Fastmetrics Business Blog

Author: Cody Miller

IT Outsourcing – The What, Why & How

What IT Support Services Should You Consider Outsourcing?

In the modern world, information technology (IT) plays a vital role in business success. Just look at how IT has transformed the growth of online businesses, to see the value it provides. There are several benefits of making the most of information technology in a business. IT can ensure seamless staff coordination and collaboration, help automate processes and enhance customer experience. All these improve the overall business operations. This post walks you through some critical IT support services to consider outsourcing, to stay relevant. But before that, understand what IT outsourcing is. Read on to learn more.

What Is IT Outsourcing?

IT outsourcing is the practice of engaging a third party firm or company to manage all or some of your business computing or IT services. Instead of permanent IT workers, IT service support firms can be hired on an as needed basis. IT outsourcing offers several benefits, one of which is a reduction in business costs, such as full or part time labor expenses. Most IT firms work via a set fee for providing a specific service or when required. Working with an outside firm to provide IT support services can prove to be very cost efficient. Consider it an investment in your business operations, but only when required.

Apart from cost savings, outsourcing business IT services affords more time to concentrate on business growth. A good IT support partner can take care of systems, so staff and employees can focus on doing business. If you’re looking to outsource business computing functions, consider working with companies such as Shipshape IT support or a similar firm.

Which IT Support Services Can You Outsource?

There are several specific IT support services to consider outsourcing. Many of these help streamline a business, assisting output and productivity. Other IT support services enable workers to better engage with customers, each other and apply technology effectively. IT support services that can be outsourced include:

Network Security
Cybersecurity is a major concern of organizations in 2021. With more people than ever, flocking to online business options during remote work and stay at home orders, websites and customer data is vulnerable. Hackers and other unauthorized actors utilize the internet to access business websites and data. Such users can alter, manipulate, steal or hold vital data to ransom. This can incur huge costs to restore data and reputation. An IT firm can help protect from such attacks.

IT services firms are trained and knowledgeable professionals on security matters. They can help identify vulnerabilities and advise on the best protective measures. For example, they can setup firewalls and install Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Also keep anti-virus software up to date. If you want to strengthen the security of your business network, the best way could be to hire an IT service provider.

Cloud Services
Streamlining operations is the way to go to remain relevant and competitive. Spending less time and fewer resources to obtain maximum results is always a good idea. The use of computer software and modern tools when executing tasks, can automate various business systems or processes. ‘Computerizing’ your document management system via a cloud based service, can be one way to streamline operations. Storing documents in digital form, allows savings on physical storage space (think rent costs per square foot). An automated, digital based document system also enables you to organize, store, and retrieve your files faster and easily.

Collaborating with an IT support service provider can help assist with this transition and the subsequent management of the cloud platform chosen. An IT firm can provide the best infrastructure to manage documents online, including backup solutions, security and updates.

Communication Services
Communication is essential to business success. Exchanging information to customers, workers, and stakeholders, a service provider can maintain key communication systems. From busy call centers with outbound / inbound calls, to sales driven CRM based operations, to purely online business models which rely on reliable Internet connections or emails, IT support companies can ensure the smooth flow of business to customer and internal communications.

Remote Support
Modern technology allows automation, productivity and efficiency benefits. However, breakdowns can still occur. Often, this requires an expert to resolve an issue quickly, as we rely on existing systems or hardware to perform our work. Waiting on a solution or fix can be inefficient. When important business hardware or software issues sit idly, this can be costly. Avoid this working with an IT firm that provides remote support, such as LogMeIn. This provides secure remote access to IT support via the internet. Troubleshooting or repairs remotely will take the least time possible. Minimizing downtime and the costs of idle systems.

Software Development and Maintenance

Today, software forms an essential part of many businesses. Software can execute tasks automatically, covering communication, accounting, scheduling appointments, customer relations management (CRM), and marketing. Software can have a positive impact on the business. Sometimes it makes sense to outsource software management and recommendations from an IT service provider. Individuals at IT firms are often experts in specific software(s). Working with an IT service provider ensures business apps and software is tested and updated regularly.

Technology Training Services
Technology changes quickly. Businesses that don’t adapt to change may jeopordize competiveness. Working with an IT service support provider is an efficient way to stay ahead of technological changes. IT firms can provide training and support for new technology, to keep employees and a business up to speed. If offered it may be advantageous to seek training services from an IT service support firm, especially for major updates or new systems.

How To Find The Best IT Service Support Firm?

You can outsource most of your business IT functions, but ensure you’re working with a reputable and reliable service provider. Not all IT firms out there will provide desired results. On that note, here are some important factors to consider when choosing an IT service support firm;

Licensed & Certified Providers
If you’re looking to find a genuine IT service firm, determine whether the firm is licensed. A license is a certificate that indicates that a provider is legally incorporated and established. There are several benefits of working with a licensed IT service support company. A well-established IT firm will typically employ the most qualified staff. They may also have specific accreditations that your business requires, such as AWS certifications, various solution provider authorizations or enterprise wireless qualifications, to name a few. A license, plus proven certifications are acknowledgement that a particular service provider has undertaken specific training, testing and completed qualifications in an area of expertize. Experts typically will handle your business well, providing quality work and knowledge.

