Fastmetrics Business Blog

Author: Cody Miller

How Your Business Can Stay Safe Online In 2023 With These 3 Tips

Business Safety Online In 2023

Did you know that 74% of US organizations experienced a successful phishing attack in 2020? That’s up from 65% just one year prior. For perspective, only 56% of organizations in Japan experienced a successful phishing attack that same year.

In fact, data breaches in the US have increased almost tenfold over the last two decades. One of the worst data breaches to date? The 2018 security breach of Apollo (a sales intelligence company) which resulted in more than nine billion compromised data points. 😯

But losing data records is just part of the havoc that can come from cybersecurity crimes. Your business can also face legal and financial consequences due to a cyber attack. Just ask the credit agency Equifax. The company agreed to pay a $575 million settlement following a data breach in 2019. In other words, cybersecurity attacks are real, and they’re expensive. They can cause you to lose sensitive data, proprietary information, and a lot of cash. If you’re ready to rethink how your organization can stay safe online in 2023, we have a few tips up our sleeve that can help you establish a baseline. Ready to learn more? Let’s take a look.

Why Cybersecurity Matters

The average cost per data breach in the US is almost nine and a half million dollars. While no business operates perfectly, those that fail to harness the power of cybersecurity measures could be looking at facing serious consequences down the line.

What’s more, if you decide to find buyers for your business one day, your organization’s security could contribute to your company’s overall worth. That means, if you’re not set up to prevent and mitigate cybersecurity crimes, you could be looking at a lower business valuation. From protecting your brand’s net worth to preventing data leaks, viruses, and phishing attacks, there are endless reasons why cybersecurity matters. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three ways you can keep your business safe in 2023.

1. Conduct Regular Cybersecurity Health Check-ups and Host Team Training Sessions

Make a habit of conducting regular cybersecurity health check-ups. You can use tools to run automated health check-ups, run through your processes manually, and/or ask a cybersecurity specialist to handle routine scans for you.

It’s also important to host regular team cybersecurity training sessions to keep your entire organization on the same page. If you’re not equipped to host training sessions, hire a cybersecurity expert to handle them for you. Be sure to also send updates to your employees as your company standards change. Notify them of any recent scammers or scams they should be on alert about — along with what to do if faced with a potential threat.

2. Work Using Cloud-Based Systems

Working inside of cloud-based systems may help prevent cybersecurity crimes for three crucial reasons. For one, you can store your system data in the cloud in triplicate — that means you’ll still have access to your system regardless if a natural disaster happens or if your data center experiences a server failure. Working in the cloud also means maintaining less hardware, resulting in fewer points of entry for cyber criminals to target.

And finally, with cloud solutions, the information that travels between your devices to the cloud is fully encrypted. In other words, if someone attempts to access your data, they’ll need an encryption key to see it. Here are a few cloud based tools you might want to consider;

Google Tools For Everyday Tasks: You’re probably all too familiar with Google tools already — but did you know you can use them to run a full host of business processes? From accounting to training to marketing, the sky’s the limit with the Google gods. And the best part is, most of these online tools are free!

ActiveCampaign For Sales Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Manage your prospect list and customer relationships using a safe sales CRM tool, like ActiveCampaign. You can also use ActiveCampaign to score leads and send segmented, automated email marketing campaigns.

Plus for data capture and management: Capture, see, and share important information from all of your apps with Plus. An especially useful tool for setting up recurring dashboards and presentations.

TSplus for remote control and support: Equip your IT and customer service teams to resolve tech issues and provide support faster with TSplus — a common TeamViewer alternative. And that brings us to…

3. Store Data Safely

Consider using a colocation data center, a space for servers and other computing hardware, to support your business apps and workloads in-house. It’s also wise to learn data storage and management best practices, such as how long to hold on to data and what legal policies you need to be aware of — share these with your team, too! You can also work using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which keeps your data stored safely within a protected tunnel. Don’t forget to also enlist the help of other cybersecurity tools, too, like virus protection software and firewalls.

Wrap Up

Data breaches in the US have continued to snowball over the last two decades, making business safety online a key consideration for modern businesses. From losing pertinent data records to facing legal and financial consequences, cybercrimes can cost businesses millions of dollars (looking at you, Equifax!).

That’s why taking the time to create a cybersecurity plan is so important. If you’re serious about keeping your business safe in 2023, we hope today’s article has given you the insight you need to make it happen. While the tips we shared today are just scratching the surface, they can help you establish a cybersecurity baseline.

