Clean out your inbox with improved Sweep and Search

used with permission from Microsoft

by Mike Schackwitz

If you’re like the average Outlook.com customer, you’ll receive over 10,000 personal emails over the next 12 months, and 80% of that will be the newsletters, offers and updates that often clutter your inbox. That’s a lot of email to deal with. It’s why the Outlook.com team spends much of our energy on giving you tools that make it easy to get to the email you care about. We hear from a lot of you that you love the tools we’ve built, like Sweep, that help address a lot of the commercial email. But we also hear, even among the savviest customers, that there are still a few tools and advanced features you haven’t tried.
This Sunday kicks off the 7th annual National Clean Out Your Inbox Week, dedicated to de-cluttering and organizing your inbox. We thought it was a great time to give you a few tips and tricks to deal with all those emails, and to share some improvements we have rolling out in the coming weeks.
The seven tips below will help you get a cluttered and clunky inbox in tip-top shape.

1. Sweep to delete

A good first step is to get rid of email you don’t want. Use Sweep to delete (or, if you want, block) email in bulk. You can also create a rule to automatically sweep out email going forward.
Many of you have told us Sweep is one of your favorite features (it’s used around 7.5 million times every week). To make it simpler, we have updated the UI to require less clicks to use.

2. Organize by categories

The email that remains is probably mail you want to keep, but much of it is might be just for future reference. You can set up categories based on topics that commonly appear in your inbox, and then archive all that email. We provide a set of default categories based on the most common types of email, such as newsletters and social updates, but you can also easily create your own categories based on your inbox activity. Just select an email and use the Categories option in the top navigation.
Once you’ve created a category, you can automatically categorize all email from a particular sender in four clicks: click Categories, click the category name, click Apply to all from… and then click Categorize all.

3. Find with Search and then archive

With your email organized the way you want it, you can use the updated Search tool to quickly find email regardless of the category or folder it’s in. One of the most commonly-searched criteria is for people, so we now show your contact names and pictures together when you’re looking for them. Searching for a contact will find all email from any email address they have, so you don’t have to remember whether that email came from their personal address or their work address.
We also provide suggested search criteria for the type of email you may be looking for (e.g. and has an attachment). Advanced search now contains more search criteria and has a cleaner UI, and filters that can be applied to the search results.
Once you’ve categorized your messages, you can archive them and get them out of your Inbox in a few clicks. First, click in the search box, type the first few letters of the category name, then click the name. Select all email with that category by clicking the checkbox next to the word Filter (formerly View), then click Select everything. Finally, click Archive in the top navigation.

4. Set up automatic filing

Most people file email they want to keep or read later. You can create folders and with Move to, easily set automatic rules that will send future email directly to a folder. Move to gives you the option to Move all email from… which will save you the trouble of clicking each email from a sender individually.

5. Use instant actions and keyboard shortcuts

By this step, you’re ready to tackle email one at a time. To quickly get through most common inbox tasks, Outlook.com has instant actions, the small buttons that appear when you hover over an email. You can do things like delete, flag, or mark as unread. If these aren’t your most common actions, you can create your own instant actions to fit your needs. Outlook.com customers perform over 2 billion instant actions each month!
We also improved keyboard access, so you can keep your hands on the keyboard to get email done quickly. After you sign in, press the down-arrow key to highlight the first message. Press Enter to open it, Esc to close it, and Delete to delete it. To see all the keyboard shortcuts Outlook.com offers, press the ? key.

6. Clean mobile

Mobile, including phone and tablets, continues to grow in popularity. Email represents 20% of the time we spend on smartphones, so organizing for the web and devices is important. Using features like Sweep and Move to keeps your email organized across the web and apps. We’ve been working hard to make sure your email experience is awesome, including free access to Exchange ActiveSync, available only from Microsoft and the choice of top enterprises to access their mail on mobile devices. We also support IMAP and recently updated our Android app with over 150 improvements.

7. Video and chat

With your email organized and your devices set up, you’ll want to connect your Outlook.com account to other popular services, including Skype, Facebook, Google, Twitter and LinkedIn, allowing you to video call or chat in real-time. In addition, when you connect other services, contact information for your people will always be up-to-date.

