Cloud computing has been around for a while now and is trusted by many companies worldwide. However, despite the data pointing to the numerous benefits of utilizing cloud computing, many still decide to operate without its capabilities. At MSEDP, we help businesses both big and small operate using the cloud. Enjoy all of the benefits of this service and rest assured knowing you are in safe hands. MSEDP is located on Long Island and hosts many businesses in New York. But we also work with many companies across the United States.
So if you are interested in gaining access to our cloud services, please contact us today. We will gladly answer any questions or concerns you may have about this particular service. The number for our office is 631-761-7600. When you call, we can provide you with a free consultation and go over all of the numerous benefits of our cloud computing services. You can also read on for more on the wonderful benefits of using the cloud for your website!
What Exactly is Cloud Computing?
If you asked people 20 years ago what cloud computing was you’d get a fairly muted and/or confused response. However, it has gained popularity over time and is now commonplace. But what does it mean, exactly? Well, in its simplest terms, it is the storage of data at an offsite location. There has been an exponential increase in the use of data use over the years, so it is becoming more and more difficult to keep all vital information, programs, and systems up and running on in-house computer servers. The solution to this problem is, you guessed it, cloud computing!
Cloud computing operates on similar principles as web-based email clients, since it allows users to access all of the features and files of the system all without having to keep all that data on their own computers. And you are likely using cloud-based services without even noticing it. Applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, Facebook and Instagram are all cloud-based. So on a personal level, the cloud is great. But it is even more valuable for businesses, since they can access large amounts of data over a secure, online network connection using the cloud.
As an example, employees can access customer information via cloud-based software and do so from the comfort of their smartphone or tablet at home. Or access it while traveling. And then turn around and quickly share any information with other authorized parties at the click of a finger.
However, not everybody is on-board yet with the cloud. Many still remain hesitant to jump on board. So if that’s you or someone you know, here are a few benefits of using cloud computing services for your business.
Cost Savings
This is routinely the number one consideration of any business. Of course it is important to weigh the price tag of any endeavor. However, when switching to a cloud-based system it is important to consider more than just the initial price. There needs to be a consideration of the return of investment. Once on the cloud, it is much easier to gain access to your company’s data, which will save you both time and money down the line. And when you choose MSEDP’s cloud services, you’ll only pay for the space you need. There are tiers of storage, so you will only be paying for what you use and nothing more. We want to make this as simple and affordable as possible.
Security
There is always a fear when placing your trust, and important information, elsewhere. Especially when that place is off-site. So it goes without saying that many businesses have security concerns when it comes to adopting a cloud-computing solution. The biggest concern we hear is that if you can remotely access your data, what is stopping a cybercriminal from doing the same?
A valid concern, but there are a lot of safety measures in place to protect cloud-based data. It is our full-time job to carefully monitor security, which is more than you can say about most in-house storage. We use some of the best software on the market to make sure all of the data in our cloud servers are safe and secure. And God forbid there is an issue, our backup and data recovery system is set in place to effectively neutralize the issue. So you can rest assured that your information is in safe hands when you turn to MSEDP’s cloud-based servers.
Flexibility
Every business only has a finite amount of time to focus between all of its responsibilities. So placing your trust in another company to handle your IT issues may be scary, but it also allows you the flexibility to focus on your business and help it grow. While the excellent IT team at MSEDP handles your data and storage.
So you have more flexibility overall when compared to hosting on a local server. And, if you need extra bandwidth, our cloud-based service can meet that demand instantly. This is typically not the case when locally storing data. If you need an upgrade, you likely need a larger server to hold that space. Which is added time and money. When you turn to MSEDP, you will have an improved freedom and flexibility that can make a significant difference to the efficiency of your business.
Sustainability
And last, but not least, is the overall sustainability of cloud servers. We are talking about sustainability within the environment. Companies need to do more to help keep the earth safe and find real sustainability solutions. A recycling bin in the break room is not enough. Hosting on the cloud is more environmentally friendly and results in less of a carbon footprint. So it is a more actionable solution to the environmental issues plaguing the world.
On the whole, cloud infrastructures support environmental pro-activity. This is due to the fact that it powers virtual services rather than physical products and hardware, which cuts down on paper waste and improves energy efficiency. The amount of paper offices still use in 2020 is alarming, but utilizing the cloud is a great way to limit the use of that resource.