For good measure, here’s a quick recap of the tips we shared today:
1. Conduct regular cybersecurity health check-ups and host team training sessions
2. Work using cloud-based systems and SaaS tools
3. Store data safely

That’s it for now, friends. Stay safe in cyberspace!

Author Bio: Shane Barker is a digital marketing consultant who specializes in influencer marketing, content marketing, and SEO. He is also the co-founder and CEO of Content Solutions, a digital marketing agency. He has consulted with Fortune 500 companies, influencers with digital products, and a number of A-List celebrities.

March 13, 2023
Small Business Cybersecurity: What You Need To Know
Small Business Cybersecurity Know-how

Small business cybersecurity is dynamic and one of many issues which small and midsize businesses may encounter today. With more businesses than ever being online or relying on e-commerce to generate revenue, online security is a growing concern. Many small business owners struggle to keep their businesses cyber-safe. From assessing risks to obtaining suitable tools for managing that risk. In this article, we explore small business cybersecurity; the risks, reasons and some protection tips.

Why Are Small Businesses Targeted By Cybersecurity Attacks?

Valuable data: Hackers are aware that small businesses often deal in valuable customer data too, but may not have the cybersecurity protection in place of larger businesses. This data is simple to sell online, via the dark web. Data such as credit card numbers, medical records, bank information, and confidential business information can be targeted by hacking or cybersecurity breaches.

Computing power: Sometimes cybercriminals are primarily concerned with enlisting a company’s computers into a bot army to carry out large-scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

Gateway to attack larger businesses: Businesses today are connected digitally to carry out transactions, control supply chains, and exchange information. Hackers may target smaller partners as a way to access the systems of major firms. Typically, larger companies are more difficult to breach.

What Are Common Types of Cyber Attacks?

Whatever their target is, hackers typically want to acquire sensitive data belonging to an organization, such as financial information like customer credit card details or identification. With enough information a hacker can use that to their advantage in a variety of harmful ways.

Knowing about the typical types of small business cybersecurity threats, is the first step in protecting or safeguarding your business from such threats. Since small midszie business (SMB) cybersecurity is a dynamic issue, this is not a comprehensive list of potential dangers. But be aware of these common types of cybersecurity attacks;

APT: Often known as an Advanced Persistent Threat, is a continuing targeted attack when a hacker enters a network in stages to avoid being discovered. An attacker tries to avoid exposure once they have gained network access and can establish a foothold there.

Denial-of-Service (DoS): Takes place when servers or a network resource are intentionally flooded or bombarded with requests. This occurs at a scale until the target’s system is unavailable for its intended purposes. And can be brought to a complete stop. Halting trade or functions entirely.

Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS): Is basically a more elaborate version of a DoS cyber-attack. However, flooding occurs from multiple, distributed locations and not a single source. Therefore it is harder to mitigate, because blocking a single source won’t prevent it.

Inside Attack: This is when a person with administrative access, typically from inside the firm, deliberately uses their identification to access sensitive company data.

MITM: A Man-In-The-Middle attack is when two parties trade commodities such as data or digital information. A hacker infiltrates the connection by injecting malware that obstructs information flow in order to steal this crucial data.

Phishing: Possibly the most widely used type of cybercrime, phishing assaults include gathering sensitive data, such as login passwords and card information, using a website that appears authentic but is ultimately a scam and is frequently provided to unwary people in emails.

How To Protect Your Small Business

At a basic level, have a safe Internet usage policy. Inform staff members on best practices for basic Internet usage and password protection. At an owner or manager level, other considerations are;
- Phishing email detection
- Responsible Internet usage and using a firewall
- Preventing downloads of spam or malicious files
- Consider Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), as opposed to cheaper shared alternatives
- Authentication and password support (for example, using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication)
- Safeguarding private vendor and personal customer data
- Consider encryption or hashing software or solutions to add further data protection
- Update operating systems, browsers, and antivirus software for system security
- Enable solutions such as CWPP to monitor and detect threats from workloads operating in the public cloud
- Using backup applications to automate the copying of files to secure storage. In the event of an attack, you can restore all of your files using your backups.
March 2, 2023
Why Do People Use Video Game Cheats?

Understanding Why People Use Cheats In Video Games

Video game cheats have been around since the dawn of gaming. It’s a controversial issue with many people debating both sides of the argument, but it remains an interesting topic. This post explores why some people choose to use cheats while playing video games. Also what effect they can have on their overall gaming experience. It’ll also be examining the pros and cons of cheating in video games. With that said, let’s dive right into it.

