You're busy. You need to focus on your business and don't have time to be hindered by cybersecurity threats.
Lucky for you, Microsoft 365 Business provides robust security solutions with comprehensive external threat protection and internal data leak prevention. With our Microsoft 365 Business solutions, you can make sure that nothing stands in the way of your company's safety.
Check out this infographic for a quick view of industry trends, pain points, proof points, and more on why you should upgrade to Microsoft 365 Business.
View: Protect against cybersecurity threats with Microsoft 365
SitePro Part 1
SitePro gained a competitive advantage by combining onsite sensors and data collection with online data processing and management using Microsoft Azure. As a result, they were able to provide faster and more effective service to their customers, which in turn strengthened the offerings of their customers. It's a win for everyone.
6 Strategies to Boost Sales Productivity
Are your fragmented sales tools lacking the visibility you need into your prospects and customers' buying behaviors? This is the reality for the majority of organizations. In fact, according to a TOPO blog, "Sixty percent of companies lack a well-designed sales process." Fortunately, the right sales tools can help you understand and respond to buyers' demands and needs--no matter where they are in the buyer's journey.
In this eBook, you'll learn six strategies to help you leverage the right tools for your sales challenges. Specifically, you'll gain insight into how Dynamics 365 Sales Professional enables you to:
- Meet customers at any point in the journey
- Streamline engagement
- Get holistic performance insights, and more!
Share the eBook with your customers so they can start investing in the right technology to put them on the path to success!
June 25, 2020
Bill Gates Says These Tech Innovations Will Change the World
The quality of life for many people today is much better than it was 20 years ago. Bill Gates is bullish on tech that focuses on improving happiness and living conditions around the world. He believes that focusing on improved well-being in the next 20 years can fight back disease and other world problems.
June 24, 2020
Cybersecurity: A Small Business Guide
You already know that small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, but what can you do about it? How familiar are you with the common security pitfalls for small businesses, and do you know how to avoid them? Check out this article for an overview of the most common types of cyberattacks. It also details cybersecurity best practices targeted at protecting small businesses against data breaches.
And if you need help protecting your business and customers, we're here for you
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Don't miss another post! Subscribe now to get all the latest updates on Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Field Service solutions. An experienced Microsoft provider, Bay Area IT Solutions, Inc. can help your company transform by improving productivity and creating remarkable customer experiences with Dynamics 365 for Field Service.
Igniting SMB Growth with Exceptional Customer Experiences
Today's customers have higher expectations for buying experiences. They interact with businesses across many touchpoints, and they expect those experiences to be seamless and easy. Are you thinking about customer experiences from a customer-centric perspective?
In this productive webinar, you'll hear from a Director of Product Marketing at Microsoft and a Vice President and Principal analyst at Forrester. Together, they discuss why the customer experience is so important and the effect it has on top line revenue.
Additionally, you'll learn how the right CRM enables you to deliver on your customer's expectations. Now, you can keep the customer at the center of your conversation and focus on the hottest leads and most important deals. Empowered with data and insights, sellers can now exceed the highest expectations.
Gartner Forecasts Worldwide Public Cloud Revenue to Grow 17% in 2020
According to Gartner, Inc., the world's leading research and advisory company, the worldwide public cloud services is forecast to grow 17% in 2020. This is significant projected growth and a good indicator that the cloud is reliable, trustworthy—and necessary.
Have a look at this report, which also forecasts infrastructure as a service (IaaS) to grow 24%--the highest growth rate across all market segments. The report attributes the growth to "the demands of modern applications and workloads, which require infrastructure that traditional data centers cannot meet."
Read the press release and summarized findings here.
Customer story: Steve Gleason
Communication and connection are key to quality of life.
Steve Gleason, the famed NFL safety, demonstrates this daily. He has ALS and is no longer able to speak. He uses Microsoft technology and advanced eye tracking software to communicate with his family and the world.
Your business can use technology to digitally transform. Contact us to learn how you can connect people, data, and processes in the cloud to achieve more.
June 23, 2020
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Field Service Customer Success Story: Yougenio
See how the field service capabilities from Microsoft Dynamics 365 have allowed Yougenio -- an e-Digital Services company -- to optimize field service operations and provide timely, outstanding service to customers. Learn how you can improve productivity and create remarkable customer experiences with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service solutions.
Cloud App Security integrates with Windows Defender ATP
Based on our findings, enterprises today have an average of 1,100 cloud applications in their organization, with IT unaware of 61% of cloud services accessed. Sourcing from a cloud app catalog of more than 16,000 applications, Discovery in Microsoft Cloud App Security (MCAS), Microsoft Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solution identifies the cloud apps being used in your organization, provides risk assessments, ongoing analytics and lifecycle management capabilities to control the use.