Experience Is Key
Experience is another important factor to consider when outsourcing IT service support. Usually measured by the time a person or a firm has been in a specific job or industry, it’s wise to hire a firm that has provided services for several years. Extensive experience can better understand the IT world. Experience counts when challenges arise. Working with a knowledgeable firm can help to predict technologies that will remain important for the foreseeable future.

Client Testimonials
A great way to identify a reputable IT service provider is to read testimonials online. Choose an information technology service company that has geniune, positive reviews. Reach out to these customers to confirm their experience.

Consider Location
Last but not least, consider the location of your IT service provider before hiring. Most providers offer services online or remote options, but if needed, live support calls can be hard to juggle with completely different timezones. For easy two-way communications, go for an IT service support company on a similar timezone. Working with an IT service provider in your local area also allows them to attend to your business on-site promptly, if the need ever arises.

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 29, 2021
What STIR/SHAKEN Means For You

How STIR/SHAKEN Technology Combats Scam Calls

The figures are grim. 1 in 3 Americans received a scam call in 2020. 59 million Americans lost close to $30 billion to phone scammers during the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat this epidemic of scam calls and mostly irrecoverable loss, Congress enacted the TRACED Act (Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act) in 2019. This legislation empowers the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to recruit all phone carriers in the US to improve caller safety.

The FCC implemented the Act in stages. The agency required all major carriers in the US to implement STIR/SHAKEN technology by July 1, 2021. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T have met this requirement as of June 30, 2021. Smaller phone carriers have until June 30, 2023 before they must fully be onboard. Until then, Americans continue to ignore calls from unknown callers. Or, use software to block spam robocalls. Still, the available software is not flawless. Spam calls still get through. Especially when the caller uses Caller ID spoofing to conceal their identity. More often, spam callers use Caller ID spoofing to make the number appear legitimate. Scam callers prefer this latter method because the call appears to be from a legitimate source, typically a nearby phone number with the same area code and exchange. Thus, an unsuspecting recipient is more likely to answer the call in hopes of talking to someone they know.

More recently – especially during the lockdown in 2020 – scammers spoofed their numbers to make it seem like a phone call from well-known government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or local police department. Scam callers who use this spoofing method, typically rely on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP allows voice calls using an Internet connection instead of a regular phone line. Legitimate businesses use VoIP as a cheaper alternative to making local, long-distance and international calls. However, scammers using computers or a special VoIP phone can equally make their calls appear to be from numbers from anywhere in the world.

By exploiting this technology, scammers can also impersonate banks, government employees, customer service, or businesses, and make the recipient disclose critical business information, including employee data, sensitive bank details and intellectual property. Worse still, they can easily get away with it – could get away with it. The best recourse available to phone owners who wish to avoid calls from spoofed VoIP numbers is call blocking.

What Is STIR Technology?

STIR/SHAKEN is another technology that changes everything for persons on compliant carriers, but this technology is not a silver bullet.The technology uses a suite of protocols and procedures intended to combat caller ID spoofing on mobile carriers’ networks. Short for Secure Telephony Identity Revisited, STIR adds a digital certificate to the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) information that callers use to initiate and route calls in VoIP. The digital certificate is like a pass. When a person makes a call, the VoIP service provider automatically examines the caller ID and compares it to a known list of trusted IDs they have provided to that specific customer. If it matches, the call goes through.

What Is The SHAKEN System?

Meanwhile, the SHAKEN system, short for Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs, is a suite of guidelines for public switched telephone networks. This technology exists to ensure scammers don’t bypass STIR and lets mobile carriers and law enforcement deal with users who have fake or missing STIR digital certificates.

How Effective Is STIR/SHAKEN In Reducing Scam Calls?

STIR/SHAKEN is very effective, but it is not a silver bullet because scammers can still change tactics or continue to use real numbers to make scam calls – only this time, it is easy to identify unknown callers on search engines like PhoneNumbers.org. Furthermore, it will be a while before STIR/SHAKEN really clamps down on existing VoIP numbers. The technology needs time to build a history of each number. Over time, STIR/SHAKEN will give carriers insights on scam numbers. It will also help mobile carriers accurately attest callers and build trust networks with other carriers. These take time. But in the end, there is no doubt about it. STIR/SHAKEN will significantly reduce the number of spam robocalls and scam calls from humans who target legitimate businesses and customers.

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.

September 22, 2021
How To Start Your Own SaaS Business In 2021

Starting A SaaS Business In 2021

Software as a Service (SaaS) has emerged as one of the most exciting areas of business in recent years. This refers to any type of software that is accessed via a web browser or a web-based app. SaaS products are sometimes referred to as a “hosted solution”, cloud-based solutions or “web-based solution” because the software maker hosts their product on their own servers.

A desktop-based approach on the other hand, is one in which an individual or corporation installs software on their desktops and runs it on their own servers. Generally, it uses a subscription model to charge users, making it more cost-effective and user friendly (in the majority of cases). If you plan on starting your own SaaS business, you’ll need to be able to explain this benefit. Elevate it with the value proposition of your own solution, for your own SaaS startup or business.