It’s A Good Way To Learn Programming

Cheating in video games can be a great way to learn to program. By manipulating code, players can familiarize themselves with various coding languages and understand how game engines work. Cheating also provides an opportunity for gamers to develop their own skills as they are able to create or utilize existing cheats, in order to solve difficult puzzles or access new areas of the game.

In some cases, players may even be able to create their own cheats in order to gain an advantage over other players. Some players opt for a Cheat Engine tutorial site in order to hone their programming skills and develop cheats that can be used in a variety of games. Ultimately, cheating in video games is not just about getting an advantage; it’s also about learning how to program and becoming a better gamer.

Some People Enjoy The Lack Of Skill

Some people enjoy the feeling of not having to master a game mechanically and instead using cheats as an alternative. Cheating can provide an adrenaline rush, especially when they’re successful in avoiding detection by gamemasters. For many players, it’s a way to participate without having to invest time in mastering skills or grinding for experience points. It’s a way to experience the rewards of a game without having to do the work.

This can be especially appealing for people who are new to gaming or just don’t have the time or inclination to devote themselves to mastering in-game mechanics. Cheating is often seen as an activity that promotes creativity and exploration, allowing players to explore different parts of the game or discover secrets they wouldn’t have found otherwise. Ultimately, it’s the thrill of taking a shortcut that entices many players to cheat.

It Makes Some Single Player Games A Lot More Fun

Video game cheats can make single-player experiences much more interesting and enjoyable. Using cheats can unlock new levels, give extra lives, or even just allow a player to experience a world of new possibilities, that would otherwise be impossible. For example, if there is a level that is particularly difficult for a player to complete without using cheat codes, cheat codes can gain access to bonuses and extra levels that would have taken a significant amount of time and effort to earn.

Additionally, using cheats in single-player games can make the game more challenging or provide an entirely new challenge, allowing players to experience something completely different from their regular gameplay experiences without having to install a new game. In the end, using cheats in single-player games can add a lot of fun and excitement to an otherwise mundane gaming experience. The choice is ultimately up to the individual players, as some people prefer to play without cheats while others may find that using them makes their game more enjoyable.

The Thrill Of Going Against The Norm

Video game cheats can be thrilling, as it allows players to go against the norms that they are presented with. It provides a sense of accomplishment when they successfully find and activate cheats to gain an advantage over other players. Cheating also makes the game more interesting, as it introduces unexpected twists and turns that can challenge even experienced gamers.

The thrill of going against the norm is one of the main reasons people choose to cheat in video games, as it allows them to innovate and create unique strategies that they wouldn’t be able to do without cheating. In addition, some gamers find cheats can give an edge – especially if they may be lacking the bandwidth and internet speed vs other players. Cheats can be used as a way to add an extra layer of difficulty or excitement to the gaming experience. All in all, the thrill of going against the norm is one of the main reasons people use cheats when playing video games.

There are many reasons why people use cheats in video games. From honing their programming skills to simply enjoying the thrill of going against convention, cheating can provide an interesting and unique way to experience a game. Ultimately, it is up to each individual player to decide if they want to take advantage of cheat codes or play without them.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

January 12, 2023
Java Important For Digital Marketers: What You Need To Know
Java Critical For Growing Digital Marketing Space

In 2022, the global spend on digital ads is set to reach $485 billion, up from $441 billion in 2021. As this sector grows, the demand for digital marketers is rising fast. Such data shows how lucrative the digital marketing space can be. However, only digital marketers who continuously keep up with best practices can fully capitalize on a sector’s growth. One of the things that can enhance your digital marketing career is learning Java. Yes, the programming language. Below, we outline some of the reasons why.

Java is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Millions of developers use it to create websites, mobile apps and software. Java can also be a critical language for digital marketers. Read on to learn the importance of this programming language as a key tool and asset for digital marketers. Plus everything you need to know to get started.

What Is Java?

Java is a versatile, high-level programming language that enables developers to create robust, high-performance applications. The Java platform provides a complete set of tools for developers to create, test, and deploy their applications. It also offers a rich set of libraries and frameworks that you can use to build scalable and reliable apps. In addition, Java is platform-independent, which means that applications written in Java can run on any platform that supports the Java programming language.

Why Is Java Important For Digital Marketers?

As a digital marketer, Java can be utilized to create custom applications to automate your marketing tasks. This can allow you to achieve business KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) more efficiently. Such tasks include lead capture forms and email marketing campaigns. You can also use it to create data-driven marketing reports and dashboards. Whether you’re working on marketing for your plumbing company or your SaaS company, this is a key skill for growth. In short, knowing how to code in Java allows you to create custom solutions that can help you save time and money. It also allows you to create unique applications that can give you a competitive edge.