Microsoft Cloud App Security now uniquely integrates with Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) to enhance the Discovery of Shadow IT in your organization and extend it beyond your corporate network. Watch this video for a look at the integrations, what they enable and how your organization benefits from a more complete view of cloud app- and services usage.
Customer story: Meals on Wheels
For the Meals on Wheels organization in Greenville County, South Carolina, serving and improving the lives of community members is a daily practice. As the nonprofit company grew, so did the need for their services in their community.
Leaders at Meals on Wheels knew they needed a comprehensive technology solution that would protect the data of the people they served. And, as more employees were onboarded and as employees began to increasingly work outside the office, team members needed a way to connect and share ideas from any location. With help from security and productivity tools from Microsoft 365 Business, Meals on Wheels completely transformed company technology solutions. And once employees were given better ways to collaborate, the organization's outreach in the community soared.
Five revenue killers and how to defeat them
Have you struggled with creating amazing marketing campaigns that just don't drive revenue? You're not alone! In this eBook, you'll hear from several sales and marketing experts who have walked in your shoes. They know how hard it is to sift through the clutter and identify the leads with the most potential.
This eBook walks customer's through five of the top revenue killers and then offers solid strategies, tactics, and advice to overcome these pitfalls. For example, most all sellers and marketers can relate to revenue killer no. 1: Most sales funnels leak at the top, not the bottom.
Learn how to overcome all-too-common marketing and sales missteps and how Dynamics 365 Sales Professional will help pave the way to for immediate results.
Five revenue killers and how to defeat them
Have you struggled with creating amazing marketing campaigns that just don't drive revenue? You're not alone! In this eBook, you'll hear from several sales and marketing experts who have walked in your shoes. They know how hard it is to sift through the clutter and identify the leads with the most potential.
This eBook walks customer's through five of the top revenue killers and then offers solid strategies, tactics, and advice to overcome these pitfalls. For example, most all sellers and marketers can relate to revenue killer no. 1: Most sales funnels leak at the top, not the bottom.
Learn how to overcome all-too-common marketing and sales missteps and how Dynamics 365 Sales Professional will help pave the way to for immediate results.
Learn how to modernize your apps and data on Azure
Break down the cloud journey with four stages of the process—starting with a pre-migration assessment and then looking at migration, post-migration, and optimization. Microsoft Azure has you covered with tools created specifically for you.
June 17, 2020
Five Ways Big Data Can Help Your Business Succeed
According to Harvard Business Review, 99% of businesses surveyed reported they intend to implement big data analytics and AI in the near future. On the flipside, only around 30% have succeeded. This article makes a case for accelerating plans to integrate big data analytics and AI into business practices. With the Microsoft Azure cloud, Bay Area IT Solutions, Inc. helps turn plans into action by using Microsoft Power BI and Microsoft Dynamics to gain the deep data insights needed to spark innovation and growth.
Why Migrate with Azure?
With Microsoft Azure Migration Program (AMP), customers receive prescriptive guidance for a step-by-step approach for a path to the cloud from start to finish.
The program delivers technical skill building to ensure your organization can successfully adopt Azure; best practices for a step-to-step approach from start to finish; Azure engineering support for data and infrastructure foundations; expert guidance from specialized migration partners; free Azure tools to help you efficiently execute migrations; and cost effective offers to help you save money before, during, and after migration. All of this, available to all Azure customers, scaled through specialized migration partners.
Contact us for more information or assistance in migrating.
Azure Migration Guide for Windows Server
Need a simpler way to approach your cloud migration? Start with an honest assessment of your environment to determine what you have and whether it's a good candidate for moving to the cloud. Next, choose your migration strategy and the approach you'll use. Once you've completed your migration, you can begin to optimize for best results. Want a little help along the way? Contact us to learn how we can help you navigate the migration process and identify the strategy that best suits your needs.
Machine Learning Is Helping To Stop Security Breaches With Threat Analytics
Machine learning is enabling threat analytics to deliver greater precision regarding the risk context of privileged users' behavior, creating notifications of risky activity in real time, while also being able to actively respond to incidents by cutting off sessions, adding additional monitoring, or flagging for forensic follow-up.
June 16, 2020
Avoid security breaches: How to protect your data
Updating your security measures can be tricky, especially if you don't know where to start. Luckily, securing your sensitive data is easier than you think.
With these tips on how to protect your valuable company data, you can create a customizable plan of attack to ensure that your information is always protected, no matter the size of your business.
