Category: IT Support

Helping charities and non-profit organisations access discounted Microsoft licences

Posted on by Peter

Microsoft offers an impressive suite of products that are ideal for meeting the needs of a wide range of organisations. However, you may not be aware that if the organisation in question is a registered charity or non-profit organisation, it can be possible to get a useful discount on the cost of the associated licences. Andromeda Solutions helps charities and non-profit organisations access discounted Microsoft licences, allowing them to use Microsoft products at a reduced cost.

The Microsoft 365 licensing discount scheme

As all organisation’s need similar computing solutions in the modern world, Microsoft has decided to make its products more accessible to charities and non-profit organisations which might otherwise struggle to justify the cost of its software licences. The tech giant offers Microsoft 365 licensing for its Business Premium product for free to the first ten users, and at a healthy discounted rate for any additional users.

This is offered alongside a range of other useful benefits. There are also lower prices available for charities wishing to use other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Dynamics 365.

A host of IT support benefits

In addition to the lower prices, Microsoft also offers a range of other useful benefits to charities and non-profit organisations, including providing valuable IT support in the form of training. Microsoft runs a Digital Skills Center for non-profits, which provides courses on topics ranging from data management to collaboration tools. There is also a helpful crash course to get charities familiar with using Microsoft 365.

A quality product

Of course, the benefits of using Microsoft 365 speak for themselves. As one of the foremost cloud solutions, Microsoft 365 gives organisations agile, scalable storage, processing power and security tailored to meet the needs of the modern workplace. This includes facilitating effective remote work and mobile access.

Helping non-profits access discounts

Andromeda Solutions are a Microsoft Cloud Solutions provider, and a Microsoft Partner, which means that we are perfectly placed to help charities and non-profit organisations access these beneficial discounts. We can help establish whether your organisation meets Microsoft’s criteria for eligibility, and guide you through the registration and implementation process. Our IT support for charities means that they can soon enjoy the powerful data management and processing that cloud solutions such as Microsoft 365 provide.

Get in touch with us today on 01642 903810 to see how we can help your charity or non-profit organisation.

Andromeda Solutions: Award Winning IT Services in Middlesbrough

Posted on by Peter

It’s official: if you are looking for the very best in IT support in Middlesbrough, then Andromeda Solutions is the award-winning choice.

The Best IT Services in Middlesbrough

Andromeda Solutions has been recognised by Three Best Rated as a five-star rated IT support company, and named as the winner of the best IT support company in Middlesbrough. Any IT support company would be honoured to receive this prize, as this comes following a thorough testing by Three Best Rated, using their 50 Point Inspection criteria, making Andromeda Solutions’ ultimate success a genuine indicator of superb service.

A Rigorous Selection Process

To win this prestigious award, Andromeda Solutions were put through our paces by the 50 Point Inspection process, which Three Best Rated use to find out which IT company can truly be considered exceptional. With ratings for aspects of the business such as History, Services, Operating Hours, Website and Reviews, Three Best Rated carry out rigorous scrutiny to choose their award winners. As a result, it’s clear to see that our team here at Andromeda Solutions offers an outstanding service in every respect, gaining top inspection scores in many key areas, such as services, responsiveness and online appointments.

High Praise for Andromeda Solutions IT Company

Three Best Rated praised Andromeda Solutions, noting that we deliver a full spectrum of IT services and IT support to both home and business customers based in the North East. They also commented that Andromeda Solutions specialises in secure, reliable server technology, with well-designed networks that are fast and reliable, offering maximum uptime.

Three Best Rated was particularly impressed with our commitment to respond within an hour to business-critical problems, and the ability for clients to check up on their progress online. Three Best Rated also liked the customer service experience afforded by the free PC check-ups offered by our team, who can diagnose any issues and carry out computer repairs too.

A Great Choice for IT Services in Teesside

With this award, we believe that Andromeda Solutions stands apart from the competition in providing IT support in Middlesbrough and the North East region. Proving an increasingly popular choice for both businesses needing IT support or services and home customers wanting computer repairs or check-ups, our friendly team has the experience and expertise to solve any problem quickly.