Additionally, it is a critical language for digital marketers because it enables the development of some of the following;

1. Build Out Of Custom Marketing Solutions
Digital marketing is a broad field. And depending on marketing objectives, there’s no one-size fits all approach to getting results. Having the ability to develop tools that can support unique marketing goals is an invaluable asset. With Java, you can create custom marketing applications that can automate marketing tasks. Such tools can help you improve your efficiency and effectiveness as a digital marketer.

2. Access To Rich Libraries and Frameworks
Java comes with a rich set of libraries and frameworks that you can use to build scalable and reliable apps. Some of the most popular Java libraries include;
- Google Guava
- Apache Commons
- JUnit
- Mockito
- Logback
Each library provides different features you can use to develop marketing applications.
For instance, Google Guava is a powerful library that provides a wide range of utilities for marketing applications. On the other hand, Apache Commons is a library that provides a set of common components that can be used to develop marketing apps.

3. Develop Marketing Reports & Dashboards
As a digital marketer, you must continuously monitor your marketing campaigns and track progress. Doing so allows you to identify areas of improvement and make the necessary changes. Java enables you to develop marketing reports and dashboards that can help you track your progress. Additionally, you can use it to connect to various data sources and gather the necessary data for reporting.

4. Integrate Third-Party Apps
Using Java in digital marketing is not just about developing applications. It’s also about integrating with third-party applications. Such applications can provide the necessary data and insights to make better decisions. It enables easy integration with third-party applications.

5. Use Multiple Devices
As a digital marketer, you need to be able to reach your target audience on multiple devices. With Java, you can develop marketing applications accessible on multiple devices. It is a platform-independent language, meaning you can develop marketing applications that can be used across any device.

6. Gather Real-time Data
Businesses today are data-driven. If you have limited access to data, you can be significantly handicapped. With Java, you can develop marketing applications that can help you gather real-time data. This can enhance decision-making and help you better understand your target market.

7. Create Interactive Content
Interactive content is a great way to engage your target audience. And with Java, you can develop marketing applications that can help you create interactive content. Some examples of interactive content include;
- Quizzes
- Polls
- Calculators
- Chatbots
- Interactive internet speed maps and charts
Each of these types of content can be used to engage your target audience and gather valuable data. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, then you need to learn Java. It is a universal language that can be used for various marketing tasks.

Java Learning Resources for Learning More About Java

Understandably, your tasks as a digital marketer may be endless. From keeping up with Google algorithm updates, creating new campaigns or learning the best way to generate online reviews. However, learning Java is just as important. It will help you get the most out of your digital marketing knowledge and skills. Fortunately, learning it doesn’t have to be a hassle, if you can dedicate some time to do so. There are many online resources available to learn Java. The best ones include;
- Codecademy
- Udemy
- edX
Each of these platforms offers a variety of courses that will teach you everything you need to know about Java. And once you’ve learned the basics, you can move on to more advanced topics.

Closing Thoughts On Java As A Key Digital Marketing Tool

Java is a versatile, high-level programming language that enables developers to create robust, high-performance applications. You can download it here. The platform provides a complete set of tools for developers to create, test, and deploy their applications. As a digital marketer, use it to create marketing applications that can help you in your efforts. Additionally, it is easy to learn, with many resources readily available to help you get started. If you’re looking to improve your skills and gain an edge as a digital marketer, learning Java is a good place to start.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.
December 20, 2022
Considerations Before Outsourcing IT

What To Consider Before Outsourcing IT Functions

As a business owner, it’s vital to consider IT. Tech support, services and solutions can come via an in-house IT team or via outsourcing. The latter is an ideal option as it gives time and space to focus on primary business goals, without having to worry about everything that IT involves. Outsourcing IT functions has advantages, including efficiencies, new levels of expertise and best practice adherence. Still, considerations should be given before finalizing any decision on outsourcing IT or to a managed services provider. Below are some of the considerations before taking the next step;

IT Outsourcing Costs

As a business owner or manager, a primary goal is likely increasing profits and reducing operating costs. When considering outsourcing IT functions, determine whether it’ll improve business profits or reduce operating costs. If you’re spending more on outsourcing than an in-house IT team, then there’s no point. A classic example of outsourcing success, is looking at business phone service. Previously, a PBX was needed to manage phone service and extensions. Typically, these were managed in-house, in a physical cabinet inside an office or room. This physical hardware and setup was time consuming and required costly maintenance for upgrades. Today, business phone service can now be outsourced and hosted in the ‘the cloud‘. Upgrades are managed off site and maintenance is also included with cost effective service pricing, via most hosted phone service providers.