And since cloud computing allows employees access from anywhere with an internet connection, it can reduce commuter-related emissions. Air pollution is a major issue not only in the United States, but around the world. So having people travel less means a healthier earth. In the end, cloud computing is not only safe and can save you money, it is a simple and easy way to help keep the environment safe!
MSEDP Offers Affordable IT Services For All Websites We Host
Having an IT team at your disposal that you can trust is a valuable tool to have. When you choose the IT services at MSEDP, you will be getting the best services for your money. Every business, small or big, needs an effective IT department at their side. There are many important benefits of having an IT team you can trust. Below, we will go over a few of the more notable ones. For more information about any of our IT services, please contact us today. We will gladly answer any questions you may have regarding all that we offer. The number for our office is 631-761-7600. When you call, we can provide you with a free consultation and go over all of the benefits of having MSEDP’s IT services at your disposal!
Day to Day Management
It is important in today’s business landscape to get the most from your IT budget. When you turn to MSEDP, you’ll get system monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting with our all-inclusive managed services packages. We use remote technology to monitor the health of your computers and network around the clock. Our IT team will perform system updates when needed, offer virus prevention and removal, check data backups, and handle all essential maintenance and troubleshooting. All of that without interrupting your typical workday with a support visit.
However, we do offer free on-site support hours if an issue arises. Also included are priority response times and discounted rates for installations and projects (depending on the monthly package you choose).
Quick Fixes to Technical Problems
Any type of software can give you annoying technical glitches. So having an effective IT support team allows you to become more effective in your job. You don’t need to waste time trying to figure it out on your own. Our IT team offers quick fixes and services to these types of issues. So valuable hours from your workday are saved and you are a more productive worker. You handle your business. Let MSEDP’s IT services handle your website!
Safety From Viruses
One of the main functions of any IT department is to help keep your website safe from viruses and other online threats. Here, the role of any IT department is to complete a combination of standard antivirus management in order to protect your devices. Due to this, you get to save your time, money, and other resources.
When you choose MSEDP, all of your data is protected by end-to-end encryption locally, in transit, and in the cloud. We partner with Datto Inc to provide affordable cybersecurity services and to keep your website safe. Datto Inc. has a great reputation for its ability to detect ransomware and other illicit software that could hurt your systems. And to make sure everything is kept secure, we use two-factor authentication so only certain individuals have data access.
24/7 Monitoring
MSEDP offers our clients cutting-edge software. This means we get alerted when systems are acting up or are down, even if its 2 am. Having around-the-clock monitoring allows us to be proactive rather than reactive to ensure that you are running optimally during business hours.
This sort of monitoring is especially true for businesses serving online customers who require monitoring at all stages in order to ensure efficiency and safety for their customers. In the case a business’ network goes down for a few hours, there will be huge financial losses due to reduced sales. However, by having a trusted IT team, those risks go out the window.
Effective Management of Data
For any business, data storage and management are of utmost significance. A sound IT department makes sure the management of your business’ data is seamless. With comprehensive IT support, businesses do not have to suffer from the problems of lost files, virus infection, accidental deletion, and so on. MSEDP stays on top of all these issues so you don’t have to!
The Security of Information
It goes without saying that businesses possess sensitive and crucial information. This information includes salary, financial, and HR details. So, having trusted IT services also means keeping confidential information safe from hacking and other malicious attempts, like phishing scams. IT departments are responsible for getting these elements rightly monitored and policed. On top of that, an IT department also makes sure to prioritize data leakage and that staff members do not divulge your company’s sensitive data to the outside world.
WordPress has been around since 2003 and has morphed into one of the most popular and easy-to-use platforms for web designers. It started small as a simple blogging site, but has become so much more. It is the most widely used content management system and accounts for over 20% of all new websites. And many trusted companies utilize the great benefits of WordPress for their websites, such as The New York Times, CNN, UPS and eBay.
MSEDP offers affordable website design through WordPress. So if you don’t have a WordPress site, but are interested in one, please contact us today! We will gladly go over all of the WordPress options available to you. The number for our office is 631-761-7600. When you call, we can go over all of the benefits of using WordPress and how we can make it happen for you!
