The Datamax Thinking Blog

Educating, collaborating, and sparking ideas for maximizing the technology that matters.


Total Data Protection Will Give You a Secure Business Edge

Every business needs to be secure today. Data backup and disaster recovery are key tools to keep your office safe and in business.

If you’re reading this, you understand that your business or office depends on information technology (IT) to function.

As businesses of every size rely ever more on IT, there are two functions IT performs essential to a business’ ability to function:

  1. a robust, secure data network
  2. continued access to vital business information and documents

No network and no access to information equals no business.

Topics: Managed Network Services Digital Security Network Management IT Consulting Technology Pain Business Continuity Disaster Recovery Microsoft Gold Partner Network Security

Dozens of Business Productivity Tips – Our 11 Best and Most Popular Blogs of 2017

You have a lot of options on the market when you make a technology purchase. The best solution for your business isn't determined solely by the price, the feature set, or how fast the vendor gets it to your doorstep.

Every year, I learn more about copiers, document management, workflow, and, increasingly, managed IT topics.

I do my best to pass on what I learn to you.

Here are the 11 most popular posts in 2017. They cover a range of topics:

Read on for insights into those topics – and more – to get yourself ready for 2018! 

Topics: Scanning Information Technology Technology Multifunction Copier Did you know? Managed Network Services Security Digital Copiers Digital Security Productivity Tips and Tools Healthcare Solutions Office Equipment Legal Solutions Network Management Document Workflow Document Security IT Consulting Business Continuity Disaster Recovery

The 6 Things You Should Never Do When It Comes to Cybersecurity

Security isn’t always top of mind, especially when it comes to your employees. Make sure you and your employees aren’t doing any of these six things.

We’ve all had that “kick yourself” moment after something you had a second thought about tragically comes to fruition. We know it could have been prevented, and it was just plain stupid not to have taken the simple steps needed to prevent the mistake.

We take a lot for granted as humans, especially when it comes to securing our data. In fact, did you know that in your office right now it’s likely that 40% of your employees have their passwords stored on their devices in a Word document? Almost half! Not so secure right? 

Despite all the cyber security threats you hear about in the news, the simple fact is that the people within your business are far more of a threat than any software application that you are using. If you’ve ever had second thoughts about your company’s cybersecurity, take a few minutes to check yourself and make sure that you are NOT doing any of the following:

Topics: Information Technology Did you know? Managed Network Services Digital Security Healthcare Solutions Legal Solutions Network Management IT Consulting Technology Pain Microsoft Gold Partner Network Security

7 Things Every SMB Must Know About Cybersecurity

Do you think your business' size will protect you from cybercriminals. It won't.

Simple fact: cybercriminals are coming for you.

That's anyone reading this – individuals, 2-person businesses, Fortune 1000, or the mom and pop store on the corner.

All businesses have customer and other data that can be hacked. Criminals want that data.

Most SMBs attempt to secure themselves. However, they don't have the money or access to expertise that larger companies do. Their defenses aren't as strong as larger companies.

It's a lot easier to pick the lock on a doorknob (just to be 100% clear, this is you SMBs) than on a maximum security safe. Who do you think cybercriminals are going to target? 

Here are seven things every SMB must know about cybersecurity.

Topics: Information Technology Managed Network Services Security Digital Security Network Management Cybersecurity

Your IT Provider Should Be Fixing Your Problems, Not Causing Them

If your IT partner isn't doing these four things well, it might be time to look for another partner.

How is your IT service provider doing these days? Are you happy with the job they are doing?

In a perfect world, your network is running smoothly, resting safe and sound from malware attacks, and emails and communications are pinging back and forth like a well-orchestrated symphony.

We all have certain expectations when we sign on for a service, and there is nothing worse than the anxiety you feel when they don’t meet the mark — especially when it comes to IT.

Topics: Information Technology Business Problems Managed Network Services Digital Security Network Management Technology Support IT Consulting Technology Pain

Ransomware Attacks Target SMBs – A Data Backup Strategy Minimizes Any Damage

Every company is vulnerable to cybercriminals – especially SMBs because their infrastructure is usually less secure. Use data backup as part of your security strategy against ransomware.

Cybercriminals want to hold your information for ransom. And they are coming after your small to medium sized business because your networks are usually less secure than larger businesses.

Don't just take my word for it.

The FBI estimates that the “ransomware industry” was worth $1 billion in 2016. That number is expected to grow in 2017. 

Topics: Information Technology Managed Network Services Security Digital Security Network Management Cloud IT Consulting Business Continuity Disaster Recovery

The Ultimate 7 Step Disaster Recovery Checklist

Every disaster is different. Before doing anything, understand the underlying issues and how it may affect you.

Prepare yourself before disaster strikes. Why?  Because it’s comin’. In many forms and guises you can count on it — it’s comin’.  When it comes to data backup and disaster recovery (BDR), you need to be prepared for potential disasters to keep your business running. It’s not only important to have a disaster recovery solution you trust, but to make sure you test it as well.

Topics: Managed Network Services Network Management Business Continuity Disaster Recovery

The Technology Advocate – Helping You Find Sound IT Direction and Formulate Smart IT Decisions

The Technology Advocate provides client-focused advise grounded in the business case and tailored to address the unique needs of each organization.

Are you making good decisions about investments in your technology infrastructure? What business goals are you trying to accomplish? For many companies, the answer to both questions is a resounding "um..."

Organizations of all sizes use technology to conduct business functions ranging from simple communication to complex "big data" data analysis. Sometimes the adoption of technology is well conceived and cost effective, however all too often the acquisition and deployment of new

Topics: Managed Network Services Network Management Partnering IT Consulting

Healthcare Provider? Cure Your IT Ailments with Business Continuity

Keeping your patient data properly backed up and protected will help you focus on what matters most the patients you care for.

As a healthcare provider, you know your patients are the number one priority. Part of your obligation to them is to keep their health-related information as confidential as possible.

Topics: Managed Network Services Healthcare Solutions Network Management Cloud Business Continuity Disaster Recovery Cybersecurity

Natural Disaster Survival Guide: Tornado or Extreme Storm

Because tornadoes can have catastrophic impacts on physical facilities, businesses must plan ahead for an alternative way to carry out everyday processes such as answering phones, processing orders, issuing invoices, signing checks, etc.

Every business has to prepare for the worst. Those that don’t may never fully recover from a disaster. But not all disasters are created equal. And not all businesses are at risk for every kind of disaster. That’s why we’ve put together this quick Natural Disaster Survival Guide to help you ensure that your business can keep operating even if a natural disaster strikes.

Topics: Managed Network Services Network Management Business Continuity Disaster Recovery