Start the process by working out what you need to outsource. Consider options and the reputation of IT services offered by any prospective company. Then gather and compare outsourced IT quotes. Is it cost efficient versus the cost of employing internal IT employees, hardware, software and infrastructure? (For some standard costs of outsourcing managed IT, click here for an idea on what to expect). Be aware; in-house IT teams sometimes require additional training, which can be an additional cost.

Outsourced IT Company Expertise

There’s many IT companies to choose from, so ensure you’re hiring a qualified one. The primary advantage of managed IT services in New Orleans or in your local area, is getting access to a large pool of locally talented tech experts. It’s important to verify the qualifications and skills of any IT company you intend to engage or hire. Some things to look into are whether the team is actually local. Do they have local offices and people who can make site visits, if necessary? Are they qualified to cater to your business needs? Consider outsourcing IT functions from a company that regularly trains employees. This ensures they’re up to date on technological advancements and customer needs.

Scope of IT Functions

Decide on the scope of functions you’re planning to outsource and the business impact. For example, if you’re an e-commerce retailer, you want to be in charge of the entire customer experience (CX). Outsourcing functions such as payroll and accounting may make more sense, but anything web related will likely need closer internal control. Additionally, determining the scope of outsourced functions, helps determine cost. IT companies charge differently depending on the range of the projects assigned. This usually means more tasks = a higher cost.

Regulation Compliance

When you outsource IT services, they become an extension of your business. They’ll have access to data and critical information. Ensure they have all necessary compliance accreditations, especially when it comes to cybersecurity, network security and data management. Ask for accreditation certificates during the hiring process to ascertain compliance. It’s also essential to ask about insurance policies and IT disaster recovery services, in the case of a breach. Check the company’s track record on compliance. Some primary regulation areas concern data privacy and intellectual property. The aim of ascertaining regulatory compliance is to ensure that your business is protected by law.

IT Support Availability

It’s best to have open communication with an outsourced IT team in case of questions or urgent issues that require action. Ascertain a support team’s availability by asking if they offer 24/7 support to clients and where they are based. Any local support team should be able to respond to concerns and questions within a timeframe. For example, if you have a network security issue, you should be able to call and get immediate assistance. Failure to obtain the help you need when your IT systems are affected can be detrimental to your business.

IT outsourcing for your business has pros and cons that you must consider. For instance, it can help reduce operational costs. You can start by outsourcing smaller projects before moving to larger ones to see if it’s the right fit. Additionally, ensure that the IT firm you intend to outsource to, has the necessary resources and workforce to perform the functions you require.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

November 23, 2022
Fastmetrics: Cisco Meraki Partner & Specialist

Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist

In addition to being a Cisco Certified Specialist, Fastmetrics is also a Cisco Meraki Partner. This means the Fastmetrics network support team are qualified Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialists. We are certified to design, implement, run and support the Meraki suite of products.

What Is Cisco Meraki & What Can It Do?

Cisco Meraki provides cloud managed IT services and a suite of supporting hardware. Meraki services are controlled by a cloud based dashboard. Some of the IT solutions from Meraki include; SD-WAN, network security, WAN management, wireless connectivity (including support for higher speed WiFi 6), smart cameras, IoT, switches and mobile device management. All can be controlled and monitored from the central cloud-based dashboard, which is a key feature of the Meraki suite.

Network management via Meraki is efficient to setup, configure and create alerts both remotely and in office. So whether working with a hybrid, remote or in-person workforce, Meraki provides secure network control. It’s also easy to create alerts for new networks or expand existing ones.

Why Work With A Cisco Meraki Partner?

We’ve invested time in the training (and exams). We have real-world experience deploying and supporting Meraki solutions. We know the products and platform. We know how to get the best out of Meraki for your IT departments benefit. For business customers, we deploy the latest Meraki hardware to get your network setup up to speed, without the hours familiarization needed. Whether that be faster WiFi 6 access points, network security, SD-WAN or other, contact us via the form below, to find out how Fastmetrics can help your network adapt and grow efficiently, via our Cisco Meraki partnership;

Cisco Meraki Service Quotes

Fill out my online form.