Before starting your SaaS business, think about logo ideas that will make your brand stand out. As well as what sort of niche your business is going to fill and whether or not you personally will be developing the software. While technical expertise in software development is a good skill to have, it’s not actually necessary. There have been many cases of successful SaaS businesses being founded by people who are unable to code themselves.

Develop A SaaS Solution For A Common Problem

The best software developed is designed with a key goal – to make people’s lives easier. Solving a common problem that people or other businesses face, improves efficiency and makes a task easier or more productive. This doesn’t have to be a completely unique solution to a problem that no one has ever solved. It could simply be a more efficient or effective solution to an existing problem.

Ideally, it should be a problem that you can personally relate to, as this will help you to understand the needs of potential consumers. In addition, it also helps if it’s a problem that faces a particular industry you have experience in. For example, if you’ve worked in the hospitality industry and you come up with a software-based solution to make it easier for guests to book rooms at a hotel.

Write Up Your SaaS Business Plan

No matter what kind of business you develop, you’re going to need to write up a business plan. You don’t have to start with a giant document that goes into a lot of detail. You can simply use one sheet of paper to get started, focusing on the main points. This is normally the quickest way to get your concept down on paper, and it’s the first stage in the lean planning process.

It’s also generally better for SaaS companies that are more likely to be clear on the plan, as they often involve innovative ideas. Ideally, the business plan should include a pitch that addresses what the business is going to do, how it’s going to do it and how it will generate income. In addition, it should include a timeline of who is doing what and when.

Validate Your SaaS Business Idea

You might think your idea is incredible and truly life-changing, but if your target market doesn’t feel the same way, the company will never get off the ground. That’s why it’s important to validate your idea before you get started. In this phase, you’ll determine whether the assumptions you made in your plan are correct. Then make changes to your plan to reflect what you’ve learnt. You’ll do so by attempting to answer the following question: “Can my idea generate revenue?”

Rather than diving right into your first and favourite concept, this stage serves as a check. It will assist you in determining whether you have a decent idea that can be developed into a successful business. Speak to the people your product will be targeting and use surveys to get their opinion on the features of the SaaS and how it can benefit them.

Analyse SaaS Business Competition

While your idea might be unique, the chances are that you’ll already have some competition from other software. Aside from knowing your customers, it also pays to know the competition inside and out. You can find out what they’re doing that you’re not and what specific advantages your SaaS product offers over theirs. It’s beneficial to have competition in your market. It indicates that an issue has been identified.

The goal is to figure out which aspect of your competitors’ solution is lacking. What do customers desire that they aren’t getting right now? Keep in mind that your competitors might not be visible at first. It’s possible that the business you’re entering has a lot of different companies supplying services. Make sure you spend time learning about and understanding how customers and competitors solve the problem you’re trying to solve and then look for a route from there.

September 13, 2021
Green IT 101: 5 Keys To Sustainable Computing
Green IT – How To Implement Sustainable Computing

Sustainable computing, also known as ‘green IT’, is the practice of making environmentally friendly decisions with information technology. Similar to going green with anything, it involves applying green solutions to computers, electronics and other IT related processes. At scale, this might seem a difficult concept. But it’s completely possible. Even the financial industry and banks have accomplished strong green platforms in the form of ethical banks.

Green IT or sustainable computing is not easy, given that computers constantly consume so much energy. But it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. For small investments by a business or company, the environment benefits from lower carbon emissions (if not already using renewable energy). Green IT solutions save money by conserving energy. To start implementing green IT or sustainable computing, below are a few ways to start;

Encourage Sleep Mode
Office workers underestimate using sleep mode on device energy consumption. While it’s true it doesn’t reduce energy consumption considerably right away, the energy it saves gradually accumulates. After a year, the amount of energy saved can be considerable. Especially across large offices or businesses with lots of work stations.

A standard computer consumes an average of 200 watts of energy. This is reduced to 8 watts with sleep mode activated, when not being used. So sleep mode cuts computer energy consumption by 96%. A challenge to implementing this practice is getting employees involved at scale. For this reason, it’s best to introduce this practice during onboarding to make it standard practice.

Use Power Strips
To reduce energy consumption further, investing in power strips can provide great ROI. Across a workplace, even when in sleep mode, devices still consume energy. Experts call this vampire load. One way to reduce or eliminate vampire loads is to turn off devices. That may prove difficult, given the amount of computers or devices in a typical office. With a power strip, quickly turn off multiple electronics at once when not in use.

Research has found that power strips can cut down on electricity usage by up to a considerable 48%. The only issue with using power strips is that they can become a mass of messy cables, if not handled professionally. To avoid this, you can seek assistance from experts. If you’re situated in somewhere like the U.K, local companies can look into IT support in London by Computers In The City as an option for professional cable management and IT setups.

Go Paperless
One of the best ways to improve the sustainability of a workplace is by going paperless. Use technology to reduce the use of paper for things such as documents, fax and more. To go paperless, here are a few pointers:
- Store files and documents in the cloud. You’ll have digital copies of your paper documents which will enable you to save your files in cloud storage
- Use digital notepads for notetaking
- Cease printing presentations
- Use instant messaging or email instead of traditional mail
- Use electronic signatures for transactions
Invest In Energy Efficient Equipment
Most individuals and business owners go for products that boast high durability, features and affordability. Whilst reasonable, energy efficiency is important for a sustainable environment and can also save costs. Check Energy Star ratings to see how devices or equipment compare on energy consumption.