WordPress is Open Source
Since WordPress is open-source software, you have access to core files and documentation. This means the community of developers and users are at your disposal. So there is a lot of information out there for you to look into. And if you have an issue, there is bound to be someone else who had a similar experience. A quick Google search for the problem will likely find a solution to the problem. You can also submit questions to the vast WordPress community and get a reliable reply back. All of this saves so much time if and when an issue happens. And since the community is so vast, issues get identified and resolved pretty quickly. So if you have a problem with an app, a simple update to whatever component (core, theme, plugin, etc) was at fault is likely ready for you.
Plugins Make It Easy To Grow Your Website
A plugin is simply an add-on to the site. This add-on can add or improve specific functions, like a calendar, e-commerce or adding registration. The possibilities seem endless! And a good majority of them are free. Of course, with every plugin comes the time and effort to get things set up properly, but again, MSEDP can help with this.
There are a few factors to consider when selecting plugins. Functionality, number of downloads, rating, and how often the plugin is updated. A good track record is important, like with any other purchase. And seeing what others say is valuable information and helps the decision-making process.
Makes Search Engine Optimization Easy!
Perhaps the biggest benefit of WordPress is the simple and easy setup for search engines. What good is a website if no one finds it? Or if the meta details get set up incorrectly? You have the ability to quickly and easily set up permalinks so that they are neat. WordPress also has great organizational features, such as categories for blog posts. And there are helpful SEO plugins, like YOAST, which helps you organize meta descriptions and titles (and is FREE). All without having a headache!
Mobile Responsive Web Design
Mobile traffic has surpassed normal desktop traffic, so it is important that your website works just as well on a phone as it does on a laptop. So, responsive web design is no longer just an option, but a must. When you opt for a WordPress website design, you get the added benefit of responsive web technology.
Seamless Social Media Integration
Having your business on social media is great, but are you getting the full benefits? With WordPress you would be. WordPress themes offer seamless integration with social media accounts. So you won’t need to login to those accounts to share posts or news. There are simple and easy plugins that can set that up for you.
Built-In Blog
Everyone knows that WordPress got its start as blogging software. But blogging is still a key benefit of WordPress. Its blogging setup is still the best out there and is easy to manage. You can assign posts to different categories, attach tags to them for additional levels of organization, and add featured images, which helps when you share them through social media sites. Having a blog is the perfect way to create new content and keep your site active. Search engines do not like unused sites, so keeping it active with fresh content also improves your SEO!
Ability to Switch Designers
Not only does MSEDP build new WordPress sites, we can also host and manage preexisting WordPress sites. So if you worked with a developer in the past, but want to move on, MSEDP can expertly handle all of your web needs! This is possible due to how simple and easy-to-use WordPress is. Its universal open-source platform makes it easy for you to transition from one designer to another without fearing the unknown. MSEDP offers affordable WordPress maintenance packages to help you manage your website.
June is winding down, which means so is National Internet Safety Month, but we wanted to still raise awareness about another pressing issue that many businesses deal with on a regular basis: phishing scams. Phishing is a form of fraud when a cybercriminal acts like a real person or a business in order to acquire your sensitive and/or confidential information. This information includes, but not limited to, usernames, passwords, credit card information, and network credentials.
So, you think you’re on top of it and this can never happen to you? Well, think again. Internet scammers use sophisticated techniques when they “fish” for your information. Many attacks happen primarily by email. However, they can come in many different forms, including social media, pop-up ads, “vishing” (phishing by phone), “smishing” (phishing by text message), and “pharming” (phishing by directing to fake websites). So it is important to always be aware of a potential scam. One tiny slip and wrong click and you can be compromised. It happens to the best of us.
If you believe you have been compromised, or fear you may be in the future, then please contact MSEDP today. We have years of experience helping web clients deal with phishing scams and other cybersecurity issues. We offer excellent protection and security from phishing scams and other malware against your website and computers. So please, do not hesitate to reach out today! The number for our office is 631-761-7600. When you call, we can provide you with a no-obligation consultation and go over any issues you are having.
Some Tips To Protect Yourself
Here are some general tips to help keep you safe from any possible phishing scams:
For the most part, if you receive a suspicious email from a financial institution or online retailer, do nothing. Do not reply to the email, or click on any of the links. Do not give any personal details to the sender. Always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential phishing scams.