WAN Virtualization Using Over The ToP (OTP)

With the introduction of Over the ToP (OTP), Cisco has empowered enterprise customers to regain control of their WAN deployments. By focusing on simplicity, OTP helps remove the complexity of the deployment of branch networks utilizing Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Virtual Private Network (VPN), and adds the ability to utilize lower cost public networks.

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What IT Can You Outsource?

article used with permission from HTS

Outsourcing your IT (often called managed IT services) has many benefits for small- to medium-sized businesses. Businesses without large IT staffs or the necessary tech skills or infrastructure often choose managed services to take the place of or supplement their own IT professionals. This allows for

• Flexibility when growing or moving: A managed services provider can give you temporary resources when upgrading your infrastructure, for example
• Specialized resources when necessary: For a flat recurring fee, you get access to the managed service provider’s entire staff and their specialists, whereas for that same cost you could hire only a single part-time person with a single skillset
• Cost savings: By outsourcing your IT, you can realize significant savings, as IT providers can arrange services and hardware at a lower cost

There are many benefits to outsourcing your IT, but what exactly can managed IT services cover for you? What can you outsource? If you think managed IT services is just about getting IT phone support during afterhours or having someone else create new email accounts for you, then think again!

• Data Processing and Storage: The space, maintenance, and power required for processing and storing your data can drain your time and resources. This can be outsourced to a provider’s data center.
• Hardware: With the rise of cloud computing, not only can your data be outsourced to a data center, you can often remove your on-site servers entirely and run your applications in the cloud, from a virtualized server. Such solutions and contracts are a form of outsourced IT.
• Planning and Management: If you need a CIO (Chief Information Officer) or a project consultant, a managed services provider can do this for you. Managed services is proactive rather than reactive: strategic planning, project management, and consulting can be outsourced so that the growth of your IT infrastructure and your future projects benefit from expertise you may not have on staff.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Regular IT support can be outsourced with a managed services contract, giving you continual monitoring of your network to make remediation of problems faster and reduce downtime. This type of monitoring can also include running security updates, patching, and everyday-type work to keep your hardware, software, and devices running smoothly.
• Email Management: Outsourcing can also cover managing your email – from your spam/anti-virus software to a complete unified communications system.

If you have questions about whether outsourcing some or all of your IT is right for you, we’d love to talk to you!

What the technology you’re using says about your business

What the technology you’re using says about your business

used with permission from Microsoft

by Cindy Bates

Did you know the technology you use has an impact on what current and potential customers think of your business? Those are the findings of a survey we recently conducted, in which 90 percent of respondents said they would – or would consider – taking their business elsewhere if a company uses outdated technology.

About 60% of respondents said they consider a 5-10 year old operating system or desktop computer to be “outdated.” That means the estimated 30% of small businesses that are still using the Windows XP operating system (introduced over 12 years ago in 2001), are running their business on technology that definitely falls into the category of “outdated.” Come April 8, 2014, businesses running Windows XP will no longer receive security updates or technical support, leaving them vulnerable to potential security threats.

Businesses that are using outdated technology are not only exposed to reputational and security risks, but are also missing out on some amazing capabilities that have finally become accessible and affordable to SMBs only in the last several years. There is a wide array of versatile, touch-enabled Windows 8 devices, from slates and tablets to All-in-Ones, now available to match every mobility and productivity requirement. And cloud services like Office 365 offer all of the well-known Office apps like Outlook email, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as cloud storage, IM, and voice and video conferencing, for as little as $6 per user per month.

If you want to learn more about what it takes to modernize your technology and why it matters, download this free e-guide.