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 Bay Area IT Solutions, Inc., we can help you find the right solutions to fit your security needs. Contact us today to learn more.
GDPR is here -- are you ready?
With data being the center of everything in the modern digital era, data privacy and security have become a major business and social issue. To address the issues, GDPR has come into effect to require organizations all over the world to make significant changes in how they manage and protect personal data. Download and customize this infographic to give your target audience a view of what GDPR means to organizations, what the regulations include and how Microsoft solutions enable organizations to stay in compliance.
Protect your business with advanced security from Microsoft 365 Business
We get it: running a small business is no small task. We know your customers have no shortage of security concerns, whether it be preventing data loss or ensuring information-rights management.
Good news! Now, with security solutions from Microsoft 365 Business, you can have peace of mind knowing your business is defended against all manner of cyberattacks.
Need help paving the way to a more secure future for your company? Check out this infographic and contact us to learn more about our unique security solutions.
View: Protect your business with advanced security from Microsoft 365 Business
Lizo | Digital transformation in the oil & gas industry: seamless scaling and automatic updating
Our final video in the Lizo series shows how a business can push the boundaries of what's possible for a data-driven company. To do this, they needed to be as agile and informed as possible. See how companies can move to Azure to enjoy the freedom and possibilities of the cloud.
June 10, 2020
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 Bay Area IT Solutions, Inc., we have years of experience helping businesses just like yours to plan and implement new hybrid-cloud solutions. Contact us to learn more.
Small and Mid-Size Businesses Need to Focus on Cybersecurity
Contrary to popular opinion, small and mid-size businesses are at a greater risk for a cybersecurity attack than large corporations. But because many SMBs assume they're not at risk, they rarely invest in security measures that could save their businesses. Read this article for more on the real impact of a data breach on SMBs and what you can do to protect your business.
Enable Seller Productivity by Integrating Office 365 with Dynamics 365 Sales Professional
In our current digital era—we are bombarded by information—making it difficult to navigate all of the data and knowledge thrown at us. Employees and sales reps often complain that there is too much distraction, making it difficult to know what to focus on. In fact, according to an Accenture report, 59% of sellers say they have too many sales tools and that distractions reduce seller's performance by 14%.
Watch this insightful webinar and learn how Dynamics 365 Sales Professional cuts through the distraction by providing a single, intelligent platform turning initial sales contacts into closed deals. The webinar provides an overview of Dynamics 365, an introduction into Dynamics 365 Sales Professional, and a demo of the product.
Bringing Apps and Start-ups Together
More frequently than ever, consumers are utilizing apps for news, food, information, social networking and more. Of course, the cloud forms the core of the app economy and small to medium businesses need service providers that support their financial needs and requirements.
In his article, "Bringing Apps and Start-ups Together," Prabhakar Jayakumar writes that 90% of all data used over the last two years was created using an optimized data management tool. For digitization to progress, modern app development requires efficient data management and processing. The app must engage users and generate content, "and then process the data generated to garner insights, which can enhance the performance of the app or brand," writes Jayakumar. He adds that this is where cloud service providers can be of great help, in setting up databases to be quick and fail-proof.
In short, Jayakumar sees service providers can help SMBs deploy applications quickly and cost-effectively: "Less coding, limitless scalability, exceedingly fast deployments, and fool-proof security are the pillars of tomorrow's app economy, powered by the cloud."
Read Jayakumar's entire article and contact us for cloud migration support.
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Advances in AI and digital applications are transforming every aspect of life and work. How are you optimizing these technologies to drive modernization? From scale and agility to cutting-edge capabilities, the cloud can help you speed innovating and growth. We can help you make the most of the opportunities in the cloud. Subscribe now to get updates from Bay Area IT Solutions, Inc. and learn more about Microsoft Dynamics 365!
June 9, 2020
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.
Using the Cloud to Build and Maintain Smart Buildings
MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions is shaking up the tradition-bound construction industry. Using Internet of Things and data analytics technologies, MacDonald-Miller helps customers build energy-efficient buildings and keep them operating at peak efficiency. Here, Bradd Busick, the company's Chief Information Officer, talks about how MacDonald-Miller has gone all in with the Microsoft Cloud to design cutting-edge smart-building systems that save customers money, give MacDonald-Miller new growth opportunities, and help save the planet, one building at a time.
Discover and protect sensitive data with Windows Defender ATP and Microsoft Information Protection
Get a high-level understanding of how Windows Defender ATP helps discover, protect and monitor sensitive data on Windows Devices -- an integration that's enabled with just a few simple clicks!
