What is a Disaster Preparedness Plan?

A disaster preparedness plan is a document that outlines the steps your business will take in the event of a major disruption. This could be anything from a severe weather event to a cyberattack. By having a plan in place, you can minimize the impact of a disaster on your business and ensure that you’re up and running as quickly as possible.

Why You Need a Disaster Preparedness Plan

Disasters can strike at any time, without warning. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared. A well-thought-out disaster preparedness plan can help you minimize downtime, protect your data, and keep your business running smoothly—no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

How Network Doctor Can Help

Network Doctors has over 20 years of experience helping businesses recover from disasters. We can work with you to create a customized disaster preparedness plan that fits the needs of your business. We’ll also provide you with access to our state-of-the-art data center, which is designed specifically for business continuity.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—now is the time to start preparing for disaster! Network Doctor can help you create a customized disaster preparedness plan that fits the needs of your business. We’ll also provide you with access to our state-of-the-art data center, which is designed specifically for business continuity. In the event of a power outage or natural disaster, our data center will keep your data safe and secure. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you prepare for the unexpected!

The post Spring is almost Here! Is Your Business Prepared for Disaster? appeared first on Network Doctor.

An adapted standard IT project methodology can provide an effective framework for managing IT separation successfully. A careful assessment of the complexity of the separation is an important component of this approach and underpins effective project planning and the allocation of appropriate time and resources. We have carried out IT separation projects across a wide range of industries, where our project methodology has been proven to deliver successful IT separation and, for many clients, significant IT optimization benefits. The key elements of our approach are:

– Assess IT separation complexity with a list of key drivers to determine functional dependencies
– Identify optimization potential of the newly built entity
– Let the new entity be in charge of the IT separation process
– Define a clear IT separation agreement between parent company and new entity
– Precisely plan data migration and prepare for exceptions
– Extract and migrate data to new entity

Corporate restructuring has an important role to play in both these scenarios. Since IT has evolved from a supporting business task into a “business enabler” it is nowadays a driver for business success and sustainability that needs to be dealt with in de-merger projects. IT separation is concerned with separating a business’s IT from a company’s core structure without damaging the remaining business. Yet this brings complex challenges with it. Questions that might immediately arise include: How to manage IT separation projects? How should existing data be divided between the new entities? How complex will the process be – and how is it best managed? What about system replacements and new resources?

These are difficult questions, but finding the right answers will be fundamental to the future sustainability and success of any carved-out or de-merged businesses. Our project examples show that enhancements gained by IT separation can reduce IT operational costs by up to 50%, although a significant initial investment in implementing change is required.

IT separation with an adapted IT project methodology

IT separation projects can be carried out successfully using a standard IT project methodology modified to address the distinct challenges presented by IT separation activities specific to IT separation projects:

– Identify functional dependency (IT separation complexity)
-Identify opportunities to optimize IT
-Identify new IT organization and skills
-Planning and migrating data

IT separation complexity

The complexity of an IT separation project is determined by the degree to which the IT systems of the two entities are dependent on each other. Complexity is driven primarily by the degree to which applications are shared or integrated. The number of applications, the technical environment in which they are used and the volume of transactions managed by these applications also have an impact on complexity and business risk.

OPPORTUNITIES TO OPTIMIZE IT

IT separation projects provide the opportunity to re-consider a company’s IT capabilities from both a business perspective, shaped by strategic business questions, and a technology perspective focused on improving IT capabilities through technology enhancements and innovation

New IT organization and staff skills

Establishing a clear organizational structure from the very beginning is a key requirement for IT separation success. An IT separation agreement between the two entities is valuable for establishing an agreement on key issues. These issues include a list of infrastructures and agreement on ownership, the cost of transferring hardware and software, and the price of any services to be delivered by the parent company after the separation.