Recycle Unnecessary Electronics And Devices
Many people do not recycle their old or unused electronics. Electronics and devices like monitors, and printers contain plastics and metals which can be sent to a commercial recycling services center.

Final Word:
Implementing sustainable computing can be challenging, be it in the workplace or even at home. However, it’s an incredibly worthwhile venture, considering the potential benefits not just personally, but worldwide. Lower power bills and reduce carbon emissions, helping the environment at the same time. With the above guide, it’s not as hard as you might think.

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.
August 21, 2021
Launching A Mobile App? Here’s How To Maintain User Privacy

Mobile App Developer? Be Aware Of User Privacy

Mobile app development is on the rise, with new apps released daily. The mobile app industry is attracting all sorts of businesses, with some companies being entirely app based. The main fuel of the growth in app development is the use of tablets and smartphones. However, there’s one thing all mobile app developers need to ensure; user privacy.

Why is user privacy an issue for the success of any mobile app?

Mobile apps depend on customer data. Data may include photos, personal email accounts, phone numbers, locations, contacts and more. If data isn’t secure, it may lead to breaches and identity theft. If you’re planning to develop an app or you’re working on one already, implement the following tips to keep user data secure. These tips are the solutions towards remaining compliant with data privacy policies as well.

1. Select A Security Lead
Mobile app development may be a solo project or with the help of a development team. If working with others, consider appointing a team member to be the app security lead. This role will be key to ascertain security in each stage of the app’s development. If possible, also consider hiring professional support to help with app security. This should be based in your local city or country. For instance, if developing an app in the the United Kingdom, you may consider local IT support in London from experts like Mustard IT and other professionals who specialize in this type of service.

2. Evaluate Information You Plan To Collect / Retain
Mobile app users must know any information you’re collecting and where it might be used. Be transparent from the start. Inform users about any third parties that may use a person’s details. Only collect information you’ve stated you will collect.

3. Understand How Mobile Apps Differ
There are several mobile operating systems. They all utilize different application programming interfaces (APIs). An API has a variety of security features and permission handling. Know your code and adapt to it. APIs can be prone to hacks, ensure you secure yours. Modify your app to allow legal access to data only.

4. Don’t Rely On One Security Platform
Mobile use and application development is constantly evolving and prone to new cybersecurity threats and hacking. As a result, the need for strong data security is an emerging issue. This has brought forth the development of platforms that help developers enhance user privacy. As a mobile developer, it’s essential to understand the platforms available and educate users on utilizing them to keep data safe. However, make sure to utilize a diverse range of security platforms.

5. Develop Safe Credentials
Does your mobile app require usernames and passwords? If yes, how do you ensure information isn’t prone to cyber-attack? Multi-factor authentication can assist greatly here. This allows a user access, only after providing more than one factor via a mobile app. If a third party steals someone’s password and username, they won’t be able to access an app, as they won’t be able to provide the other info to authenticate access.

6. Encrypt Your Data
Data privacy is a key concern to users across the world. Many companies have been fined heavily due to breaching privacy laws. One permanent solution is data encryption. This refers to the transformation of data to a code or another form. This is done to ensure information is restricted to a specific group of people (people with a key or password). Many industries use data encryption, resulting in more trust to their clients.

7. Avoid Storing Passwords In Plain Text
If user passwords are stored in plain text, they are more susceptible to malicious attacks or hacking. If an app keeps getting hacked, it may be removed from app stores or the company in charge of data privacy may terminate it. Additionally, this leads to a bad reputation and you may lose customers and revenue.

8. Stay Engaged With Users
Once you release the mobile app, keep in touch with app users. Keep security libraries updated. Take note of responses from your customers and act upon any bug reports quickly. Fix errors or vulnerabilities efficiently, to keep hackers at bay. If an app user reports cases of attempted data theft, act on these to minimize cases of cyber theft.

Takeaway
Mobile app development is a growing industry. There are still challenges when it comes to data privacy. There are numerous cases of data breaches. The good news is there’s a remedy for this. As a mobile app developer, firstly be aware of the importance of security in the process of developing a mobile app. From there, implement the above tips to maintain user privacy.

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.

August 21, 2021
Pros & Cons – Outsourced IT Support Services

Outsourcing IT Support Services – Benefits & Disadvantages

In the current digital age, most businesses rely heavily on technology such as computers, software, networks and data to function efficiently. Information technology (IT) efficiency has become increasingly essential to ensure the smooth operations of a company or business. In some cases, businesses may consider hiring dedicated in-house IT staff to manage necessary IT services. Other companies look to outsource their IT support to Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

Why Most Firms Are Outsourcing Their IT Support Today

Hiring in-house IT experts may seem advantageous to have staff immediately at hand in case of an issue. However, many businesses today are moving toward Managed Services Providers (MSPs). There’s a few major reasons why. One major reason is operating costs. The cost of hiring skilled technicians is not a cheap exercise.