Cisco Meraki Solution Guides

Below are some uses cases for the Meraki suite of products. It can be successfully deployed to cater to a variety of industries, including healthcare, government, retail and hospitality. Click on each image to open the PDF solutions guide for each relevant industry.

Higher education: Below is a use case solution guide for Meraki in higher education, such as schools and universities. As demands to modernize legacy IT infrastructure in the education sector grow, see how Cisco Meraki helps achieve this. Also, how the Meraki suite can deliver outcomes such as secure, flexible and blended learning environments.

Cisco Meraki Higher Education Solutions Guide

Manufacturing: Below is another solution guide for Meraki use in the manufacturing industry. After COVID-19 disrupted global supply chains, Meraki offers operational savings for multi-site manufacturers and producers. It can help reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) via central cloud management, for multiple locations. Also cost IT cost savings via automated updates, patching and deployments.

Cisco Meraki Manufacturing Solutions Guide

Cisco Meraki “Experiences Start Here” Video:

Video transcript: Female Speaker 1: Cisco Meraki began with the pursuit of revolutionary new technology, 100 percent cloud-managed IT.
Female Speaker 2: Basically an entire network under a single pane of glass.
Female Speaker 1: After more than a decade in business, Meraki continues to innovate, delivering the simplest, most powerful solutions around.
Male Speaker 1: Helping our customers stay ahead of the curve as demands continue to grow.
Female Speaker 1: This means that wireless is expertly designed and engineered, optimized for the real world.
Male Speaker 2: Which means a better user experience and it’s easier to set up.
Female Speaker 1: Meraki’s best-in-class network security is updated automatically, giving you a powerful defense and peace of mind.
Male Speaker 3: So no matter the vulnerability, we’re always working to keep you covered.
Female Speaker 1: And ambitious goals don’t require cumbersome tools and a team of experts to achieve.
Female Speaker 3: So you can finally get rid of all of these.
Female Speaker 1: Now your networks can be configured in minutes, even for hundreds of sites around the world.
Male Speaker 4: Wait. Really?
Female Speaker 1: Yes, really. Plus you can manage your networks from anywhere.
Female Speaker 4: Seriously Dad?
Male Speaker 5: Yeah, I was just trying to finish something up.
Female Speaker 1: Today IT isn’t just racks and cables in a server room. It’s working with sales, marketing and the C-suite to solve business problems. It’s intelligent insights giving you an edge in decision-making. It’s giving you time back to focus on the work that really matters. It’s powerful technology for everyone. So get smart and work simple.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

November 16, 2022
E-Commerce Elements For Website Checkouts

What To Include In An E-Commerce Checkout

Studies indicate that most online shoppers don’t browse beyond the first page during checkout. This high exit rate at checkout stage may be common, but many websites lack vital elements that can improve online customer retention and conversions. To enhance the user experience on your e-commerce website, there’s no better way to do that than streamline the checkout process and increase conversions. A suitable ecommerce website needs several elements to make checkouts stress-free. Take a look at this list of 11 elements to get your website ready to sell online and support a buyer’s journey;

1. E-commerce Online Security

Those who land on your website might buy from you online, if your e-commerce store is 100% secure. They don’t want to hear that from you alone, but also from authoritative and third-party entities (think: Google Trusted Store, Norton Secured, astra, Signifyd, GeoTrust, TRUSTe, Comodo). For this reason, ensure you run a certified online store with a secure system stamp.

You may want to design a trust-proof checkout page if you don’t want to invest in expensive online security certification. Future Now outlines how you can create a secure checkout page. A study by the Baymard Institute also evaluated the most popular security seals for e-commerce websites and their level of trust among customers. That can give you an idea of the certification to choose.

2. Minimize Data Entry

Your online store’s checkout page should epitomize minimalism. Eliminate elements that don’t help transactions take place. If you must add suggestions to the checkout page, ensure they enable related sales without affecting the focus of a current transaction. Amazon’s checkout page is an excellent example of how clean and lean a checkout page should be.

3. User Journey Testing

If your customers find error messages barring them from proceeding during the checkout process, they’re likely to give up. That’s particularly the case if the error message appears two or three times. For this reason, ensure everything with credentials, such as phone numbers and ZIP codes, works. User feedback at this stage is critical. It’s encouraged to ask for customer reviews to identify pain points and problems in the checkout process.

4. Include a Progress Bar

You may have experienced this yourself; time waiting feels shorter when you know how long you have to wait. The same cannot be said if you’re just left waiting. Likewise, incorporating a progress bar into your checkout page, allows online customers to monitor time. Progress bars featuring page labels help customers know what’s expected of them as they shop. For instance, they can tell how long it will take to place an order and the information they’ll need to provide during checkout.