PLANNING AND MIGRATING DATA

One of the final and most critical aspects of IT separation is data extraction and migration to the new entity. The first step in data migration planning is to identify the data that must be extracted or replicated. This stage includes addressing issues such as application changes or legal ownership of data. Next, the migration specification is developed. It defines the actions needed to migrate the data successfully, for example, which are the relevant databases and how data will be consolidated before migration. The complexity driver for these first two steps is the complexity of the data model, not the volume of transactions.

The three remaining steps involve the transfer of the data to the new entity. Before data migration takes place, a test migration system is built and may incorporate either migration tools provided by ERP vendors or custom developments. The data is then “cleansed” before being transferred, in the final step, to the new application environment. The major complexity driver of data migration is data volume, as the higher the volume of data
the greater the number of migration exceptions that are likely to occur. Methods or processes need to be established to resolve migration exceptions either automatically or manually.

Key IT Components of the SPLIT

IT is usually the largest source of TSA items because it includes everything from IT infrastructure and document management to application interfaces and company websites. Every demerger should address the following IT concerns:

• Software licenses: Some vendors object to allowing their use—referred to as the Right to Use (RTU) by the sold business during the TSA.
• Third-party connectivity: Customers, suppliers, and others will have to get involved in the transition from the selling company environment to the buying company environment.
• Shared locations: All infrastructure items, from networks, wiring closets, and data rooms, to printers and phones, need to be segregated.
• Third-party agreements: Infrastructure and/or application support often fall into this category.
• Cloud environments: Consider not only who will “own” data currently stored in the cloud, but also the cost to transition to the buying company environment.
• Help desk: A divestiture often requires an interim process so the help desk can transition from buying to selling company, while still managing calls between the seller and buyer help desks.
• Alignment and transitioning: Cybersecurity policies usually differ, so it’s important to ensure that all IT items in the TSA comply with both policies.

If you want to know more about how Network Doctor can help you with an IT separation project contact us or sign up for a free consultation.

Download the Case Study PDF

The post Case Study: Effective way to split your IT department due to organizational changes or the sale of your company. appeared first on Network Doctor.

The post What is an MSP (Managed Service Provider)? appeared first on Network Doctor.

1. Revolved around you

Working with a managed service provider should not be about relinquishing control of your IT operations, but delegating expertise of IT operations, technology or hardware that a MSP has access to but your company may not have readily available. A world class MSP will revolve around your business goals and provide strategic plans that cater to your business’s technological needs. The focus will be on the customer’s performance and growth; not the other way around.

[DOWNLOAD] 7 best practices to leverage IT strategy and drive business success

2. Flexible

Your organization is unique and you may want to leverage your managed services differently than other businesses in the industry. A world class MSP should have the flexibility to collaborate with multi-vendor environments or integrate your old systems with new ones according to new updates in pertinent technology. You may want to have a hybrid environment on premises with servers and others in the cloud. Your line of business application may be critical to your business operations. A world class MSP will offer flexible options to meet your needs.

3. Process-driven

Have you ever returned to a restaurant for a dish you enjoyed and the presentation, taste and texture was totally different than what you enjoyed the first time? It shouldn’t matter who’s behind the kitchen that day. A restaurant should have a process around their kitchen where the customer can have a predictable, quality dish every time around. A World class MSP will also have a process around providing managed services to deliver world class results. Processes are set, defined and refined on a continual basis and people follow them. Its comparable to getting a Morton’s steak, every time you walk into Morton’s, you know that you’ll be getting a top notch steak and that expectation is always met. That’s what you get with top tier managed services.

[How To Improve Your Business With IT Solutions – DOWNLOAD]

4. Seek to improve

A World class MSP will always seek to improve. In an era where businesses are competing for the top spot, end-to-end insight into business metrics can empower organizations with the data they need to fuel better decisions across business processes, employee engagement, customer experience, competitive standing, and market position. Successful companies should always provide increased visibility paired with reports that are easy to read and understand ensuring service levels are being consistently met.