Choosing between Windows 7 or 8.1

used with permission from HP Technology at Work

It may be the dead of winter, but harbingers of spring abound, including increasing daylight hours and the start of baseball’s spring training. Like the crack of the bat and the season’s first daffodils, April 8th—the day on which Microsoft® officially stops supporting its third-generation technology Windows XP operating system—will also be here before you know it.
As we’ve previously discussed, businesses that put off upgrading to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 will not only miss out on powerful new features, they’ll also waste time and money on custom Microsoft or third party services to support an obsolete system prone to cyber attack. The question then isn’t whether to replace XP, but rather what to replace it with.
Though perhaps somewhat more slowly than what might be expected, the news of XP’s plodding but eventual demise is resonating among long-time users. This past fall, Net Applications data showed XP running just more than 31 percent of the world’s 1.5 billion computers [1]—significantly less than the 38 percent recorded early last summer [2]. Notably, companion data showed that in October, Windows 7 accounted for more than 46 percent of the market, as compared to Microsoft’s Windows 8’s slightly more than 8 percent [1].
But Windows 8.1 is receiving largely enthusiastic reviews that are bound to quickly escalate its use [3].
Among other enhancements, Microsoft is touting the introduction of a “start button” in Windows 8.1—non-existent in Windows 8—and the latest version’s easier overall customization as features to drive users to 8.1. Do these latest developments greatly benefit businesses, or does Windows 7 provide ample functionality in the transitioning from XP?

Compare and contrast

In partial response to small business’ less-than-enthusiastic acceptance of Windows Vista, Windows 7 was introduced in October 2009 as a strong alternative to XP [4]. Instead of requiring new hardware, Windows 7 quickly loads programs, boots and shuts down on existing hardware.  This translates into immediate cost savings. Windows 7 delivers simple navigation by resizing or making all open windows transparent, and includes multitasking features like thumbnail size preview icons accessible with one click.
Most hardware and software works right out of the box with Windows 7. File organization, which is an important aspect of business operations (think of small medical practices’ and insurance brokerages’ need to track sensitive patient and customer data for regulatory and fair practice purposes), is facilitated through the use of libraries that enable the convenient cataloging of readily retrievable files in single locations—regardless of where they reside. Network set up is easy; the Windows 7 Professional Edition supports connectivity with complex servers.
Third-party developer support for Windows 7 is strong and, more than XP’s, its overall performance better supports users’ everyday work and online experience. Another plus: in November, Microsoft delivered the newest and final version of Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 7, identical to that packaged in the 8.1 update for Windows 8 users.
The touch screen-friendly program features improved support for web standards as well as for hardware-accelerated 3D graphics and HTML5 video, which is ideal for small architecture and design firms. For businesses migrating to Windows 7, HP's Client Migration Services for Windows 7 includes a full suite of services leveraging a “factory style” process for optimizing and modernizing application portfolios.

Windows 8.1: a touch more power

Despite these and other powerful features, Microsoft says availability of Windows 7, followed by support services, will soon end [5]. The company’s improvements to Windows 8.1 build upon Windows 8’s touch-enabled interface, so important to businesses’ eventual de facto acceptance of BYOD.
Unlike Windows 7, Windows 8.1 will likely require infrastructure upgrades to take full advantage of its new features (the long-term benefits figure to outweigh added short-term costs). In addition to increased mobility across desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones, Windows 8.1 enables the development of applications that work seamlessly across each of these devices.
Standardizing on 8.1 also lowers support costs by allowing IT to streamline support, with the added benefit of a “Workplace Join” feature that provides users access to corporate resources—regardless of the device used. Perhaps most significantly, 8.1’s device-neutral operation reduces support requests, freeing IT to focus on more strategic or revenue-generating activities. In fact, a self-help portal in the system’s service desk enables users to troubleshoot on their own.
Windows 8.1 also includes beefed up security enhancements, including Remote Business Data Removal to allow the removal of encrypted content when it’s no longer needed. Internet Explorer 11 also enables an anti-malware solution to protect against the execution of known and unknown malware [7, 8].
HP offers a suite of desktop and notebook PCs and tablets pre-installed with Windows 8.1. Featuring long battery life, each also includes SkyDrive for anytime, anywhere access to files and photos.
With a wide variety of available transitioning tools and hardware, a move from XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 needn’t be difficult. Like XP before them, these operating systems possess the powerful, user-friendly functions and apps that ensure continued smooth business operations with the added benefits of greater speed, efficiency, security and seamless operation across multiple devices.