5. Call-to-action

Customers might buy elsewhere if you leave them wandering around your online store, unsure about next steps you want them to take. Some customers may find their way around, but newbies and inexperienced users may struggle to find what they want. An easy way to lower exit rates is to provide directions on your checkout page.

There’s no better way to do so than adding a call to action with concise wording like “Submit,” “Next Step,” or “Buy Now.” These should be in highlighted to provide customers with the incentive they need to proceed to checkout. Be precise with the wording, and ensure it relates to the action you want users to take. Avoid anticipating the process with wording like “Order Now” when customers are still halfway through the process. Calls to action should be clear to spur your customers into taking the desired action.

6. Allow A View/Edit Shopping Basket Feature

The last thing you want when shopping in an online store is unwanted items or quantities in your cart. Then being unable to fix it. When this happens, most people opt out of the shopping cart, not wanting to spend on items they don’t need. As an online store owner or manager, you could be missing out on revenue by having a checkout page that doesn’t allow customer edits. Ensure everything on your e-comm checkout page is editable.

7. Allow Guest Checkout

Avoid mandatory sign-up. Not everyone who shops on your website wants to subscribe to your emails or share their identity. Some are one-off buyers who prefer the relative anonymity online shopping offers. Such shoppers are likely to look elsewhere if your store has mandatory sign up.
Avoid subjecting your shoppers to a lengthy signup process or asking them to provide their details during checkout.

A study by Econsultancy highlighted that eight out of the top ten American retailers allow guest checkouts. Over 25% of online shoppers point out that they’re likely to abandon an online store with mandatory registration. Once again, the rule of thumb is to make it easy for customers to buy. Think of it this way; what is your pick between collecting customer data and making more online sales?

8. Avoid Unnecessary Marketing During Checkout

From a marketing perspective, e-news is excellent if you want customers to be reminded of your brand, products or services. This plays a critical role in relationship building, customer aquisition and conversions. Signing up for a newsletter is something few online shoppers appreciate, especially if it’s via a pop-up that occurs during checkout. An opt-in at the last step of the checkout or none at all, is a better solution.

9. Multiple Online Payment Options

Your customers should be able to pay for items in different ways. That should be the case for online stores too. Allowing multiple payment options and flexibility here, enables more people to buy from your site.

10. Cart-saving Options

For any e-commerce retailer, securing sales ASAP is great. However, your customers may not be as ready as you are – especially for products or services which require larger commitments. Allowing them to save their carts for later, is an excellent strategy to not lose a customer who may come back to purchase at a later time. Consider sending automated emails as reminders of the items in their saved cart.

11. Provide Live Chat Support

There will always be cases where some online customers don’t understand directions or your checkout process. Additionally, customers may have unanswered questions about their online shopping UX, from personal data collection to shipping information.

Live chat support can help you support and resolve these type of online customer inquiries. (At a minimum, provide a solid FAQ page answering common questions). Incorporating live chat into the buyer funnerl or checkout page allows customers to ask you questions as they complete the buying process. When they have answers, customers are more likely to convert. The chat operator can also suggest related items or upsell.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

October 25, 2022
Speed Matters Video – San Jose Quakes x Fastmetrics

Speed Matters – We All Know This

Fastmetrics is proud to be the Official Business ISP of the San Jose Earthquakes Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise. As professional football players, the San Jose Quakes know the importance of speed. But when it comes to speed, not only is it important on the pitch for game day. Speed is also a requirement to successfully power the Earthquakes operations, from their headquarters at PayPal Park, San Jose. With Fastmetrics high speed managed fiber Internet and live Bay Area support, the Quakes can meet their goals. On and off the field. The San Jose Quakes produced this video for us – “speed matters”. Take a look;

Video transcript: Speed matters. We all know this. That’s why Fastmetrics serves up gig to multi-gig business connectivity over fiber, Ethernet and direct to the cloud. Proactive monitoring PLUS Faster live support for the Quakes…and your team. Fastmetrics – the speed your business needs. Official Business ISP of the San Jose Earthquakes.

Jackson Yueill Scores Stunning Goal vs Houston FC

Some recent San Jose Quakes action from their July 18th match versus Houston Dynamo FC. Stunning volley goal from Jackson Yueill!

ON THIS WEEK OF MLS GOALS!

