Did your company’s software system once seem sleek and nimble? But now it resembles a tangled web of shortcuts, patches, and workarounds. Welcome to the realm of technical debt. It’s a silent saboteur that accumulates over time, threatening your efficiency.What Is Technical Debt?Think of technical debt as the interest you pay on a loan you never intended to take. Technical debt accumulates when companies choose shortcut IT solutions. Rather than better, longer, more sustainable ones. Initially, it seems harmless. But as your system grows, those hasty decisions compound. This slows down progress and creates future complications. Addressing technical debt is essential for maintaining a robust, efficient technology environment. Here are eight strategies to tackle technical debt at your company.1. Identify and Prioritize Technical DebtIdentifying technical debt is the first step in managing it effectively. Focus on the most critical issues first. This drives you to focus on changes that bring the most
All posts by Jose Luis
In the whirlwind of today’s business landscape, adaptability reigns supreme. Today’s workspaces transcend physical boundaries. Employees work and collaborate seamlessly from anywhere. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a local café or lounging on their living room couch. That’s the magic of a mobile-optimized workspace. It’s a game-changer for productivity and performance.51% of employees use company-mandated apps when working via mobile devices.Why Optimize for Mobile?The modern workforce dances to a different beat. Gone are the rigid 9-to-5 shackles; instead, employees crave flexibility. They want to switch effortlessly between their trusty desktops and pocket-sized smartphones. Allowing them to tackle tasks wherever inspiration strikes. A mobile-optimized workspace isn’t a luxury. It’s the power to foster a thriving, engaged team. Enabling mobile-friendly work is about supercharging productivity and nurturing employee happiness. Keep reading to explore the art of crafting a mobile-first environment.Core Components of a Mobile-Optimized WorkspaceCloud-Based Everything: Shift your operations to the cloud. This
Microsoft 365 is a powerful suite of tools. It helps to enhance productivity and collaboration. This is especially true for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). But to get the most out of Microsoft 365, it’s important to optimize its settings. Otherwise, you may only be using a fraction of the power you have.Ready to get more from your M365 business subscription? This blog post will guide you through essential settings to power up your use of Microsoft 365.1. Optimize Email with Outlook FeaturesSet Up Focused InboxFocused Inbox helps you manage your email more efficiently. It separates important emails from the rest. To enable it, go to the View tab in Outlook and select Show Focused Inbox. Or in New Outlook, visit View > View Settings. This setting ensures you see the most important messages first.Customize Email SignaturesA professional email signature can enhance your brand. Create signatures for new emails and
In today’s world, everything’s connected. That includes the software your business relies on. Whether you’ve installed that software locally or use it in the cloud.Protecting the entire process that creates and delivers your software is very important. From the tools developers use to the way updates reach your computer, every step matters. A breach or vulnerability in any part of this chain can have severe consequences. A recent example is the global IT outage that happened last July. This outage brought down airlines, banks, and many other businesses. The culprit for the outage was an update gone wrong. This update came from a software supplier called CrowdStrike. It turns out that the company was a link in a LOT of software supply chains.What can you do to avoid a similar supply chain-related issue? Let’s talk about why securing your software supply chain is absolutely essential.1. Increasing Complexity and InterdependenceMany ComponentsModern software
Your smartphone is a digital wallet, communication hub, and personal assistant. All rolled into one portable device. It’s packed with sensitive data, from financial information to personal photos. This makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. Mobile malware is often overlooked. People focus on securing their laptops or desktops. But they don’t pay as close attention to smartphone and tablet security.In 2023, attacks on mobile devices increased by 50% over the prior year.The fact is that hackers haven’t overlooked mobile devices. They set many traps to get users to infect their devices with malware. We’ll uncover common mobile malware traps and tell you how to avoid them.Common Mobile Malware TrapsMobile malware is just like its computer counterpart. It is malicious software designed to harm your device or steal your data. It can arrive in various forms, from sneaky apps to deceptive links. Ignorance is not bliss here. Understanding the common traps