Unless you are 100% certain of a person’s authority and identity, do not provide any personal information.
Sometimes these scams ask you to reconfirm your billing information. They come with little to no notice. And if you don’t reconfirm, there is the warning that your account will be shut down. Do not reply or click on any link in the email. Instead, you should reach out to the company cited in the email using a telephone number or website address that you know you can trust, most likely off their actual website.
Do your best to avoid emailing any personal and financial information in general. Look for the “lock” icon on your browser’s status bar before submitting any financial information through a website. That lock icon is your guarantee that your information will be sent safely and securely.
When you receive a billing statement, review it as soon as possible.
Check to see if there is an unauthorized charge on it. Also, if your statement is simply late by a few days, check with the bank or credit card company to confirm your billing address and other information. You may have had your information already stolen.
It is good practice to be suspicious of any unsolicited phone calls or email messages from individuals asking about employees or other internal information. Always attempt to verify his or her identity directly with the company. And do not divulge any information unless you are certain of the person’s credibility.
Pay attention to the URL of a website. Many malicious websites look identical to a legitimate one, but the URL may have spelling differences or a different domain (.com versus .net).
Never click on hyperlinks within emails. Instead, copy and paste them into the browser. Often with phishing scams, the scammers mask the true URL in the email text.
Good SEO practices are crucial for businesses both large and small. SEO is important for greater searchability and visibility on the web. However, it is more than just that. Below I will get into why all businesses need to improve their SEO. At MSEDP, we offer top-of-the-line SEO services for our web clients at an affordable rate. Please contact us today for more information about search engine optimization and the benefits it holds. It offers real value that goes past searchability on the internet. Below are 5 reasons why all websites need SEO. If you would like to speak to someone about improving your SEO, please get in touch with MSEDP today. The number for our office is 631-761-7600. When you call, we can provide you with our SEO pricing plans and answer any questions you may have about search engine optimization.
So, without further ado, here are some important reasons why you may need to improve your SEO.
The Primary Source of Web Traffic Is Through Organic Searches
Any business can attest to the importance of the organic search. It is a huge part of most businesses ’ website performance and it is a critical component for the customer. Getting users to complete a conversion or engagement is paramount to a site’s success. So if you’re not getting these clicks and conversions, your site might as well be dead in the water.
Sure, there are many places to search in, but we all know that Google is the main player. Google owns about 75% of the overall search market and is the clear-cut leader in the field. So it is important to follow their guidelines the most. The remaining 25% is obviously not a throwaway, but they follow a similar path to Google when it comes to search engine optimization.
Google is the most visited website in the world, so getting visibility on their search engine is a crucial first step for any SEO campaign.
SEO Builds Authority
The goal of any experienced SEO is to establish a strong foundation for a beautiful website. This is done with a clean, effective user experience that is easily discoverable when searched for. Different elements can establish authority, which is accrued over time as a result of elements like:
Quality backlink profiles.
Positive user behavior.
Machine-learning signals.
Optimized on-page elements and content.
An established authority does more for a brand than essentially any other SEO endeavor. But this built-up authority does not happen overnight. You earn it over time, which takes patience, effort, and commitment.
Good SEO Leads To a Better User Experience
It is not a secret that the goal of every website is to get better organic rankings to maximize visibility. However, it may come as a surprise, but the user experience is a big part of improving your SEO. Google is smart and always adapting. It has learned how to interpret a favorable or unfavorable user experience. So, a positive user experience has become a pivotal element for any website’s success.
Customers know what they want when they are searching the internet. However, there is going to be a problem if they can’t find it. Which means performance will suffer. The answer to this question is with SERPs, or search engine results pages. Google has become more of an answer engine offering answers to the queries right on these SERPs. Their overall aim is to get the user the information they want in as few clicks as possible. So, creating quality landing pages with useful information helps you rise the rankings! Sort of like what I am doing (hopefully!) with this blog post. You have questions, we have answers!