5. Strong company culture

A world class MSP has a set of core values that is respected and followed by every team member. They make personnel decisions based on those core values and attain employees that are not only talented and capable, but ones who care about the customers and their everyday problems. If your MSP has low employee morale and culture, how enthusiastic will they be to answer your call? Next time don’t ask about how many employees an MSP has, ask them about the company’s culture and core values If you work with a World Class Managed Services provider, your company will become a business that will compete at a higher level because of their sustained increases in productivity and functionality.

The post 5 Things A World-Class Managed Service Provider Must Have appeared first on Network Doctor.

The good news is, even without a background in IT networks, you can still adequately assess a MSP’s worth. Most importantly, you need to know there are several services you should expect as a standard offering. To help you qualify your partnership with a quality provider, here are 7 services you should expect to receive from them:

1. Network Monitoring

An issue with security, software, servers or email can not only affect your company’s reputation with you clients, it can also cost big bucks from hours lost to downtime. Managed services providers should offer 24/7 network monitoring to ensure any problems that arise within your system are immediately addressed and resolved. Network monitoring is a necessary safeguard to reduce the risk of downtime and security breaches by identifying issues before they become larger problems.

2. 24/7 Customer Support

Many network issues are completely unpredictable, but a great managed services provider is prepared to handle anything at any time. That means providing support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If your managed services provider can’t promise you that, move on—there are many others who will.

3. Cloud Computing

Switching to cloud computing can help your company save money on technology, and enhance productivity and efficiency. If your managed services provider doesn’t offer this service, the company is behind the times. Your managed services provider should be able to host your applications or servers in a secure, off-site data center, and allow you access to your data and desktop functions any time, from any location with an internet connection.

4. cybersecurity basics

Hacks and security breaches can happen to anyone, but working with a managed services provider who offers quality security and virus protection will greatly reduce the risk. At the very least, your provider should install web security software for all users (antivirus), network security, malware protection and secure configurations .

5. Strategic Planning

Don’t settle for a managed services provider that doesn’t have a clear plan for your company’s future. Your managed services provider should inherently monitor trends and, as a standard of practice, always update your network where needed. At the least, your provider should address update concerns with you and provide you with monthly reports. The solutions they equip your business with today should also be adaptable to collaborate with future improvements and innovations. A good team will possess the foresight and experience to help you strategize for your company’s future.

6. Competitive Pricing

As the old cliché goes, you get what you pay for. However, while this is certainly true in the case of managed IT providers, it doesn’t necessarily mean the provider with the highest prices offers the best quality service. Additionally, if a provider is promising rates well below the average it could be an indication its service quality isn’t worth your investment. Instead, look for competitive pricing and always ask why services are more or less expensive than a provider’s competitors. Keep in mind cost will depend on factors such as the size of your company as well as any add-ons or custom work.

7. Proven Track Record

Given the importance of digital connectivity, your choice of managed services provider is critical to your company’s success. Be sure to do your homework and make sure the provider has a proven record of client satisfaction. Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Research each provider online, and read customer reviews. Trust your gut. If you think a provider is bad business and if it don’t offer the above services, move on to a reputable managed services provider that does.

The post 7 Services You Should Receive From Your Managed Services Provider appeared first on Network Doctor.

Necessity being the mother of (re)invention, the Covid-19 crisis has dramatically accelerated corporate digital transformation. As companies hurry to develop new digital capabilities in an effort to build resilience and retool for the post-pandemic world, keeping up with fast-moving technology trends is critical.

Trend 1: Continued growth of remote working and videoconferencing

This area has seen rapid growth during the pandemic, and it will likely continue growing in 2021.

Zoom, which grew from a startup in 2011 to going public in 2019, became a household name during the pandemic. Other existing large corporate tools such as Microsoft’s Teams, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, and Cisco’s Webex are also providing state-of-the-art videoconferencing systems, facilitating remote work across the globe.

Many new ventures are emerging in the remote working sector. Startups Bluescape, Eloops, Figma, Slab, and Tandem have all provided visual collaboration platforms enabling teams to create and share content, interact, track projects, train employees, run virtual team-building activities, and more.