This recognition from Three Best Rated with regards to Andromeda Solution’s work will hopefully encourage many more customers to discover how the best IT support services can help them, too.

What you need to know about Microsoft 365 backup

Posted on by Peter

With an impressive range of features coupled with a familiar, easy to use interface, there’s no question that Microsoft 365 makes an excellent choice for your business’ software needs. However, you might be surprised to learn that although Microsoft 365 is a secure platform with automated backup functionality, this simply isn’t sufficient for most organisations’ requirements. This could lead to significant problems should your files be lost to malware or ransomware, as well as posing a threat to meeting essential data compliance requirements.

Is my data already backed up with Microsoft 365?

In answer to the question “does Microsoft backup Office 365?”, the simple answer is: not really. Microsoft 365 regularly backs up your files, but the retention period is extremely short. Files are only held for 30 days before they are lost forever, and for those using Microsoft SharePoint Online, this retention period drops to 14 days.

After this period elapses, there is simply no way for you to recover this data, which can certainly prove problematic should the worst happen. If your business were to be targeted by hackers, you could lose access to everything from spreadsheets and documents to emails and important calendar dates.

Backup Microsoft is not responsible for Office 365

In fact, when it comes to backing up data, it’s you the business owner who bears the responsibility. There is a shared responsibility model which deals with aspects such as the network, operating system and physical data centre, and the Microsoft 365 policy on backing up more than fulfils its side of those requirements. However, this means that the onus is on businesses to protect their data.

How do I back up Microsoft 365?

The good news is that there are dedicated solutions available to ensure that your backup for Microsoft Office 365 is taken care of. Quick and easy to install, these solutions offer flexible periods, as well as making it simple to access specific data files – an essential requirement for meeting compliance regulations. Any Microsoft 365 business owners should benefit from the peace of mind that such software solutions can offer, as well as reassurance that they can be scaled to meet their changing needs, should their business grow.

Microsoft 365 backup is essential

It’s vital that you ensure that your business is protected from costly disruption if disaster strikes. It should be considered a simple part of your IT support protocols and prioritised as highly as any other cyber security measures. The best way to be sure that your files are properly backed up is to choose a software solution that will safeguard all your valuable data. Doing so is quick and easy, and will provide you with peace of mind as you focus on getting on with business.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help your business effectively backup your data.

The benefits of Microsoft 365

Posted on by Peter

Offering businesses a host of impressive benefits, Microsoft 365 makes a smart choice for any modern organisation. It’s the all-round IT services solution that can help your organisation thrive. This blog post explains what Microsoft 365 is, and the main business benefits of Microsoft 365.

What is Microsoft 365?

Previously known as Office 365, Microsoft 365 is a powerful software solution for all your business’s requirements. Comprising a wide range of the tools you need every day, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, it’s an integrated productivity suite that can help your organisation achieve real digital transformation. With the finest security protocols built-in as standard, you can transform your processes with the benefits of the latest AI-powered cloud computing technology.

–Accessibility for the modern workforce

With the rise of remote working, choosing Microsoft 365 is the perfect solution for ensuring continuity across your business. All that is needed is an internet connection. With all your files safely stored in the cloud, your staff will be able to access everything they need wherever they may be working. The suite works across all devices, too, making it an excellent means of maximising productivity.

–A cost-effective solution

The great benefits of this software are more affordable than you might expect. The cloud-based nature of the suite makes 365 an economical choice, with a monthly subscription payment plan. This makes it the perfect tool for ensuring that you stay agile and flexible, as you can scale your subscription as your needs change. With all software installation and updates included, it really is excellent value.

–Security as standard

You can enjoy the reassurance of the most advanced security measures, with access to your data protected with two-factor authentication. Anti-malware and threat detection helps keep cyber criminals at bay, identifying any issues and dealing with them immediately, taking the strain off your IT support.

Key Microsoft 365 business features

The package offers a range of applications that can make the best of every working day. With features such as Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and many others, it’s the software solution that covers all of your organisation’s requirements.

–What is Microsoft Teams?