Whilst readily available IT support and skills are often advantageous, in-house IT employees require wages and other benefits, such as pensions and insurance. On the other hand, a company only pays an MSP for the services rendered during an agreed period. This means a company, firm or business can save on payroll and only pay for services required. However, a few factors must be considered for an enterprise to enjoy such a benefit, and several others mentioned below.

Firstly, outsource to an MSP which is within traveling distance to your own offices or business. For instance, if a business is in London, IT support by EC-MSP or similar a company in the same city will be more suitable. This is mainly due to being on the same time zone. Additionally, it allows the ability of an MSP to respond to emergency issues in person, if required. This aspect is important to avoid downtime. Secondly, businesses should look to work with an MSP whose employees are experienced. Be sure to review qualifications and industry certifications of any Managed Service Provider’s technicians and staff.

Advantages of Working With IT Support Providers

By working with an MSP, your company can enjoy several other benefits besides saving on employment costs. Some of these advantages include:

Increased Focus
Outsourcing IT support means businesses can focus on factors crucial for success. These may be customer acquisition, increasing revenue, or hiring talent for growth. It is also common for large businesses with dedicated IT teams and CTOs to still outsource certain tasks to MSPs. MSPs often specialize in particular areas, such as server management, data networks, SD-WAN, apps, UCaaS and voice networks and other aspects of modern business infrastructure. This brings Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and knowledge not possible for busy in-house IT teams to obtain, due to time constraints supporting staff for business growth.

Increased Security
The present digital era exposes companies to numerous cyberattacks. Working with the best MSPs guarantees efficient security for your firm’s hardware, network and data. Moreover, you can enjoy additional benefits such as remote monitoring and ‘remote hands’ such as those offered via solutions such as LogMeIn. This helps ensure business data, information and systems are safe 24/7. Continuous monitoring can be advantageous to a company, regardless of size. This helps prevent the risk of cyberattacks and speeds up the response to any downtime.

Access To Improved Technologies
The IT industry is believed to be among the most volatile sectors in the world. Software and hardware change rapidly. Today’s latest solutions are likely be replaced within a short time by more advanced technologies. Without an IT expert in your company, it can be hard to keep up with the latest advancements to help improve work processes. In most cases, in-house IT professionals have duties besides technical support. This means limited time researching and implementing the latest best practises in the industry. However, IT is a common line work for most MSPs. They provide clients the most recent and efficient technological solutions.

Disadvantages of Outsourcing IT Support Services

Despite the several benefits offered by MSPs, there are some disadvantages to them when it comes to IT support services. Some of these include;

Loss of Control
A major factor that discourages companies from considering MSPs is the loss of control of existing IT support service processes. Outsourcing means an external body will be responsible for some functions and management of tasks. Even with provided guidelines on what you need accomplished, an MSP might not manage IT tasks to desired standards.

High Improvement Costs
An MSP may require upgrades to existing software, hardware, routers / switches or even firewalls, if what’s currently used is outdated. Such changes can be expensive one-off costs for your company. Even so, there are often valid reasons for these types of updates (such as security). Long term benefits may be improved company efficiency and output, which can enhance business growth.

Immediate Responses May Be Challenging
A professional working as a full-time employee might offer a faster response to IT issues. On the other hand, an MSP may have contracts with several other companies, meaning all their workers may be engaged occasionally and can’t attend to immediate IT needs. In such cases, there can be low productivity until an issue is resolved. To ensure this doesn’t happen, make sure your MSP provides regular maintenance for all hardware and programs. Overall, outsourcing IT support services can be beneficial.

Additionally, an MSP can improve cybersecurity, and offer access to advanced technologies. Both of these benefits can help boost productivity. Although outsourcing may be a tough decision to make, it can be beneficial in the long run. When choosing an MSP, ensure you pick one which gives you more pros than cons.

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.

August 21, 2021
Local Expert Authority Expertise.com Rates Fastmetrics #1
Fastmetrics Rated ‘Best Internet Provider San Francisco’ 2021

The Fastmetrics team is pleased to mention that we have been rated as ‘Best Internet Provider in San Francisco‘, by popular local services authority, Expertise.com.

The L.A based team at Expertise, go through a selection process and curates the best in local businesses offering a range of services, across the USA;

“Expertise.com finds and reviews the top service professionals in over 200 industries across the U.S. Each month, we research more than 60,000 businesses to help customers find the best-qualified professional for their needs. Our research process is always evolving to keep up with industry changes, so we’re confident that when we say a provider is one of the best, it is”

Top 6 Best Internet Providers In San Francisco

Fastmetrics was scored and graded as the number one pick in a top six of local San Francisco ISPs. This top 6 list was sourced from 34 different Internet service options for the San Francisco area. As of the last update on June 16th, Expertise.com graded the top 6 options for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in San Francisco as;
1. Fastmetrics
2. Monkeybrains
3. Raw Bandwidth Communications
4. San Bruno CityNet Services
5. Unwired Ltd
6. Webpass
Key business rating criteria across different categories on the Expertise website includes;
- Availability: “Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored”
- Qualifications: “Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards”
- Reputation: “A history of delighted customers and outstanding service”
- Experience: “Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education”
- Professionalism: “Providing service with honesty, reliability, and respect”
To see how the Expertise team researches and selects businesses to qualify, see their selection process page. From the Expertise team, this is how the process works;

“Our goal is to connect people with the best local experts. We scored San Francisco Internet Providers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best”

The team at Fastmetrics looks forward to maintaining this high standard of service, professionalism and support, for customers in San Francisco and the wider Bay Area that we serve.