These tools also help distributed teams keep track of shared learning and documentation. Users can create a virtual office that replicates working together in person by letting colleagues communicate and collaborate with one another easily.

Trend 2: Telehealth and telemedicine expansion

Healthcare is known for being a slower-to-adjust industry, but after being so heavily accelerated over the past year due to Covid-19, the innovation here is no longer a choice — it’s a necessity.

Many private and public practices have started implementing more telehealth offerings such as doctor-patient video chats, A.I. avatar-based diagnostics, and no-contact-based medication delivery. Telehealth visits have surged by 50 percent compared with pre-pandemic levels. Since then, Forrester Research predicted the number of U.S. virtual care visits will reach almost a billion early in 2021.

Teladoc Health, Amwell, Livongo Health, One Medical, and Humana are some of the public companies offering telehealth services to meet the current needs.

Startups are not far behind. Startups like MDLive, MeMD, iCliniq, K Health, 98point6, Sense.ly, and Eden Health have also contributed toward meeting the growing needs in 2020, and will continue offering creative solutions in 2021. Beyond telehealth, in 2021 we can expect to see health care advancements in biotech and A.I., as well as machine learning opportunities (example: Suki AI) to support diagnosis, admin work, and robotic health care.

A report by the World Health Organization explains what the next five years of digital health innovation can look like and what the industry’s strategy should be for utilizing these new technologies:

“The vision of the global strategy is to improve health for everyone, everywhere by accelerating the development and adoption of appropriate, affordable, scalable, and sustainable digital health solutions.”

Trend 3: Online education and e-learning as part of the educational system

Covid-19 fast-tracked the e-learning and online education industry. During this pandemic, 190 countries have enforced nationwide school closures at some point, affecting almost 1.6 billion people globally.

There is a major opportunity with schools, colleges, and even coaching centers conducting classes via videoconferencing. Many institutions have actually been recommended to pursue a portion of their curriculum online even after everything returns to normal.

Udacity, Coursera, Age of Learning, and Outschool are some of the top online learning platforms that have served the global community during the pandemic and will continue to do so in 2021 and beyond.

Trend 4: Increased development of 5G infrastructure, new applications, and utilities

There is no doubt that demand for higher-speed internet and a shift toward well-connected homes, smart cities, and autonomous mobility have pushed the advancement of 5G-6G internet technology. The 5G networks enable devices to work together in real time and help enable vessels to travel unmanned.

In 2021, we will see new infrastructure and utility or application development updates both from the large corporations and startups. Verizon announced a huge expansion of its 5G network in October 2020, which will reach more than 200 million people.

Startups like Movandi are working to help 5G transfer data at greater distances; startups including Novalume help municipalities manage their public lighting network and smart-city data through sensors. Nido Robotics is using drones to explore the sea floor. Through 5G networks, these drones help navigate better and use IoT to help communicate with devices on board.

Development of 5G and 6G technology will drive smart-city projects globally and will support the autonomous mobility sector in 2021.

Trend 5: In cybersecurity, authentication rights and network access get their due.

According to Interpol, the Covid-19 crisis has created an unprecedented opportunity for cybercriminals to increase their attacks. Yet most companies overestimate their cybersecurity performance, with only 24% actually meeting the bar, according to a 2020 Bain study. Identifying common IT security weaknesses and developing cybersecurity maturity is central to building truly resilient digital organizations.

One approach hackers take is to compromise a company’s active directory (AD) infrastructure, which controls user authentication rights and company network access. Using this approach, a cybercriminal could take over a CEO’s phone, usurp his or her identity, and access confidential internal information. We advise our clients to tailor security to their AD, invest in monitoring to detect attacks in real time and investigate all AD breaches.

If there’s one thing the Covid-19 pandemic has shown society at large, it’s how quickly we can adapt, innovate and create when we need to. And as technology continues to embed itself into every facet of our everyday lives, our “new normal” will continue to evolve faster and faster.

The post Top 5 Technology Trends Moving Into 2021 appeared first on Network Doctor.