DOUBLE MEG OFF THE VOLLEY! pic.twitter.com/yb6VwxTsf3

— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) July 18, 2022

Fastmetrics: Official Business ISP of the San Jose Earthquakes

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

July 19, 2022
Fast Tracked Network Design For New Medical Clinic

Cabling, WiFi & Security Cameras For Medical Clinic Expansion

Fastmetrics case studies highlight real outcomes from the use of our managed services. In each case study we illustrate a customer problem, the solution and results.

Problem: New Building Plans & Telecommunications Upgrade Needed

A California based medical clinic and doctor’s office needed more space to help existing and new patients and was constructing a new 3,339 sq ft building. The customer also needed upgraded telecommunications, which included infrastructure to support telehealth and virtual appointments. Also needed, was a wireless network that could handle doctors, nurses and staff moving around the building connecting on tablets. Furthermore, they needed it fast. The biggest problem: construction had not yet started on the new building. Nothing had been designed, other than room spaces and department locations.

Requirements: Guidelines, Maps & Specs For RFPs

The customer needed specifications to build their Request For Proposals (RFPs) along with Guidelines, List of Materials, Cable Run Maps, and Wireless Access Point locations. They also needed something they had no experience with before: an outdoor security camera system.

Solution: Detailed Plans For All Project Stake Holders

The customer approached Fastmetrics with the above requirements and we delivered. Our team designed cable runs and a wireless network design plan for the entire building, to meet client connectivity needs. We were able to build out a complete solution, along with revisions and deliverables to the architects, designers, IT department, and executives in a readable and detailed way. This was completed before deadlines, for a fraction of the cost.

Results: Clear & Concise Infrastructure Plans

Estimated 2.4 Ghz WiFi Coverage: Expected 2.4 Ghz WiFi coverage for our client can be seen below, based on UniFi access point placements;

Estimated 5 Ghz WiFi Coverage: Expected 5 Ghz WiFi coverage for our client can be seen below, based on UniFi access point placements;

Estimated Security Camera Coverage: A detailed map of security camera ranges and coverage for the new building was also provided to the client;

Logical Cable Run & WiFi Access Point Cable Runs: Detailed maps showing cable runs for UniFi WiFi access points and security cameras;

ISP Support For This Customer:

Fastmetrics Customer WiFi Speedtest From Mobile Device

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

July 19, 2022
Fastmetrics Tranforms San Francisco Cultural Icon

Case Study: San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum

Fastmetrics case studies highlight real outcomes from the use of our managed services. In each case study we illustrate a customer problem, the solution and results.

Problem: Outdated Phone System Not Meeting Needs

San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) is a beautiful SOMA based venue showcasing the diversity of the Jewish experience through art, music, film, literature and discussion. With an ever-changing curation of art and exhibitions, the museum needs quick, clear, and reliable communication to reach cultural partners around the world. When it was time to upgrade their phone system, The CJM trusted Fastmetrics to find solutions that fit with the project’s budget and schedule requirements.

“Fastmetrics is providing voice service for 83 phones, and Internet service at 100 Mbps. They’ve been incredible with the transition – friendly and knowledgeable. They offered pricing that beat everyone. They were extremely flexible with the setup when we needed to make changes. They also helped greatly with the port and stayed on top of things to meet our deadlines”

Ian Winsemius, IT Manager

“I’ve enjoyed working with Fastmetrics customer support team and the techs that have assisted when needed. Your team is first class”

Mark Hurtado, Director of Facilities and Security

Solution: metricVOICE UCaaS, New Phones & Fiber

Our team studied the client’s current needs and existing phone system. We recommended switching to metricVOICE because of its user-friendly interface that works across multiple devices. metricVOICE enabled the CJM to communicate seamlessly with team members, partners and guests anywhere. We offered a competitive flat fee for a comprehensive phone system and Internet service, working closely with the client throughout the process.

Results: New Phones & Reliable Bandwidth To Support Call Quality

The CJM was outfitted with 83 new phones on the metricVOICE system. This enabled the client to communicate via desk phones, browsers and mobile devices. To further support the client’s bandwidth and voice service needs, we provided managed fiber Internet service at 100 Mbps symmetric. The entire project was completed affordably and on time. Fastmetrics is proud to serve such a culturally vital client. We look forward to continuing to support the CJM.

Services Supported For The Contemporary Jewish Museum:

metricFIBER: Managed Fiber Internet Service

metricVOICE: Adaptive Business Voice & UCaaS Solution

All features included with metricVOICE for a flat monthly service fee, can be seen here.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

July 12, 2022