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 21, 2021
Scheduling Software Helping Businesses During COVID
How Scheduling Software Helps Stay On Top Of Restrictions

After months of uncertainty with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, summer 2021 is showing us a glimpse of life in the ‘before days’, as doors re-open and employees return to their offices, stores and salons. While this is undoubtedly good news for businesses, most remain mindful of the need to adapt in order to keep their customers – and staff – safe. One of the biggest challenges for businesses is remaining productive while adhering to local social distancing guidelines. Many are tapping into a simple but effective solution to help them do just that – scheduling software.

What Is Scheduling Software?

Online scheduling software (or appointment booking software), is a clever bit of tech which helps businesses to keep on top of meetings, appointments and bookings. Platforms like Booksy include an app which allows customers to book appointments themselves, at any time. As well as online.

Who Is Scheduling Software For?

This software is used by a wide range of service providers and businesses, including;
- GPs and healthcare providers
- Hair and beauty salons
- Gyms and leisure centers
- Recruitment agencies
…and so on. Essentially, this type of software is ideal for any business which relies on the need for efficient scheduling of meetings or appointments.

How Does Scheduling Software Work?

This can differ slightly from business to business. As a general rule of thumb, the process goes something like this;
- The customer goes clickety clicking onto a website or app where he or she will be presented with a number of options regarding services
- The customer chooses a service and their required time and date
- The system will process the request and send the customer a confirmation
- The system will send the customer a reminder with a check in link
- After the customer checks in, he or she will receive a mobile ticket with which they can monitor their place in the queue
- Following the appointment, the customer will receive promotions, feedback requests and upsell opportunities
Not only does this software save a business valuable time, it allows customers to book an appointment even when the business is closed. (Saving them from dreaded hold music as they wait on the telephone) says Dima Suponau, CEO of Number of Live Person.

How Can Scheduling Software Help With Social Distancing?

In a few ways. Scheduling software is fast becoming the first defence for businesses which, by their very nature, rely on an amount of foot traffic during business hours. Scheduling software can help by;

The waiting game: When getting ready to re-open, a major sticking point for salons was the fact that having several customers sitting together in a small waiting area was no longer viable. Even with the best staff in the world, appointments will occasionally run over allotted time. Salons were faced with the conundrum of what to do with customers who were waiting. Scheduling software provided an answer, by offering a check in and ticketing system whereby customers can monitor their place in the queue. This has been hugely effective as it means that clients can wait safely in their cars until their stylist or beauty professional is ready for them. This means that salons have been able to do away with their waiting areas completely. Therefore, optimizing on space while adhering to distancing guidelines.

More intuitive bookings: Scheduling software uses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) which means that, when it comes to booking and managing appointments, it’s a little bit smarter than you and I, says Jack Zmudzinski a senior associate at Future Processing.

This clever technology is able to examine customer history, including the duration of a customer’s appointment. Then manage a salon’s bookings in a more effective way than us mere mortals might manage. Not only does this save salon owners and employees a huge amount of time but, it also helps to optimize the business’s space and time.

The lowdown on the upsell: In the ‘olden days’, a salon would usually feature shelves full of shiny, enticing products which the customer could browse and purchase, thereby, increasing revenue for the business. This is no longer the case as (a) salons need to actively discourage customers remaining on the premises longer than necessary and, (b) multiple customers handling products can be a health risk. Savvy salon staff have managed to get around this by using their scheduling software to upsell products which can be purchased through the app and either delivered to the customer, or collected during their appointment.

Hand to hand contact: Although salons have a number of measures in place, including the wearing of masks and increased cleaning, the handling of cash and / or credit cards can still pose a significant risk to both employees and customers. Scheduling software can combat the contact by allowing customers to pay for their appointment via an app. This also allows the salon to maximize the efficiency of its staff – which is particularly important for those who have had to downsize during the pandemic.

What Else Can Scheduling Software Do?

This technology is not just great for making and managing appointments, it has a lot more tricks up its sleeve;

Customer segmentation: Scheduling software is able to effectively segment your customers by a number of factors and to then stream them into different queues, to increase efficiency and save time.

Improve performance: Scheduling software features some powerful analytics tools. These tools can improve business performance by examining data such as waiting times and customer satisfaction feedback.

Super staffing: While it’s managing your customer bookings, scheduling software can also tackle your staffing. It can assist figure out the optimum number of employees needed to keep the wheels turning on any given day.

Effective customer management: The software not only allows customers to make their own bookings but also lets them change or cancel the appointments quickly and easily. This is incredibly important for salons as it helps them to keep on top of their space and time. It’s a simple fact that, today, a lot of people aren’t keen on picking up the phone – and will often just not show up to an appointment rather than call to cancel. Offering customers a quick and easy way to do this can significantly improve a salon’s management.