Customer story: iSalon
For UK-based business iSalon, protecting sensitive customer data is their top priority. iSalon provides software and management systems to over 2,000 hair salons, and most of their customers are small business owners who have poured their life savings into their companies.
iSalon depends on security technology from Microsoft 365 Business to defend against information loss and cyberattacks like malware and malicious URLs. And with employees scattered across the UK, collaboration and productivity tools keep employees connected and engaged.
Customer Story: Argusi
Do you struggle with fragmented business applications that are difficult to use? Perhaps it's a challenge to get your employees caught up and on the same page? This was the case for Argusi, a Netherlands-based supply chain optimization firm, until they implemented Dynamics 365 Sales Professional.
Starting out small, Argusi managed to get by using whatever platforms were available. As they grew, they realized this approach wouldn't scale. Implementing Dynamics 365 Sales Professional alongside their existing Office 365 products, gave them the transparency they needed throughout the entire sales cycle.
Watch this video to see why Argusi is "a big fan" Dynamics 365 Sales Professional and how it transformed their Sales organization.
June 8, 2020
Discover the benefits of modernization and save with Azure SQL Database Managed Instance
Check out the ways in which Azure SQL Database Managed Instance is designed to provide you with exactly what your business needs so you can save money without missing a beat.
View: Discover the benefits of modernization and save with Azure SQL Database Managed Instance
June 3, 2020
Is Your Computer Being Held Hostage? What to Do.
Ransomware attacks happen more than you think. Back up data; keep security up to date and take on those hackers! These are just a few of the tips you'll get when you read this blog by security, privacy and identify theft expert, Robert Siciliano. Advanced threat protection is important, too.
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
June 2, 2020
Using AI To Augment Customer Service Agents
There is seldom a sector or field that is not undergoing some form of transformation driven by a wave of digital technologies that are upending traditional ways of doing things -- including customer service. While many of claims of disruption suffer from over-hype, the way companies engage with customers is one domain where claims are justified.
A recent report from Deloitte highlights how customer service has transitioned from the cost centers of old to create experiences that delight customers and turn them into brand devotees. Read this blog for insight on the various ways enlightened organizations are using technology and automation to empower humans to augment and enhance customer experiences.
Is Your Email System as Advanced as its Attackers?
New exploits come out faster all the time. Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection helps organizations stay ahead. Download and customize this infographic with your company logo. Then share it with customers and prospects to emphasize the costs and risks of cybercrime and the three ways Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection defends against unknown threats before data is compromised.
Protect your company with security solutions from Microsoft
Every company needs to have an updated security strategy—we're looking at you, small businesses. In a digital landscape that's constantly evolving, now's the time to adopt a cloud-based security solution to defend customer data against cyberattacks.
Want to secure your customers' sensitive data? Contact us to learn more.
View: Protect your company with security solutions from Microsoft
Lizo | Digital transformation in the oil & gas industry: improving on-site safety
Safety is a priority for companies, especially those working in industries where a few seconds can mean a significant deficit for thousands of customers.
This time we show how companies such as Lizo partner their apps with Microsoft Azure for instant status updates of facilities and equipment that are vital for site operators to maintain safety around the globe. Their customers funnel real-time data from multiple sources into a single platform. Their facility oversight is improved, their operations are more efficient, and the workplace safety is right where it should be—at the top.
Watch this video to see how other data-driven companies could partner with Microsoft Azure to offer cloud-based software solutions to customers who need real-time response.
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
June 1, 2020
Customer story: Jack's Diving Locker
Jack's Diving Locker, a scuba diving and snorkel educational facility, uses Microsoft 365 Business to securely run their business and to streamline their outreach efforts. Since adopting a cloud-based security and communication solution, its founders have grown their business from five sets of gear and a Volkswagen van to a company with two retail stores and five boats at two harbors. They use security tools, like Microsoft Intune, to protect company data and devices and to ensure that business is conducted securely and efficiently. With help from Microsoft 365 Business, Jack's Diving Locker has expanded into a global ocean conservation and education company, teaching people all over the world to preserve and protect our oceans.
Map to Your Customers' Sales Expectation
What do your customers expect from sellers? Wouldn't it be great to easily answer this question! This infographic includes powerful statistics and insight into the minds of customers.
According to McKinsey, the top customer request is to speed up interactions with sellers. This was mentioned two times more often than price. What's more, according to TOPO, 60 percent of companies lack a well-designed sales process.
Great news! Dynamics 365 Sales Professional helps your sellers stay engaged with customers and provides virtual collaboration via Teams.
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