Now better than ever, Microsoft Teams benefits the modern organisation where staff are frequently working from home. It’s the ideal business communication platform, allowing messaging and video-conferencing together with tools which facilitate real-time collaborative working.

–What is Microsoft OneDrive?

Microsoft OneDrive is your online storage platform, where your valuable data will be stored with optimum security. It means that your files are accessible wherever there is internet access, letting your staff get to work wherever they are. With 1TB of storage available, it’s an excellent way to streamline your data to minimise data sprawl.

It’s clear, then, that the Microsoft 365 business credentials are unbeatable, making it an ideal software solution for any modern enterprise. Affordable, secure, and able to handle all of your requirements with a range of tailored business applications, you can enjoy the gains in efficiency and productivity that are sure to follow. Andromeda Solutions is an official reseller and support provider of Microsoft 365. Contact us today to find out more and discover how we can help your business. 

How Cisco Meraki can benefit your business

Posted on by Peter

If you’re looking to expand your business, upgrade your old IT systems, or you want to maximise the efficiency of your wi-fi network, you need a secure networking system such as Cisco Meraki. Cisco Meraki is an industry leader who provides an efficient cloud-based networking solution. With more people than ever working from home, Cisco Meraki can help your team stay connected, productive, and secure whilst working remotely. Andromeda Solutions are authorised Cisco Meraki resellers and fully support their network and security products, discover how Cisco Meraki can benefit your business with this blog post.

What is Cisco Meraki?

Cisco Meraki is a 100% cloud managed networking solution used by over 3 million network devices worldwide. Their cloud-based network has been designed and built for ease of use to make your life simpler and transform your workplace. Cisco Meraki create simple, creative, and powerful IT solutions that have been created to simplify complex problems for businesses.

The Cisco Meraki product range offers a complete range of hardware and software, including wireless LAN, security appliances, mobility management, switches, and security cameras. Their products are designed to simplify businesses IT by eliminating complex architectures and therefore reducing operating costs. All their products have fully integrated networking and are connected to the Cisco Meraki Cloud over a secure socket layer.  

The benefits of Cisco Meraki

Networking can be complicated, time consuming and a burden on any IT department. If managed correctly, a cloud network can drive holistic and strategic change across all areas of your business, saving your company time and money.

Meraki allows businesses to manage their entire network from a centralised dashboard that can be accessed via most devices, including from smartphones. From the dashboard interface, you can access inbuilt analytics and intelligence information. Traffic can be monitored to identify sources that are slowing down your network allowing admin users to make restrictions before it becomes overloaded. Admin users can set application specific rules that can prohibit the use of applications or websites. This network flexibility promotes efficiency, enables you to effectively monitor performance, and improves productivity within your workplace. 

Having secure and powerful IT solutions is more crucial than ever before. With external threats becoming more sophisticated, it is essential that you keep your network secure and protect your business from vulnerabilities such as security breaches, loss of connectivity, or data loss. Cisco Meraki is a streamlined networking system that helps minimise potential risks to your business. Security is a main priority for Cisco Meraki, all their products have been designed and built with security in mind.

Discover how Andromeda Solutions can help your company with our business IT services. We are partners with Cisco Meraki, are an authorised reseller, and employ Cisco-certified engineers. Contact us today to find out more.

Effectively Managing Remote Teams

Posted on by Peter

The pandemic has normalised working from home, changing the way businesses operate and potentially revolutionising the way we work forever. With many businesses now adopting a remote working culture, managing remote teams has never been so important. Working from home provides many benefits, offering flexibility, cheaper operational costs, and giving employees a better home life balance. Remote working also comes with new challenges and limitations, such as lack of supervision, distractions, and possible security threats. Employee monitoring software is designed to increase productivity, improve IT security, and identify potential issues early.

Benefits of Monitoring Remote Employees

Employee monitoring software is an effective way to manage your workforce, boosting workflow and keeping your employees on track. Using employee surveillance systems allows managers to track and supervise their team’s IT usage live, or from the past. It’s a reliable way to monitor employees work computers, including search history, attendance, activities, emails, application usage and productivity levels. This information lets managers to identify which employees are performing to a high standard, and which employees are not meeting expectations, allowing them to offer support, feedback, and additional training.