Sales and marketing: “Scheduling software solutions are a great way of keeping customers updated with new products and services and any special offers which might be available” says Neal Taparia, co-founder of SOTA Partners, current founder of spider-solitaire-challenge.com

The software is also able to be used as a marketing tool, to entice new customers. It can often be integrated with a salon or businesses social media platforms.

Beating the back office blues: There are no two ways about it – tasks like admin, book-keeping and juggling appointments all take up a huge (and unnecessary) amount of time and manpower. Scheduling software can help to take some of the strain out of these necessary but mundane tasks – doing it more efficiently too. Many scheduling platforms include bonus features such as inventory management. This can save a lot of time as well as cutting down on purchasing errors.

Which Software Should I Choose?

There are a few platforms and apps out there and, options can be baffling. To find the right software for your needs, start by checking to see whether a platform offers the following vital features;
- Online calendar and appointment module
- Virtual / Self check in options
- Integration with your CRM or customer management system
- Automatic confirmation and reminders
- The ability to manage bookings and walk-ins at the same time
Getting started with scheduling software is absolutely an investment. Choosing a platform like Booksy, which has all of these features and more, will allow you to get up and running quickly. It can help you to save time and money long-term, for the continued success of your business.

For salons in 2021, safety and reassurance are keys to success. Often, a customer will choose a salon based on these factors. The use of this software can be a great tool in making these assurances – then putting your money where your mouth is in terms of delivery. This results in more revenue and more satisfied customers.

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, 2021
Should You Pay For Your Employees’ WiFi?

Work From Home Workforce Expenses To Consider

Advancing technology coupled with the raging coronavirus pandemic forced nearly all businesses to close their physical offices, requiring employees to work from home. The massive change left many employers evaluating the best they can do to achieve a smooth transition. If your employees are partially or fully operating remotely, you should consider some employment terms that weren’t stated in the employment contract.

Among the many questions to expect from your employees is reimbursement for work from home expenses, such as WiFi or Internet service utilized for work purposes. A simple Google search on this topic may leave you overwhelmed with many opinions around this topic on the internet. Unfortunately, only a few websites site actual legal and IRS guidance. The guide below outlines some crucial elements to consider when dealing with the work-from-home workforce.

Does the State Require Employers to Reimburse Their Remote Teams for Home Internet Usage?

There is no straightforward answer to this as requirements differ by state. Generally, some employers provide support to their remote teams voluntarily, while others do so involuntary to avoid legal issues. For legal assistance, below is a guide outlining various state laws and how they may affect employers. Note that this is just informational, and you should consult with employment lawyers for specifics.

● Alaska – In Alaska, employers should compensate employees only if the equipment purchased by employees is exclusively for work-related purposes and shouldn’t be used during other social activities.

● California – The state provisions require employers to reimburse employees for all reasonable expenditures or losses incurred directly from their duties. Unlike what most websites claim on the internet, state laws don’t indicate the specific percentage that employers should reimburse.

● District of Columbia – Employers should cater to their employee’s cost of purchasing and servicing tools required to complete work-related tasks.

● Illinois – Employers should reimburse remote workers all the necessary expenditures or losses incurred that directly relate to services provided for the employer.

● Iowa – Companies should reimburse their remote teams within 30 days after the employee provides a written justification or expense claim.

● Massachusetts – State laws don’t specifically require employees to be compensated for remote work expenses but prohibit businesses from shifting operational costs to employees, especially if the costs subject employees to earnings below the minimum wage.

● Minnesota – The state abides by FLSA minimum wage provisions and requires employers to compensate their remote teams for all business-related expenses, including consumable supplies and equipment required to support remote work.

● Montana – Employers should indemnify their remote workers for business costs that employees incur as a direct consequence of direction from the employer or in the course of discharging their duties.

● New Hampshire – Employers should compensate employees for any incurred expense incurred within 30 days after employees submit the expense claim.

● New York – There are no specific laws on employee compensation in New York. However, a clause in their employment laws recommends punishment to any employer who withholds pre-agreed payments, benefits, or wage supplements to employees. Upon conviction, the employer will be guilty of misdemeanor charges.

● North Dakota – Employers should indemnify employees for employee expenses or losses incurred as they discharge their duties.

● Pennsylvania – Employees should claim an allowable but uncompensated business expense as they file state taxes.

● South Dakota – State laws in South Dakota require employers to reimburse employees if they incur any company expenses or loss accrued in the process of discharging company duties.

Should Your Employees’ WIFI Stipend Be Taxed?

Internet reimbursement for your remote team is taxable only on specific occasions. For instance, it can be taxed if you pay the additional money for home internet usage in their paycheck. However, the IRS publication has guidelines on its “Non accountable plan” about this. Nonetheless, employers can find some tricks to reimburse their employees for WIFI untaxed. The IRS calls this “Accountable plan” and has some guidance on it. Generally, to compensate your remote team without being taxed, employees should substantiate that you are paying them for internet charges, which can simply be done by providing a receipt. However, this must be payment for the internet used for remote work and should be submitted within a given period.