[1] BGR, Windows 7 adoption still growing at a faster rate than Windows 8, October 1, 2013
[2] ZDNet, Latest OS share data shows Windows still dominating in PCs, April 1, 2013
[3] InformationWeek, Windows 8.1: 10 Surprise Benefits, June 13, 2013
[4] Entrepreneur, 10 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 7, November 2, 2009
[5] Windows, Windows lifecycle fact sheet, October 2013
[7] Not all features are available in all editions of Windows 7. Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware, drivers and/or software to take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. Seehttp://www.microsoft.com
[8] Not all features are available in all editions of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware, drivers and/or software to take full advantage of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 functionality. See http://www.microsoft.com

FFIEC Issues Statement on End of Microsoft Support for Windows XP

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council agencies have issued the following statement for financial institutions about the end of support for Windows XP and regulatory guidance for addressing the risk from its continued use.

PURPOSE

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) agencies (“agencies”) are jointly issuing this statement to alert financial institutions that the discontinuation of support for the Microsoft Windows XP operating system (XP) could present operational risks to financial institutions, technology service providers (TSPs), and to activities supported by other third parties. The agencies expect financial institutions and TSPs to identify, assess, and manage these risks to ensure that safety, soundness, and the ability to deliver products and services are not compromised.

BACKGROUND 

Microsoft will discontinue extended support for XP effective April 8, 2014. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide regular security patches, technical assistance, or support for XP. Financial institutions, TSPs, and other third parties that use XP in personal computers, servers, and purpose-built devices such as automated teller machines (ATM), or that are dependent on applications that require use of XP could be exposed to increased operational risk.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

Potential problems include degradation in the delivery of various products and services, application incompatibilities, and increased potential for data theft and unauthorized additions, deletions, and changes of data. Additionally, financial institutions and TSPs that are subject to the requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and continue to use XP after April 8, 2014, may no longer be compliant.

REGULATORY GUIDANCE 

Financial institutions and TSPs that use XP should follow their risk management processes to address the risk from the continued use of XP, consistent with the risk management guidance contained in the FFIEC Information Technology (IT) Examination Handbook.
Important considerations include

• performing risk assessments: Identify and measure the risk from the continued use of XP throughout the organization and at third parties, including business continuity and disaster recovery situations. 
• selecting appropriate mitigations: Consider costs and potential risks, including compatibility with other systems and applications, in selecting a mitigation strategy.2
• conducting appropriate planning: Develop an implementation plan addressing priorities for changes, ensuring appropriate change management procedures, and monitoring related third parties’ mitigation and migration activities, as warranted.3 
• monitoring and reporting: Monitor the risk mitigation implementation to ensure that the level of risk is acceptable. The effectiveness of controls should be tested periodically and results reported to senior management or a committee of the board of directors, as appropriate, to ensure risk continues to be managed.

The PDF version of the original statement is available here on the FFIEC website.

Cisco Systems Ohio State Term Schedule

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (January 9, 2014)

Emerge IT Solutions – Cisco Systems Ohio State Term Schedule

Erlanger, KY, January 9, 2014 – Emerge is proud to announce the acceptance onto the Cisco Systems Ohio State Term Schedule. This will enable Emerge to continue its value proposition to the State and Local government agencies in Ohio, leading with Cisco Systems technologies.

“Emerge has developed relationships throughout the state and has a strategic direction to enhance those relationships and grow its SLED business in 2014.” Says Emerge Managing Partner Jesse Kegley


Emerge is an organization that provides solutions which build technology infrastructure to advance business. We work with companies to develop fresh, progressive solutions that work. Emerge applies industry best practices to achieve customer business objectives or overcome challenges. From network infrastructure to audio visual and cloud IT services, Emerge provides a complete offering. Come and see where Emerge can take your business today.

Contact Information:
Emerge Marketing
859-746-1030 direct line
859-384-0649 fax
marketing@emergeits.com

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Emerge IT Solutions, LLC

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