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News and Insights from the entrust IT Group

Windows Server 2012 Has Reached End-Of-Life

Windows Server 2012 has reached end-of-life. On the 10th of October 2023, windows discontinued support and updates for this operating system version. Any business still using this outdated system will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.

The Remote Working Landscape in 2023

Studies have found that job listings offering remote work options have tripled since last year. Pre-pandemic, only 12.4% of the workforce was working remotely, fast forward to today, and a staggering 84% of employees are looking to work remotely entering 2023. Remote work culture had gone from nearly non-existent in 2019 to the preferred way to work in 2022. But why and how has this been possible, and has it negatively or positively affected businesses?

Windows Server 2012 R2 End of Life: All You Need to Know

As a quick summary, any business still using the "Windows sever 2012 R2" will no longer receive critical security updates and patches after October 2023. Essentially this means that any data stored on you're 2012 server will be at a much higher risk of threat from hackers and cyber-attacks. Therefore, we recommend that you take a proactive approach and find an alternative to your 2012 server operating system to remove any chance of downtime or harm to your data.

What Does Each Microsoft 365 Application Do?

Microsoft 365 is now used by an astonishing 1.4 billion individuals and businesses and for good reason. Since its original release in 2001, Microsoft has matured into a game-changing modern business productivity suite that combines all the latest Microsoft applications with windows 10 and the highest tier security features. Businesses that haven't already taken the time to improve their companies' productivity through Microsoft 365 may not be aware of how much the 365 roster offers.

Why Teams is Now The Go-To Collaboration Platform

By the end of 2019, Microsoft Teams had amassed an impressive 20 million active monthly users, and cloud communication programmes were steadily becoming more common within businesses day-to-day. Fast forward to today and Teams now has an astounding 270 million active users, that’s almost 14 times more users in less than 3 years. A key element of Teams' recent success will undoubtedly be owed to the recent pandemic that caused countless businesses to expand their online workforce, which in turn required them to adopt a well-rounded collaboration platform such as Microsoft Teams.

The entrust IT Group are Attending This Years ISBA Conference!

Entrust IT Group is thrilled to be a part of the 150 professional advisers/companies attending this year’s ISBA (Independent Schools and Bursars Association) conference, we’re delighted to be going and are excited to speak with Head-Teachers and Bursars alike. As one of The ISBA’s ‘preferred suppliers’ we are keen to show our commitment and excellence to the Independent School sector, and what better way to do so than face to face.

5 Challenges Independent Schools Have Told us They're Facing

Many Independent schools started the new year with a spirit of optimism. It seems the pandemics' constantly changing economic effects are drawing to an end and some schools have found they are seeing higher demand than ever, with a lot of new interest from affluent “first-time buyers”. With this said, it’s too early to say that independent schools are ‘in the clear'. As one of our primary sectors, we’ve had the chance to partner with multiple independent schools, working with them to, consult, plan, and execute overhauls to their IT infrastructure. Doing so has given us the opportunity to learn first-hand what challenges independent schools are facing.

Windows Virtual Desktop... Why it's Time to Upgrade

Despite support for windows 7 ending in January 2020, over 100 million computers still run this increasingly outdated operating system. In addition to not having access to the full Microsoft Office roster, those that still use outdated versions of Windows are currently at risk of bugs, faults, and cyber-attacks! Fortunately, Microsoft now offer Windows Virtual Desktop, an exciting IT environment designed to solve common business problems, especially useful for businesses reliant on legacy apps.

The Microsoft 365 Secret Catching People Out

Since its creation in 2011, Microsoft 365 has become the go-to productivity suite amassing over 250 million average monthly users in 2021. Microsoft 365 became critical for many companies as they navigated through the pandemic. During a time when people have never felt more separated, Microsoft 365 brought them together and gave people the tools to collaborate, communicate and feel connected once again, even when miles apart. Post pandemic, more businesses than ever are looking to join the millions by also adopting Microsoft 365, and for good reason.

Three Challenges Independent Schools Will Face in 2022

The last two years have been a challenging time for all schools, the sudden need to have a flexible workforce and a large online presence doesn’t come without its challenges, especially when your ‘workforce’ isn’t just employees it’s also hundreds of students all requiring an all-encompassing online workplace. Whilst it seems highly unlikely independent schools will have to close their doors again it’s clear that covid-19 has left a shadow of changes that are here to stay.