A business network is the lifeblood of operations. It’s the digital artery that pumps data through your organization. It enables everything from email to critical applications and cloud services. When problems sever that lifeline, the consequences can be catastrophic. Communication is cut off and productivity grinds to a halt. Additionally, it can leave your customers hanging and dry up revenue streams. This is the stark reality of network downtime.When downtime happens, it’s important to identify the source as fast as possible. Understanding the issue can save you time, money, and countless headaches. Let’s get started on keeping your network up and running smoothly. Read on for six helpful tips to troubleshoot common business network issues.1. Identify the ProblemUnderstanding the nature of the problem is the first step in troubleshooting. By gathering detailed information, you can narrow down potential causes. Determine the ScopeFirst, determine the scope of the problem. Is it affecting a
Buying a used laptop can be a great way to save money. But it comes with risks. You need to be careful and thorough in your evaluation. Otherwise, you could end up wasting your money. You can’t only look at the outside when evaluating technology. This guide will help you understand what to look for when buying a used laptop (or desktop PC). These steps can keep you from losing money on a bad tech decision. Determine Your NeedsIdentify Your PurposeFirst, identify why you need the laptop. Are you buying it for work, gaming, or general use? Your purpose will dictate the specifications you need. For example, gaming laptops need powerful GPUs. Business laptops focus on reliability and battery life.Set a BudgetDecide how much you are willing to spend. Setting a budget helps narrow down your choices. Remember, used laptops vary greatly in price. Knowing your budget beforehand prevents overspending.Check the Laptop’s
The office landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Gone are the days of sterile cubicles and monotonous routines. Today’s smart offices are hubs of innovation. They’re designed to empower employees, optimize workflows, and foster collaboration.This shift is driven by technology. Including smart features that seamlessly integrate into the physical workspace. But with so many options available, where do you begin? Here are the top six smart office trends you should consider adopting. They can power productivity and boost employee satisfaction.1. Internet of Things (IoT) DevicesConnected Office EquipmentIoT devices are revolutionizing the workplace. These devices connect office equipment, allowing them to communicate and operate more efficiently. For example, smart printers can alert you when they need more paper or toner. Smart coffee machines can ensure a fresh brew is ready when you arrive. IoT devices help automate mundane tasks, saving time and reducing stress.Smart Lighting and Climate ControlSmart lighting and climate control
Windows 10 has served us well. But its time is running out. Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means no more security updates, no more patches, and no more support. It’s time to upgrade to Windows 11. This is especially true for business users with many systems to check and upgrade. This change isn’t just about getting new features. It’s about ensuring your PC stays secure, fast, and capable.Why You Need to Upgrade NowSecurity ConcernsWhen Microsoft stops supporting Windows 10, your computer becomes vulnerable. No more updates mean no more security patches. Hackers and malware developers will exploit these vulnerabilities. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures you receive the latest security updates. This keeps your data and personal information safe.Enhanced PerformanceWindows 11 is designed to be faster and more efficient. It optimizes your hardware, providing better performance. Whether you use your PC for work, gaming,
Traveling with technology has become a necessity. Whether for work, communication, or entertainment, we rely heavily on our devices. But traveling exposes these gadgets to various risks. Theft, damage, and loss are common concerns. We’ve put together some helpful tips to mitigate the risk of any tech mishaps on your next trip. Follow these eight best practices to ensure your devices remain safe when traveling.1. Use Protective CasesInvest in quality protective cases. They shield your gadgets from bumps, drops, and scratches. Look for cases that are sturdy and provide a snug fit. For laptops and tablets, consider hardshell cases. For smartphones, use cases that cover the edges and have raised bezels. This simple step can save you from costly repairs.2. Leverage Tracking AppsInstall tracking apps on your devices. These apps help you locate your devices if they are lost or stolen. Many operating systems have built-in tracking features. Enable them before