Surveillance systems also increases the company’s IT security, offering both legal and employee security. Accessing employees work devices can protect your business from potential security breaches, suspicious behaviour, and insider threats, whether they are done maliciously or accidently. Employee monitoring offers employees safer working conditions, protecting them from cyber harassment, bullying and sexual harassment, and protects the business from legal issues from people accessing illegal content or conducting illicit behaviour on company property. 

Implementing Employee Monitoring Software

Our team can quickly and remotely implement reliable solutions to help you effectively manage your workforce.  Our experts will also demonstrate how to use and understand the new software remotely using Microsoft Teams, providing you with the relevant information needed to successfully monitor your team. Andromeda Solutions will be on hand to provide you with IT support and assist you with any issues or queries you have.

Contact Andromeda Solutions today on 01642 903810 to see how we can help your business effectively manage your remote employees.

The Benefits of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services

Posted on by Peter

Following the outbreak of Covid-19 and the national lockdown, many people had to change their working habits and begin working from home. For business owners, this involved solving a range of problems to keep their companies going and to support their employees – from finding them suitable equipment to investing in IT solutions to provide a productive working environment.

A survey by PwC found that CEOs believe working from home will continue into the future. Therefore, it is not hard to conclude that the companies who invested in a good work-from-home set up during Covid-19 the pandemic have invested wisely.

A Remote Desktop Service is a key IT function for businesses who need their
employees to work from home, or from other remote locations. Remote Desktop functions have often been considered “clunky” to use or tricky to configure for different devices, however this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Desktop Service can be accessed and managed from almost any location on the planet, and from almost any device – including mobile phones and personal laptops. The log-in process is typically the same, and quickly becomes as easy as using a standard desktop computer.
Configuration is also easy. You don’t need to worry about the compatibility of the operating system on the remote device, it is just a case of logging in. If you want to switch devices, simply disconnect the old one and reconnect using the new one.

IT Security is another key feature. You can assign permissions to particular data files in the normal way, but your data is also less vulnerable to breaches, hacking or technological and device failures due to it being a Cloud-based system. Most systems come with built-in encryption.

Investing in the Microsoft Remote Desktop can save your business money. It is a reliable storage system at a fraction of the cost of a standard IT service, and IT support is included. Money saved can be invested back into the growth of your business.

Lastly, the benefits of an engaged and connected workforce cannot be overlooked. Most employees who can complete their tasks remotely rather than being confined in one location prove to be more trustworthy and motivated, and in turn more productive for your business.

Businesses Rely on Technology

Posted on by Peter

In a modern world, businesses rely on technology. From Australia to the UK and the South West to the North East, it’s all the same.When we began here at Andromeda Solutions, our main aim surrounded the provision of Enterprise Solutions at SME prices. We wanted to ensure our customers have the same level of products and services as the larger companies, at affordable costs.

IT Support

Our services mean you and your company have one less thing to worry about. By knowing your IT Support is safely in our hands, you’re free to do what your do best; run and grow the business. Our team work successfully and reputably across Newcastle, Durham, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington, Hartlepool and the surrounding areas.

Let us Help You

Are you currently spending more and more time fixing computers?

Would like to keep up with modern technology?

Are you having the same problems repeatedly?

Are you using different companies to look after your Computers, Backups, Servers, Firewalls, Networks, Virus protection, Office 365 accounts, VoIP phone systems, Internet?

If yes to any of these questions, it’s about time to invest in the right IT Support company. Our team will provide you with everything from adhoc services to Full IT solutions.

See our reviews on Google, Yell or Facebook to see what our customers are saying.

February Begins

Posted on by Peter

Well its February and we are off to a flying start! Another business signed up and are currently saving money on their IT Services.

How do we do it?

  • We complete a full review of your current IT Systems whilst learning & understanding your needs.
  • Andromeda ensures we stay up to date with the latest technology in order to offer the best solutions for your business.
  • Through our own efficient company, we pass on the savings onto you.
  • Our team form long lasting relationships, rather than a one-time deal.

Give us a call today and find out how we can help your business.

01642 903 810

We dont break the bank