Constant Updates To The Best SEO Practices
I touched on it before, but Google is the overwhelming giant in the world of SEO. And their best practices are constantly being updated and changing. So it is important to stay on top of those changes, or at least be aware of them. With the rapid rate of evolvement, constant monitoring is required. Otherwise you may begin to slip in the rankings. But if you are proactive and monitor for major algorithm changes, then you are less at risk of slipping. Google makes thousands of algorithm changes a year, so you fall too far behind and you may never catch up. Hiring the right SEO pros will make sure your site stays active and alert for any major changes.
SEO Is A Cheap Long-Term Investment
Yes, we understand that effective SEO costs money, but don’t all good things cost money? There is the saying you pay for what you get, which may directly correlate to Google Ads, which gets you those immediate clicks. But you are typically spending an arm and a leg, so then you have to weigh the cost with the sales.
However, organic SEO is a longer-term investment and relatively cheap when it comes down to it. And the payoff can be considerable. Search engine optimization isn’t a marketing cost, but rather a true business investment. The implementation of effective SEO will hold water for years to come.
Of course, SEO can have a noticeable impact within the first year. But the truth of the matter is that many of the SEO implementations will have an impact that lasts more than several years. Like with anything, the more SEO time, effort and budget committed will lead to a better website that contends with any website out there.
Choose MSEDP For Your SEO Services
With the help of MSEDP, we can effectively implement the best SEO practices and monitor the changes to any search algorithms. Keeping your website up to date and ahead of the curve. Many still feel as though SEO is a “new age” marketing technique. But that is not how we think of it. We feel it is vital to the success of every website and is critical to a brand’s web presence in 2020 and beyond. So what are you waiting for? Upgrade your search engine optimization with MSEDP of Long Island, NY! We will put you in touch with a web team that excels in this field and an SEO expert to help you nourish your website.
June is National Internet Safety Month. Of course, internet safety is a year-round issue. However, it is important to designate time to raise awareness about internet security and what you can be doing to keep your website and devices secure. There are numerous ways to keep your site and devices safe from potential dangers. But one simple way to handle these challenges is to follow these three words: Stop, think, and connect. These words come as a recommendation from The National Cyber Security Alliance. MSEDP is also here to help with all of your internet and web security needs. So please, do not hesitate to reach out to us today. Learn how to be safer on the internet and what you can do to limit outside forces from infiltrating your browsers and devices.
Stop, Think & Connect
This is a mantra of The National Cyber Security Alliance. These words raise caution and aim to help all internet users locate any dangers on the web. By following them, you can quickly pinpoint any malicious software or solicitations and make your time using the internet exponentially safer.
Stop
I don’t want to sound hyperbolic or anything, but every time you log onto the internet it is potentially an access point for malicious attempts against you. So stopping simply means to be aware of your surroundings and understand that your actions have consequences.
Think
We have all heard “don’t talk to strangers.” Well, take that sentiment and apply it to your time on the internet. Always be a little wary of requests from strangers. However, you do also have to think about your friends, too. You may receive an unsolicited request from a “friend,” like your bank or credit card company. These solicitations will ask, unprompted, for information regarding private information. Heck, you may even receive a request of some kind from a “friend,” this time being a person you know. But it is actually a hacked account. In a nutshell, any incoming communication that is asking for action or personal information should be taken with a grain of salt. So, raise those red flags and proceed with caution.
Connect
Lastly, there is of course the connection. Which you want to be secure, especially when entering sensitive information, like passwords, credit cards, etc. So it is important that you’re on a secure site with HTTPS in the URL. Always enable strong authentication tools, like 2-Factor Authentication, biometrics, or security keys whenever possible. This holds doubly true when accessing sensitive information. On a yearly basis, there are on average 9 million Americans who have their identities stolen each year. So please, be aware of your surroundings when on the web and don’t give away valuable information without following through with these protocols.
Turn To MSEDP For Help Securing Your Internet & Devices
What Stop, think, connect means to do is raise awareness of some danger you may come across while surfing the web. However, malicious data and software can still infiltrate even the most cautious of users. That is why it is important to have the proper security team at your side. When you turn to MSEDP, we will make sure you are fully prepared for the worse, if it comes. We offer the best in disaster recovery and cybersecurity services. So please, do not hesitate to reach out today. When you turn to us, you will be getting affordable cybersecurity. The number for our office is 631-761-7600. We look forward to helping you safely manage your devices.