Does the Employer Pay the Full Costs or Split with Employees?

Quantifying the costs incurred, especially for the internet, is quite tricky. In most cases, internet costs come as fixed packages. Therefore, agreeing to split these costs is subject to negotiations. The fact remains that employers should identify and reimburse internet costs if they are quantifiable. In summary, while there are specific state laws guiding reimbursement of remote teams, there are no federal laws that make it a requirement to reimburse employees for remote expenses except in situations where the expenses significantly lower employees’ wages to levels below the minimum wage. However, regardless of the presence or lack of legal obligations, employers should provide support for their remote teams, be it in the form of stipends or loaning them equipment.

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.

June 29, 2021
Electronic Signature & eSigning Guide

A Handy Guide To Electronic Signatures

Due to the latest technological advancements in how companies conduct business, the digital revolution continues worldwide. Due to the record amount of people who work from home or remotely, businesses have started shifting from manual to virtual and digital. In turn, this has forced more reliance on digital documents for reporting, tracking information, orders, and generally – work.

And since most transactions are now conducted online, a lot of companies have also upped their security measures, keeping sensitive customer information and company data safe by electronically signing online. If you’re looking for a way to digitize and secure business documents which require customer or stakeholder signatures, check out the below guide to electronic signatures.

What Is An Electronic Signature?

Electronic signatures are the modern alternative to pen and paper. They’ve become a vital business tool for mobile professionals in this digital era. An e-signature refers to an electronic data form used to execute signatures on electronic documents and records, with the same validity as physical handwritten signatures. Adopting this signing technology is highly beneficial in dealing with businesses, government agencies, and legal documents.

Patient adds an electronic signature on a health insurance contract using a tablet. Advanced technology in the modern hospital.

Key Benefits of Electronic Signatures

Electronic signatures are beneficial to businesses nowadays. But in what ways could electronic signatures help your business?

eSign Documents In Minutes

You can sign documents and send them in minutes with electronic signatures, which is made possible by specialized online tools. Electronic signatures allow you to sign documents online, fast and easy. It means you can close deals wherever you go.

Store and Manage Documents In The Cloud

With electronic signature software, you can store and access all signed documents in the cloud automatically. Hence, you have an online repository to always keep track of important documents. Get peace of mind that you can still use or access those documents in the future.

Prevent Document Tampering

Tampering documents isn’t a new concept. You’ve probably heard news about fraud and falsification of documents. With electronic safety measures evolving such as blockchain protocol, tracking all stages of almost all processes has never been made easier. You’re assured that you can safeguard the authenticity and legality of documents with electronic signatures. You could also prevent document tampering by limiting who can view, edit, and sign these documents.

Know Where Documents Are Signed

A great feature of electronic signature platforms includes geolocation. Now you can capture the exact location of a document signature. You’ll be able to identify whether a signature comes from a company-approved mobile device or a home computer. That way, you can confirm the validity and legitimacy of the signer and the document.

Save Time and Resources with eSignatures

Using eSignature software hastens the turnaround time in signing electronic documents. You don’t need to print, scan, or post a document. Further, you don’t have to wait for the recipient to sign and send the document back to you. Paper document signing can be time consuming; you don’t have to retrieve documents by looking through piles of paper to search for the file that needs approval. With an e-signature, process urgent documents in just a few clicks and within seconds. In addition, modify and share the documents with the relevant parties quickly.

Make Sound Business Decisions

The more time you spend on the agreement process and signing documents, the more time you spend in decision-making. With electronic signatures, you and important stakeholders in your company can sign and approve numerous documents simultaneously, allowing you to enact and enforce decisions in real time. Don’t lose your momentum from your meetings and make smart business decisions by hastening the agreement process with electronic signatures.

Increase Productivity with Electronic Signing

With eSignatures, you can improve productivity in the workplace. Your employees can focus on more important tasks instead of wasting time and energy in getting approvals and pen signatures from different parties. For example, your employees can use templates to create forms you use in the office every day.

How Electronic Signature Software Works

Electronic signature technology is straightforward to use. Choosing a reliable eSignature platform allows people to sign documents on any device, anywhere and anytime. You can prepare everything without too much pressure for those who sign online. Here’s a short run-through on the eSignature process:

Step 1: Upload

The first step is to drag and drop a document to upload in the online electronic signature tool’s interface. Once you upload the document, you can create initials and add the date, the company name, and the signature fields for other signatories.

Step 2: Invite Others to eSign

The next step is to invite other people to sign the digital document via email. Recipients can type in their initials, upload a scanned copy of their handwritten signature, or create an electronic signature with a stylus pen, trackpad, or mouse.

Step 3: Set and Receive Notifications

After the recipients finish signing, you’ll receive an email instantly with a downloadable link to the signed document. Electronic signatures make a unique mark in an electronic form to validate and verify a document like signatures do in physical documents. As the business world is set for another major change in how they operate, electronic documents have become indispensable tools in day-to-day operations, now that more are looking to conduct their business online. So, not only can you sign documents anywhere and whenever you want, you can close more deals faster. Whilst also ensuring the safety of your company’s private data by adding a layer of protection with electronic signatures.

June 17, 2021